Naples and The Arlington didn’t have to wait for a documentary to get started. Naples is already a certified Blue Zones Community®, along with Immokalee, Ave Maria, Bonita Springs, Estero, Golden Gate, East Naples, and Marco Island. That makes us among the few in the U.S. to achieve this milestone.
And The Arlington is extremely proud to be the first organization in Southwest Florida that is Blue Zones Project Approved®, both as a “Worksite” and as a “Homeowner’s Association.”
Started in 2009, the Blue Zones Project is dedicated to helping communities across the world become “healthier, happier and more productive.” A “Blue Zone” is a term first introduced by founder and National Geographic fellow Dan Buettner. He discovered five areas across the world where a large number of people lived significantly longer than average and identified the productive lifestyle habits these people shared.
Today, over 800 businesses and organizations across Southwest Florida have embraced the Blue Zones Project’s ethos – spanning sectors such as supermarkets, restaurants, schools, parks, faith-based organizations, worksites, homeowners’ associations and local governments.
Compared to the broader Florida region, participants have seen a dramatic reduction in health risks: tobacco use plummeted to an all-time low of 3.6%; poor nutrition saw a 28% reduction; stress levels were 17% lower; and obesity rates dropped by 23%. In addition, over 20% more area residents are now engaging in regular exercise; and the percentage of individuals who report they are thriving in daily life surged to 79%.
The Arlington has always championed a wellness-based lifestyle – from healthy dining and customized fitness programs to life-enriching daily activities. This made the Blue Zones Project a natural fit with our community.
For example, with an expansive 39-acre Lely Resort campus and miles of nearby walking trails, The Arlington was the ideal location for the Blue Zones Project’s “Track Your Trek Challenge.” Over 70 residents and employees joined in, walking a total of 25 million steps over four months. That translates to a remarkable 12,813 miles!
Personal choice is key to Blue Zones Project’s success. As the Blue Zones Project–Southwest Florida says, “We don’t mandate that you adopt certain health practices. We invite you to make small changes which will lead to big health benefits in the long run.” At The Arlington, we heartedly agree.
Learn more about the Blue Zones Project–Southwest Florida and how you can participate by visiting southwestflorida.bluezonesproject.com.
