Blue Zones

Steve Long, CEO of Hancock Regional Hospital spoke to Kiwanis regarding the Blue Zones project.  In 2004, researchers identified pockets around the world where people live measurably longer and better. In these “Blue Zones” they found that people reach age 100 at rates 10 times greater than in the United States.  After identifying 5 of the world’s Blue Zones, teams of scientists identified lifestyle characteristics that might explain longevity. They found that the lifestyles of all Blue Zones residents shared specific characteristics.

This information is important to Hancock Regional and the people it serves because the hospital wants to help people from getting sick rather than caring for sick people.  Communities around the country and the State of Iowa are attempting to emulate the nine practices documented during this project.  Mr. Long and the hospital are studying ways to use this information in our community.