In my last article, Navigating the New Normal - The Unseen Challenges of Flexible Work Arrangements, we explored how the pandemic interrupted our office routines and sense of community — something many of us didn't realize we were missing until it was gone. The importance of reconnecting with colleagues and rebuilding those casual daily interactions became clear as we transitioned back into hybrid work environments. But, of course, community isn't confined to the workplace; it's a fundamental part of our well-being, no matter where we are.

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My name is Stina Stjärnstrom, and I've worked as an architect and civil engineer on some of Scandinavia's largest and most complex development projects for over twenty years. Recently, my curiosity led me to study neuroscience to better understand how the built environment affects humans. Now, I'm focused on exploring and communicating the essential role of community in shaping society across all levels.

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This week, I want to zoom out and look at the idea of community through a broader lens — one that touches not just our professional lives but taps into the core of what keeps us healthy and happy. I'm referring to the concept of belonging as a crucial element for longevity and life satisfaction. Enter the Blue Zones — those rare regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives. What's their secret? Among other factors, strong and tightly-knit communities play an important role in their extended lifespans.

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The Blue Zones and Community

If you haven't heard of the Blue Zones, don't worry; you're about to become a fan. These are the five regions of the world — Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California) — where people consistently live into their 90s and beyond, maintaining health and vitality that would make even the fittest among us envious. Researchers have studied these areas for years to uncover their secrets, and while a plant-based diet, daily exercise, and a sense of purpose (more on that later) certainly help, the real strength lies in their sense of community.

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In these Blue Zones, people live in close-knit, supportive communities where social connections are integral to daily life. They don't just attend the occasional dinner party or wave to neighbors from afar; they are deeply involved in each other's lives. They gather regularly, depend on one another, and remain committed to maintaining those connections. It's a sharp contrast to the increasingly individualistic lives many of us lead today.

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The Power of Belonging

Belonging to a community doesn't just feel good — it has proven health benefits. Studies show that people with strong social ties are less likely to experience chronic stress, depression, or anxiety, and they have stronger immune systems. Research suggests that the community functions as a kind of social safety net, offering emotional support during difficult times and encouraging healthier habits.

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During the pandemic, many of us felt the strain of social isolation more than ever before. The daily interactions we once took for granted — the spontaneous office chats, smiles from coworkers — disappeared. As we've emerged from this collective experience, it's become clearer that belonging isn't just a luxury; it's vital for our mental and physical health. The Blue Zones remind us of this fact, showing that one of the most important factors for longevity is being part of a community.

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Enter Ikigai

Then there's Ikigai. If you've wandered through a bookstore or scrolled through Instagram, you've likely come across this Japanese concept, which loosely translates to "a reason for being." In the Blue Zones, particularly in Okinawa, the idea of Ikigai — having a sense of purpose — is considered essential to a long and fulfilling life. But here's where it gets interesting: one of the key elements of finding your Ikigai is through your relationships and roles within your community.

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We often think of purpose as something personal — a goal, a dream, a career path — but in the Blue Zones, purpose is also tied to how you contribute to the people around you. Whether it's through caring for family, volunteering in the community, or simply being a good neighbor, these interactions foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and fulfillment. And it turns out, this may be a key to living longer and happier.

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The Pandemic and the Blue Zones

While we don't yet have extensive data on how the pandemic affected the Blue Zones specifically, we do know that the community played a crucial role in helping these populations through difficult times. In places where people are used to relying on one another, even the challenges of social distancing didn't fully disrupt their sense of togetherness. In fact, their strong social bonds and communal support may have protected them from the mental health struggles many of us faced during the pandemic.

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That's not to say the Blue Zones were unaffected by COVID-19, but the resilience of these communities may have helped them navigate the crisis more smoothly than most. In a time when many of us felt disconnected, their example serves as a valuable lesson in how deeply rooted relationships can provide emotional and psychological strength.

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Let's wrap this up

So, what can we learn from the Blue Zones? For starters, we can stop chasing every new wellness trend and start focusing on the basics — like reconnecting with our communities. The Blue Zones teach us that one of the most effective ways to improve our health and longevity is by nurturing our relationships. Whether it's with family, friends, or colleagues, the people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on our well-being.

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We may not all live in Sardinia or Okinawa, but we can all take inspiration from their example by making community a priority in our own lives. Whether that means spending more time with loved ones, joining a local group, or simply reaching out to neighbors, the connections we build today could be the foundation for a healthier, happier, and potentially longer life.

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And while Ikigai may have sparked a bit of an existential crisis for some of us ("What is my purpose, anyway?"), it turns out that finding your purpose might be as simple as looking around at the people you care about and realizing that, sometimes, belonging is purpose enough.

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In the next chapter of this series on community, I will dive deeper into why the sense of belonging to a community has such a profound effect on our health. Join me as I explore the science behind this connection and take a closer look at the groups in our society who are most at risk of losing that vital sense of connection. 

Stay tuned!

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