Blue Zones Project Celebrates Health and Well Being at Mackle Park

What does Marco Island and Well Being have in common? It’s not a trick question. As a community, the residents and many businesses have joined the Blue Zones Project and have adopted the principles of a healthier lifestyle.

As part of the 25th Anniversary of Marco Island, residents came together at Mackle Park

to “walk for well-being.” Rafael Campos of the Blue Zones Project said it best: “walk 25 minutes to celebrate Marco’s 25 years!”

Many walkers brought their pets along to enjoy the brief walk. We all know that our dogs need regular exercise to live long and healthy lives. They are not the only ones who benefit from the regular walks – their humans also benefit from regular exercise. One or two loops around Mackle Park, with or without a pet on a leash, saying hello to other walkers, breathing the fresh air and enjoying nature at its best – that’s the beauty of walking. 

Blue Zones is a non-scientific term given to regions around the world that are home to some of the world’s oldest people, such as Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Loma Linda, California and Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Residents from these regions seem to have uncovered the fountain of youth – or the secrets to aging well and living exceptionally long lives. And

Interestingly, according to researchers, genetics probably only accounts for 20 to 30% of the longevity, attributing the secret to the positive influences of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

So walk on Marco Island – go outside and get active! There are plenty of places to dine out with Blue Zones dedicated menus. We thank all the Marco Island participants of the Blue Zones Project: San Marco Catholic Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Calusa Garden Club, Denise A Pancyrz LLC, EXP Realty – the Sprigg Group, Marco Fitness, Marco Island Newcomers Club, Marco Island Noontime Rotary, Marco Island Sunrise Rotary, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises, SYC Yacht Brokerage, YMCA of South Collier, CJ’s on the Bay, Tommie Barfield Elementary School, City of Marco Island, Condee Cooling and Electric, JW Marriott, NCH Healthcare System and Sunshine Ace Hardware. And congratulations to the newest Blue Zones participant: Smith House!