Beach Cities Mark 10 Years as a Blue Zones Project® Community with Blue Zones Project Week

“Blue Zones Project Week” Helps Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. (October 22, 2026) – Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is inviting residents of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach to participate in “Blue Zones Project Week” November 1-7, commemorating 10 Years since the Beach Cities were certified as a Blue Zones Project® Community.

Blue Zones Project Week events will promote the “Power 9® Principles” that are the cornerstone of the Blue Zones Project, the well-being initiative that seeks to transform local environments, policies, and social networks to “make the healthy choice the easy choice” so residents can live better, longer lives. Among the events that week are:

Blue Zones Project Week will give residents a chance to connect with their community through moais*, discover their purpose, and find discounts and specials at select Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants and grocery stores. A list of events, participating businesses and special offers is available at https://bchd.org/blue-zones-project/.

More than a Decade of Community Transformation

BCHD launched Blue Zones Project in 2010 with a vision to make the healthy choice the easy choice by transforming the places where people live, work and play. Through partnerships with local cities, school districts, businesses and community organizations, the initiative brought residents and stakeholders together to improve community well-being through lasting policy and environmental changes.

Over the years, these efforts have helped create safer streets for walking and biking, strengthen smoke-free and tobacco prevention policies, expand healthy food options in restaurants and grocery stores, and promote healthier schools and workplaces. Programs such as Walking School Buses, purpose workshops and moai social groups have also helped residents build healthy habits and meaningful social connections. Together, these efforts laid the foundation for the Beach Cities’ certification as a Blue Zones Community in 2016 and continue to shape the health and well-being of the community today.

“The Blue Zones Project has had a profound influence on our community,” said BCHD CEO Tom Bakaly. “From a tobacco retail ban in Manhattan Beach, to a 75% drop in child obesity in Redondo Beach, to the many community members who are moving naturally, eating healthier and staying connected, well-being in the Beach Cities is as good as anywhere in the country.”

Data Supports Beach Cities’ Success

In February, Gallup announced the results of its latest National Health and Well-Being Index (WBI), with the Beach Cities scoring historic highs on the WBI despite national declines, indicating that the Beach Cities continue to be among the healthiest places to live in the U.S. The Beach Cities received their highest mark ever with a combined score of 69.5 in 2025, substantially ahead of the national average of 60.1.  Manhattan Beach’s 2025 score of 71.6 is the highest community measurement ever recorded by Gallup since WBI measurement began in 2008. The highest score prior to that was Manhattan Beach’s 70.6 in 2024. 

The sustained high well-being that residents of the Beach Cities show across key metrics results in much lower healthcare costs than for Americans nationwide, according to Gallup. Adults living in Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach are estimated to save $182.4 million on healthcare costs each year, an average of $1,400 – $1,500 annually per person due to lower rates of obesity, diabetes and smoking compared with U.S. averages.

This month, a report by Gallup and the Rippel Foundation revealed near-record lows in well-being across the country. The report also highlighted local community well-being initiatives that are making positive strides to reverse these trends for their residents, including Beach Cities Health District for its implementation of “a range of community programs, including care management, mental health services and worksite wellness programs.” The report also emphasized the role of the Blue Zones Project in the Beach Cities, “which has helped transform the community’s infrastructure to improve walkability ad increase resident access to healthy food options in restaurants, grocery stores, schools and workplaces.”

Origin of the Blue Zones Project

Blue Zones Project Founder Dan Buettner, working with National Geographic, identified and studied the world’s longest-lived people, who live in areas that have become known as “Blue Zones.” These regions —areas where people are thriving into their 100s— are Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; Okinawa, Japan; and Sardinia, Italy (specifically the Barbagia region).

As they studied these groups, researchers identified nine evidence-based common denominators, which have become known as the “Power 9 Principles:”

Using secrets discovered in the original blue zones, the Blue Zones Project helps communities redesign their environments so healthy choices are easier. Their transformation programs can lower healthcare costs, strengthen population well-being, and create more vibrant places to live, work, and play.

* – The “moai” concept originates from the blue zones region of Okinawa, Japan. The term means “meeting for a common purpose,” typically for shared hobbies or interests.

About Beach Cities Health District

Beach Cities Health District (BCHD) is a healthcare special district focused on preventive health and serves the communities of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach. Established in 1955 as a public agency, it offers an extensive range of dynamic health and wellness programs, with innovative services and facilities to promote health and prevent diseases across the lifespan. BCHD also operates allcove Beach Cities, a youth mental health center for ages 12-25, AdventurePlex, a health and fitness facility where kids play their way to good health, and the Center for Health & Fitness, a comprehensive fitness center that is one of just two Medical Fitness Association-certified facilities in California. Visit www.bchd.org or call (310) 374-3426 for more information.

Media Contact

Dan Smith

Director of Communications

Stay Connected

Sign up to get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox.

Sign Up For Our Newsletter