8
9
Buettner also created the 
Blue Zones Project to help 
communities, workplaces 
and universities learn how to 
transform their environments 
to encourage longevity. In 
Southern California, three 
“Beach Cities” in Los Angeles 
are certified blue zones: 
Redondo Beach, Manhattan 
Beach and Hermosa Beach.
The results? According to the 
National Institutes of Health, 
communities that follow 
these practices have found:
•	 Obesity & Weight: The local 
obesity rate is just 13.3%, 
which is less than half of 
the national rate (38.4%)
•	 Cardiovascular Health: 
Residents exhibit a much 
higher rate of zero coronary 
artery calcium (CAC), a 
marker of excellent heart 
health, than the rest of 
California
•	 Smoking Rates: Dropped 
by over 30-40%, bringing 
current smoking prevalence 
down to 3.4%
•	 Stress & Exercise: 
Residents report a 10% 
drop in significant daily 
stress and up to a 19% 
increase in exercise
Hillcrest works to replicate 
many of the blue zone 
principles through its focus 
on health, wellness, physical 
and cognitive health and 
community connections.
“The original blue zones 
reminded us that healthy 
aging isn’t the result of a 
single intervention. It’s the 
product of daily habits, 
meaningful relationships, 
lifelong learning, purposeful 
movement, nutritious 
food and a strong sense 
of community,” says Ryan 
Harrison, PsyD, Certified 
Wellness Professional 
and Hillcrest’s Director of 
Resident Life and Wellness.
This philosophy supports 
the blue zone research, 
which found that when the 
healthiest choice is the 
easiest one, longevity may 
follow. Journalist Buettner 
outlines these lessons in his 
book on how to encourage 
blue zone living, no matter 
where you are geographically 
located:
•	 Designing your home and 
office to make junk food 
less accessible and whole 
foods the default
•	 Creating social rituals 
around cooking whole foods 
and enjoying meals together
•	 Finding a community or 
“tribe” that encourages 
your physical and 
mental wellness
“At Hillcrest, we’ve 
intentionally built those 
principles into everyday life. 
Residents can participate 
in evidence-based wellness 
programs, fitness classes, 
educational lectures, 
volunteer opportunities, 
social groups, creative arts, 
brain health initiatives and 
nutritious dining options, 
including meals that follow 
the MIND diet principles. 
What we’ve seen is that when 
people have opportunities 
to stay active, connected 
and engaged, they don’t 
just live longer; they often 
report greater purpose, 
stronger friendships and a 
higher quality of life. That’s 
ultimately what wellness 
in aging is all about,” said 
Harrison.
With an increasing number of 
humans living longer, interest 
and research into longevity 
will continue to grow. Building 
healthy habits can extend our 
lifespan and healthspan, as 
evidenced by the blue zones’ 
success.
8
Take Paws: 
Five Ways Our Pets Make Life Better
Our four-legged friends have long been considered to be some of our best friends and 
companions. But did you know that research by the National Institute on Aging continues to 
show that pets also naturally encourage the very things that support healthy aging: movement, 
routine, friendship and connection?
GETS YOU MOVING 
Whether it’s taking your dog on a morning 
walk, a game of fetch or simply getting up to 
refill a cat or dog’s food or water bowl, pets 
encourage daily movement. Even small bursts 
of movement can benefit your heart, muscles 
and joints. 
REDUCES STRESS & LONELINESS
Dogs and cats greatly appreciate pets and 
scratches, but the benefits of petting an 
animal are also advantageous for the humans 
involved. Research suggests spending time 
with animals may lower stress hormones while 
increasing oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone 
associated with bonding and relaxation. 
KEEPS YOUR BRAIN ENGAGED
Caring for a pet naturally involves planning, 
remembering schedules and adapting to routines. 
These everyday tasks help provide mental 
stimulation and promote problem solving. 
SPARKS NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Whether you are out walking in your 
neighborhood or your living community, pets 
are a natural icebreaker and a great way to 
strike up conversation with someone new. 
ENCOURAGES MINDFULNESS
Our pets have a wonderful way of reminding 
us to slow down. Sitting with a cat while it 
naps in the sunshine or enjoying a slow walk 
outside with a dog can be a reminder to us all 
to appreciate the opportunities to be present 
in the moment. 
Our pets are some of our most treasured 
family members. While the list of health and 
social benefits is long, perhaps their greatest 
gift is the way they enrich our everyday lives. 
Sources: University of Michigan National Poll 
on Healthy Aging; American Heart Association
“Because of our dog, Lexi, I stay 
active. Our daily walk is just one 
of the many ways she enriches 
our lives.” 
—Dave Schneider
“A house is not a 
home without a cat.” 
—Carole Kolla

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