Making Over Albert Lea

With January temperatures dipping far below freezing, AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project experts and town leaders evaluate Albert Lea's walkability—one of the first steps in making over the town.

More than 1,300 residents help kick off the Vitality Project at the high school on May 14, including volunteers Jon and Sheila Schultz who collect participants' pledges to join.

Staci Waltman helps Moraa Knoll take the Vitality Compass®, a tool that measures life expectancy based on current behaviors. Adding healthy habits to her life could change Knoll's score—and her longevity.

Nearly 600 Albert Leans hit the pavement together in "walking moais." Named after Okinawan social groups, the moais get locals moving and bonding—important components of longevity.

Jon and Jan Paske walk along one of the new sidewalks in Albert Lea recommended by walkability expert Dan Burden. He also suggests creating more walking trails, new bike lanes, and more median crossings.

Walking school buses, like this one led by Dieter and Kristin Heinz with their son Calvin, add more activity to children's—and adults'—lives and foster social networks.

More than 750 residents participated in Vitality Project purpose workshops—led by executive coaches Richard Leider and Barbara Hoese—to help them discover their passion and gifts in life.

Vitality Project co-director Leslie Lytle suggests that Albert Lea's schools offer more fruits and vegetables during lunch, provide healthier options in vending machines, and discontinue bake sales as fundraisers.

Vitality Project experts Dan Buettner (second from right) and Brian Wansink (third from right) give advice to Trail's Travel Center employees Cathy Purdie and Matt VanVoltenberg on what food to offer.

A veggie sandwich comes with a fruit kabob instead of chips at the Lakeside Café & Creamery. More than 30 restaurants signed a pledge to offer healthier options, fresher ingredients, and smaller portions.

Dozens of Albert Lea companies have pledged to make the workplace healthier. At Lou-Rich, employee Justin Mickelson chooses from new, good-for-you snacks at a vending machine.

To encourage workers to bring healthy lunches rather than heading out for fast food, Lou-Rich revamped its breakroom with soothing paint and colorful artwork, and added fresh fruit to every table.

Labels at the Hy-Vee grocery store in Albert Lea help shoppers identify longevity-promoting foods, like teas which contain antioxidants that may help protect against cancer.

Tom and Tim Furland help their mother Sue plant vegetables in the backyard garden, which leaves them less time for sedentary activities like watching television and playing video games.

Food expert Brian Wansink laughs with the Furland's while offering tips on how to "de-convenience" their home and organize their refrigerator and pantry so that healthy foods are at eye level.

Terri Lundak and her son Keygan enjoy the sunflowers at the Albert Lea community garden. Public gardens promote activity, health, and social networks—all of which lead to living longer, better.