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Determining the results -

Aging.com, a resource dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate the complexities of later-life planning, conducted an in-depth analysis of; each location’s access to whole and plant-based foods, levels of physical activity, sense of community, sleep patterns, and life expectancy to determine which cities aligned with the ideals of other Blue Zones across the world.

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Statistically speaking -

Statistically, these cities stood out for their low obesity rates, a high percentage of adults who reported consistently eating healthy, as well as a low percentage of adults who reported daily stress.

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Evaluations -

Additionally, Aging.com used the National Geographic Gallup Special/Blue Zones Index to evaluate happiness levels, walkability, access to nature, cleanliness of the environment, and access to healthy food to ultimately determine the happiest cities in America.

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Blue Zone criteria -

These cities contain aspects of health and longevity that stand above the rest of the United States and mirror the qualities of established Blue Zones across the world. We countdown from ten to one, with a bonus destination at the end. 

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10. Hawaii -

Hawaii is recognized for its strong sense of community well-being and the abundance of health-conscious restaurants catering to its residents. Hawaii stands out for its notably high number of centenarians, with many residents reaching the age of 100 and beyond.

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10. Hawaii -

With a life expectancy surpassing 80 years and 585 centenarians, Hawaii is becoming a key player in the Blue Zone conversation. The state is currently participating in the Blue Zones Project, aimed at making healthier lifestyle choices more accessible to all residents.

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9. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL -

This Florida island city was one of the first in the Southeast to earn a Blue Zones Community® certification, thanks to implementing a "Blue Zones Project" promoting sustainable, healthy living. The project focuses on promoting the ability to “move naturally, eat better, develop healthy social circles, and live with purpose in their communities.”

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9. Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL -

Florida is also one of the top 25 cities with the healthiest diets, with 75.3% of adults who eat healthy all day, an obesity rate of 19.5%, and only 27.9% of adults with daily reported stress.

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8. Fort Collins, CO -

Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a wealth of natural landscapes, outdoor activities, and a thriving economy. Ranked #4 on the list of the happiest places to live in the US, it is surrounded by an environment that naturally supports the principles of the Blue Zones Project.

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8. Fort Collins, CO -

Named the 14th best place to live in 2018, Fort Collins is a prime location for fostering a healthy, happy community. Its combination of outdoor recreation, strong economy, and community engagement makes it an ideal setting for longevity.

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7. Boulder, CO -

Boulder, Colorado, ranked as the happiest city in the United States, is a thriving community that embodies the ideals of a Blue Zone. “Bolstered by a sense of community, access to nature, sustainable urban development and preservation policies, and perhaps even that clean mountain air, Boulderites overwhelmingly feel ‘active and productive every day,’” according to National Geographic.

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7. Boulder, CO -

With the highest percentage of people walking to work in the US, Boulder encourages natural exercise as part of daily life. The city boasts an impressive 13.4% obesity rate, with 69.9% of adults eating healthily all day and only 48.8% experiencing daily stress.

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6. Charlottesville, VA - Charlottesville, VA, ranked #3 on the list of the happiest cities and stands out for its healthy diet, financial security, civic engagement, and intellectual development. According to researcher Dan Buettner, the community thrives through a sense of "pleasure, pride, and purpose," with a strong collective focus on the arts.

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6. Charlottesville, VA -

Recognized as one of the top 10 Healthiest Small Towns by Healthline, the city offers a vibrant mix of yoga and gym studios, along with popular bike lanes. With an obesity rate of just 25.6%, only 40.5% of adults report daily stress, and 68.7% eat healthy all day long, contributing to the city’s overall well-being.

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5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT -

Ranked among the top 10 happiest cities by the 2017 National Geographic Gallup Special/Blue Zones Index, Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk boasts one of the highest life expectancies in the United States at 82.1 years.

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5. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT -

With an obesity rate of 21.4%, 70% of adults maintaining a healthy diet all day, and only 43.1% reporting daily stress, this Connecticut city clearly exhibits the traits of a Blue Zone, reflecting its impressive longevity and high quality of life.

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4. Barnstable, MA -

Barnstable Town, Massachusetts, shares many attractive qualities with other top-rated cities in the United States, including accessible green spaces, a sense of purpose and productivity among residents, and an increase in social interactions.

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4. Barnstable, MA -

Recognized as one of the top 10 happiest cities in the US by the 2017 National Geographic Gallup Special/Blue Zones Index, Barnstable also stands out for its impressive health statistics, with 75.1% of adults eating healthy all day, only 35% reporting daily stress, and a low obesity rate of 19.9%.

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3. Santa Cruz, CA -

Santa Cruz, California, stands out as an exemplary Blue Zone city, known for its walkable communities, abundant vegetarian restaurants, and active preservation efforts over the past 50 years.

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3. Santa Cruz, CA -

Ranked as the fifth Most Artistic City in America in 2011 and the second Healthiest City in 2012, Santa Cruz thrives with a vibrant college community and strong tourism. The city boasts an obesity rate of just 20.2%, with 74.2% of adults eating healthy all day and only 44% reporting daily stress.

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2. San Luis Obispo, CA -

San Luis Obispo, California, is not only ranked among the top #5 happiest cities in America but also boasts impressive health statistics. With an obesity rate of 24.5%, 72% of adults eating healthy all day, and only 40.2% reporting daily stress, the city shines at promoting well-being.

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2. San Luis Obispo, CA -

In recent years, San Luis Obispo has made significant strides to improve its environment, implementing anti-smoking policies, banning drive-throughs, and increasing green spaces, farmers markets, and pedestrian-friendly paths, making San Luis Obispo a prime example of a community focused on quality living.

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1. Loma Linda, CA -

Loma Linda, California, is one of the five officially recognized Blue Zones in the world as well as in America. Home to a Seventh-day Adventist community of over 9,000 people, it stands out for its residents' longer life expectancy, nearly ten years more than most Americans.

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1. Loma Linda, CA -

The community emphasizes daily exercise, volunteering, and a strong sense of purpose, fostering shared values. With a largely vegetarian population that prioritizes plant-based eating, moderation, and hydration, Loma Linda embodies the core principles of a Blue Zone, earning the top spot on the list.

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Bonus addition -

While this city didn’t quite make the top ten, findings from Aging.com suggest it's on track to becoming a Blue Zone in the US. 

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11. Utah -

Utah is emerging as a potential Blue Zone, according to an index from NowPatient, which evaluated factors like sleep, physical activity, and community engagement. With a 78.6-year life expectancy and Provo among the 10 happiest US cities in 2017, Utah's outdoor lifestyle and strong community reflect Blue Zone values.

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Life expectancy in the US -

According to the latest CDC data, life expectancy in the US is 77.5 years; 74.8 years for males and 80.2 years for females. Aging.com reports America ranks 46th in the world for life expectancy compared to other countries.

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Blue Zone cities offer hope amid rising US health concerns -

Additionally, 39.6% of American adults are obese, and nearly 45% suffer from at least one chronic disease. However, the emergence of Blue Zone cities across the country offers hope, showcasing communities where longevity, wellness, and healthy living thrive. 

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A healthier future -

As more cities adopt these principles, the potential for a healthier future continues to grow.

Sources: (Aging.com)

See also: Where in the world can you live to 100 and stay healthy?

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