The new hit Netflix documentary “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” has prompted some to evaluate their lifestyle and surroundings in the context of longevity and long-term health. Elevating Blue Zones-related features of your community in your marketing can help prospective homebuyers to recognize your offering as a choice they should consider.
A “Blue Zone” refers to five places in the world known for having the longest-living, happiest people in the world. From Okinawa, Japan to Nicoya, Costa Rica, these dazzling locales featured in the documentary have captured the hearts and minds of millions of viewers, showcasing residents with active, fulfilling lifestyles well into their 70s, 80s and beyond. What many potential homebuyers might not realize, however, is that they don’t need to fly across the globe to find their own personal Blue Zone. Many of the key features associated with Blue Zones (known as the “Power 9”) can be found in today’s planned communities, and showcasing these features can be an effective way to not only grow your community, but also reinforce the confidence of your residents.
Move Naturally
According to recent studies, the majority of Americans are not meeting the physical activity guidelines set forth by the CDC. With more time every day spent behind a desk or in front of a screen, a trip to the gym can seem like a daunting task for many homeowners. However, many of the residents of Blue Zones get their daily activity from a decidedly less intense source than a round of deadlifts. Natural movements of the body, from long walks in nature to tending to the garden, can keep your body active without adding extra stress. Branding that highlights areas of your community catering to natural movement, such as walking trails and community gardens, can be a vital resource for homeowners looking for a way to stay active without pumping iron.
Downshift
Despite the modern world being filled with more conveniences than ever, it might seem like stress is inescapable in every aspect of life. There’s always the push to do more, to move faster, and to pack as many experiences into every day as possible. However, for many Blue Zone residents, their focus is on the exact opposite. Taking a few minutes every day to clear your thoughts and be mindful of the moment can have an amazing effect on the rest of the day. By highlighting community events such as Yoga classes and musical jams, you can provide a chance for your residents to shed their stress and be prepared to face any challenges the rest of the world might throw their way.
Find Your Tribe
A community that supports each other will thrive together. But in an era where it’s increasingly common to not know your neighbors, it can often feel that, despite being more connected than ever, our day-to-day interactions can be remarkably lonely. To remedy this, highlighting all the ways your residents can interact will help them to feel connected and find the “tribe” that they relate to. Studies show that even something as simple as saying hello to a neighbor can improve a resident’s well-being, and community amenities such as lounges, gyms, pocket parks and coworking spaces provide opportunities for residents to share their interests and find common ground they may not have otherwise known they had. Your community is already full of interesting, good-hearted people. All you have to do is bring them together to watch these bonds grow.
With how beneficial and appealing the features of a Blue Zone can be, they shouldn’t be kept out of reach in Sardinia, Italy or Icaria, Greece. Instead, by incorporating the features and lessons commonly associated with Blue Zones into your planned community, residents can find a breath of fresh air in a busy, turbulent world. Whether they are taking a walk around the neighborhood or meeting up with neighbors to break bread and discuss the day, creating a Blue Zone experience just outside your residents’ doors can be an incredible way to keep them happy, healthy and involved. And strategic marketing can help the people who are seeking benefits associated with Blue Zones to recognize the opportunities for a healthier lifestyle in your community.
For more ways to bring your community to life, reach out to Barbara Wray at barbara@wickmarketing.com or (512) 564-4289.
