Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Secrets of Longevity from the Blue Zones

Eleonora Tornatore-Mikesh, CEO of the Alzheimer's nonprofit CaringKind, is working to bring the concept of Blue Zones, areas known for longevity and health, to New York City. Blue Zones, created by author Dan Buettner, focuses on implementing large-scale public health projects based on the lifestyle habits of communities in Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California. Tornatore-Mikesh believes that adopting Blue Zones principles could help reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease in New York City, which has high rates of the disease. However, launching a Blue Zones partnership requires finding funders and gaining buy-in from various local entities. Some skeptics question the need for branded programs to implement public health initiatives.