"Improving health is not just about what we eat and how much we move." said Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones. "Albert Lea residents have learned that it's about who we hang out with, about having strong social networks and about an entire community effort. Now it is time to teach America those same lessons."

To get involved in the AARP(R)/Blue Zones(R) Vitality Project go to AARP/BlueZonesProject and take the Vitality Compass(R) - an interactive tool that measures an individual's projected life expectancy based on current behaviors. Additionally, the site will provide the number of extra years people can add to their lives if they optimize their lifestyle. Participants can then enroll in the Vitality Coach(R), which offers personalized emails to help them make healthy changes to their habits.

"The United Health Foundation supports projects that can strengthen the health of a community, while actively engaging its citizens," said Daniel Johnson, Executive Director of the United Health Foundation. "The AARP(R)/Blue Zones(R) Vitality Project is one way that individuals can take a novel and innovative approach to improving health through small, meaningful changes."

Source: bluezones