The Blue Zones of Happiness by Dan Buettner

In Dan Buettner's latest book, The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World's Happiest People, he examines the commonalities in areas of the world where people live longer and attempts to apply that knowledge to improving existing communities. I recently attended Dan Buettner's talk at Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota.  He is an engaging and informative speaker who resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota and works for the National Geographic Society.

Dan Buettner introduced by Regent David McMillan

In the book it was interesting that Dan Buettner also referred to the same 50/10/40  Happiness rule that Henry Cloud noted in his book The Law of Happiness.

• Genetics: 50%
• Circumstances: 10%
• Areas under control: 40%

If we focus less on circumstances (bummer I did not win the lottery again) and focus more on developing friendships, taking care of our bodies. and engaging in activities with a sense of purpose we will be happier irrespective of our circumstances or genetics. 

Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way - Image Think (click on image to enlarge)

Creating Blue Zone communities can have a significant impact on reducing medical costs and improving economic vitality. The Blue Zones project for Albert Lea, Minnesota revitalized the downtown by making it more pedestrian friendly and reduced community medical costs as noted in the Albert Lea case study summary.  His collaboration with Public Health experts at the U of M along with other experts in community planning allows for an integrated approach to creating environments where it is easier to make a choice that will improve health and happiness. 

Slide from Dan Buettner's Blue Zones talk 

The appendix of the book compiles the public policy and personal practice suggestions for a happy life from the experts that Dan Buettner consulted in the book. I most appreciated the 24 joint personal practice recommendations from Sonja Lyubomirsky and Kristin Layous. These are just four with minor editing.

• Try to make someone else happier
• Share personal positive experiences with a partner
• Regularly go out in nature
• Write about intensely positive experiences

At the Blue Zone website there are additional Blue Zone Articles on diet, health, happiness and longevity.  You can also take the Blue zone true vitality test.

The Blue Zones of Happiness - 27 min.

The Blue Zones of Happiness - 48 minutes

Lessons from the world's happiest people - 21 minutes