Tim Furland and mom Sue plant a garden together. – Photo by Kevin J. Miyazaki/Redux

Join the Project

The AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project sponsored by United Health Foundation set out to create America's healthiest hometown by adding at least two years of healthy life to each of its residents. The Vitality Project team chose Albert Lea, a small town in southern Minnesota, for this innovative makeover.

In January 2009, the team began working with Albert Lea's town leaders to transform the community into a healthier place to live. Now, you have the opportunity to join Albert Lea for a six-week online experience that will teach you how to live longer, better.

Join the Vitality Project now and start your own makeover by taking the Vitality Compass®.

Get Started Now:

Created by Blue Zones and the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, the Vitality Compass is an interactive tool based on more than 300 peer-reviewed national health studies. Using your answers to a series of questions, the compass calculates your biological age, life expectancy, Blue Zones years, and extra years of life you could add if you optimize your lifestyle.

Take the compass today to find out your score, then participate in the Vitality Project's "6 Weeks to Longevity" beginning September 8 to learn how you can add years to your life. You can then retake the Vitality Compass to check your progress at the completion of the six weeks.

Step 1: Take the Vitality Compass

First, you will need to register to become a member of the AARP Online Community. Once you are registered, use your member email address and password to log in to the Vitality Compass.

Once you are logged into the Vitality Compass, you will be asked 36 questions, which take only a few minutes to answer and will never be shared or made public.

When you finish answering the questions, you'll get four scores in addition to your calendar age.

After you have reviewed your scores, click "Save and Continue" under the "Extra Years" box on the far right.

You can then enroll in the Vitality Coach®, which offers personalized emails to help you make healthy changes to your lifestyle.

If you have technical issues with the Vitality Compass or Coach, please call 1-888-OUR-AARP or send an email to member@aarp.org for assistance.

Step 2: Talk to Others Who Have Joined the Vitality Project

Want to talk to others who've joined the Vitality Project? Connect now.

Step 3:Challenge Your Friends

You're more likely to succeed at new, healthy behaviors if you buddy up with someone. Challenge a friend, family member, or neighbor to participate in the Vitality Project with you.

Send your challenge now