LEESBURG — Once upon a time, Florida’s “Lakefront City,” beloved for its waterfront views, majestic oaks and historic architecture, was a haven for longevity.
Of course, this would have been decades before runoff pollution led to zombie gators in Lake Griffin and residents lamented overcrowding and bottlenecks on U.S. 441.
The fact that Leesburg may have been a Blue Zone is not a myth, Leesburg Rotary President John Bernaden told the city’s Rotary club last week during a video presentation..
“It’s a hidden chapter of our town’s strong legacy,” he said.
What are Blue Zones?
Blue Zones are geographical areas with the highest number of people living past 100. Analyzing their lifestyle and traditions gives us clues on how to live longer, better lives, experts say.
Today, there are two “official” lists of blue zones, one curated by Dan Buettner and the other by Michel Poulain, who once collaborated but have gone their separate ways, according to the publication Science.
Buettner and Poulain’s Blue Zone lists agree on four locations, but there are some discrepancies. The Science publication called into question some of Buettner’s methodologies but praised his Blue Zones Project program for its “Public Health 101” approach to promoting wellness.
A series on Netflix called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones” examined what Buettner’s Blue Zones communities had in common.
Was Leesburg really a Blue Zone?
Rotary President Bernaden brought up the possibility that historic Leesburg, Florida, and surrounding Lake County, “was once like Shangri-La — a place where people routinely lived well past 100 and the average lifespan was an astonishing 20 years longer than normal. …What if these secrets to living a longer, healthier life today are buried in Leesburg’s past?”
The civic leader gave a presentation at the May 7 Leesburg Rotary meeting that included the discovery of a higher-than-average number of centenarians living past 100 around a century ago in Lone Oak Cemetery. See the entire video at sftwr.us/rotary.
Lake County: From food swamps to Blue Zone?
Lifestyle factors to promote include daily light activity such as gardening and walking, a sense of community, faith and purpose, along with low alcohol and red meat consumption, and a healthy diet.
How could the Lake County area attain these goals? Evidence suggests strong community connections (and not just in the affluent districts) plus walkable areas like downtown Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis and Mount Dora.
More availability and affordability of fresh, organic foods; affordable eateries serving Mediterranean staples prepared with extra virgin olive oil other than just pizza and pasta, and last but not least, spaces with amenities encouraging exercise and gatherings.
Healthier food availability is of particular concern in the rural, lower socioeconomic sectors of Lake and Sumter counties.
Both counties have areas that could be considered “food swamps.” These areas are characterized by limited access to healthy food options and a higher prevalence of fast food and junk food establishments, often found in low-income communities.
Leadville, located in the southern Leesburg, has been identified as having a high ratio of convenience stores (which often lack healthy options) to other food retailers. United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties has emphasized the need to address food insecurity and promote healthier lifestyles in this area and others nearby.
Bringing Blue Zones awareness to Central Florida
Former NCH Hospital CEO Dr. Allen Weiss will visit the next Leesburg Rotary International meeting on May 14 to discuss how he led the five-year “Blue Zone Community-wide Initiative”that transformed Naples, Florida, into “The Healthiest and Happiest City in America,” according to U.S. News & World Report.
The southwest Florida communities of Naples, Immokalee, Ave Maria, Bonita Springs, Estero, Golden Gate, East Naples and Marco Island received the certification.
Jacksonville has recently joined the project, bringing the total of Florida communities participating in the Blue Zones project to nine. Weiss will discuss how to implement the project’s objectives in the community.
Where are the world’s Blue Zones?
Here are the original Blue Zones plus a recent addition from Florida:
In Naples, according to the Blue Zones Project team, $15.3 million in add-on grant funding was generated for the communities.
Residents who report they are thriving in daily life rose 26.8% from 62.2% to 78.9% of the population; tobacco use is at an all-time low of 3.6% per capita; 20.1% more residents are exercising regularly; and $190.2 million in avoided medical and lost productivity costs were gained over the seven years.
The local talk “Can Leesburg be a ‘Blue Zone’? Again” will be presented at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the weekly Rotary meeting at the Venetian Center, One Dozier Circle, Leesburg.
An optional buffet luncheon is $15 for members and guests. You must RSVP via email to Bernaden@aol.com. Learn more about Blue Zones at bluezones.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Was Leesburg a Blue Zone? Rotary talk explores longevity and wellness in Lake County
Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial
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