Richard Leider and Barbara Hoese are leading community Purpose Workshops as part of the AARP / Blue Zones Vitality Project, currently being piloted in Albert Lea, Minnesota. 

Albert Lea is the focus of an innovative research project to extend the life expectency of its inhabitants by incorporating the lessons Dan Buettner learned from studying the lives of people who live the longest, healthiest lives.  Called the "Blue Zones," Buettner has lead teams of researchers to these five communities around the world to discover the key ingredients to longevity.  His research is published in the New York Times best-selling book, The Blue Zones:  Lessons for Living Longer from People Who've Lived the Longest.

In his research, Buettner found that one of the keys to people living longer was that they had a sense of purpose.  In fact, he cites research that says that people who have a purpose for their lives live seven years longer.  So incorporating Purpose workshops for residents of Albert Lea only made sense.  Discovering your purpose through using the Calling Cards, workshop particitipants are also encouraged to live out the purpose not only in the work but also by finding  opportunities to volunteer in the community.  To learn more about the Albert Lea workshops, click here.

AARP is partnering with Blue Zones in sponsoring the Vitality Project.  To learn more about the key ingredients that create longevity or to take the Vitality Compass, click here.