Live Better, Live Longer in Lemont
Photography by Molly Hebda Photography
What does it mean to live well?
Every day, we humans torment ourselves with decisions over ‘organic vs. conventionally-raised’, ‘live near family or venture off on your own’, ‘take the two Tylenol for the headache or search for a homeopathic cure.’ Our devotion to health, wellness, and the pursuit of good knows no end.
Are we aiming to extend our years or simply live the best ones we possibly can, while we can?
One of the latest trends in wellness is actually not a trend at all. It’s the scientific phenomenon of Blue Zones, a term pioneered and studied by Dan Buettner and team, referring to the areas around the world where residents live better, longer lives and produce a disproportionate number of centenarians, people living over 100 years. In America, where the average woman’s lifespan is 78.2 years, research tells us that we’ll only spend about 67 years living well. The people within these Blue Zones have been following the same guiding principles for centuries and truly, the simplicity of it all gives us pause in our own daily lives and routines.
Dr. Danyelle Andrews, Founder of Bee Well Collective and Lemont Walking Club | Photo by Molly Hebda Photography
Dr. Danyelle Andrews, Founder of Bee Well Collective and Lemont Walking Club, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach is leading the Blue Zone Initiative in Lemont.
Whether you’ve lived here for a short time or you have roots that span the 150-year history, it’s undeniable that there is something special about Lemont. In a world with a loneliness and isolation epidemic, you’ll find yourself running into neighbors, teammates, and friends at Folklore Coffee or Nick’s Tavern–plus business owners and baristas who know you by name. In a world where people crave connection and belonging, you’ll find us celebrating any and every holiday – Cruise Nights, Market on Canal, Fall on Canal, Hometown Holiday, Ice & Lights Fest, Halloween Hoedown, St. Patrick’s Day, and Keepataw Days to name a few.
Family and Friends enjoying Hot Chocolate at Lemont’s Annual Ice & Lights Fest.
Finally, in a world where everyone is addicted to screens, we’re outside and offline at the Lemont Walking Club, cross-country skiing at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, The Forge: Lemont Quarries, or taking a bike ride along the I&M Canal. In addition to all of our small businesses, most residents say their favorite part is being so closely connected to the Heritage Quarries Recreation Area and the Cook County Forest Preserves.
Living to 100 years old and beyond requires a surplus of genetic luck and good fortune over all of your days. There are a lot of physical and mental health disorders that will cut some lives short. However, we have the ability to make it into our 90’s, largely without chronic disease, when we refocus our lives around these 9 principles of a blue zone lifestyle.
Member of the Lemont Artists Guild during our Summer Plein Air Series
Blue Zones and the centenarians follow nine core principles:
Move Naturally: They don’t pump iron, run marathons, or join gyms. They have a lifestyle that requires natural movements, without mechanical conveniences for yard work or housework. If the cross-fit is stressing you out, this is your permission slip to opt for low-intensity workouts like walking, dancing, joining the Lemont Gardening Club, or simply playing with your kids, or pets.
Purpose: Why do you wake up in the morning? You’ll always have something to look forward to when you’re engaged in the programs, events, and workshops around Lemont Downtown.
Specific organizations, like the Little Mountain Community Theatre, provide opportunities for connection and joy.
Downshift: You can’t avoid stress. But what can you do to come down from that high? Developing a gratitude practice, prayer, taking a nap, or even going to happy hour. We know a town for that.
80% Rule: Can you stop to pay attention to your body while you eat? “Hara hachi bu” is the Okinawan, 2500-year-old Confucian mantra said before meals to remind them to stop eating when their stomachs are 80 percent full. The 20% gap between not being hungry and feeling full could be the difference between losing weight or gaining it.
Plant Slant: Okay, we’re Chicagoans. We love our steak, hot dogs, Italian beefs, and all forms of meat. However, most centenarians have a diet that reserves meat for a few times per month. Their diets consist of mostly beans (including fava, soy, and lentils).
Try Spira Foods for microgreens, plant-based options at any of our amazing restaurants, or add in some more connection time atthe Lemont Farmers Market.
Wine at 5: Amen! While there are some Blue Zones that don’t follow this rule, most drink moderately and regularly with family and friends. 1-2 drinks per day. No binge drinking. Research shows that moderate drinkers outlive non-drinkers.
Needless to say, Lemont has options for you to enjoy a casual drink with friends.
Belong: Only 5 of the 263 Centenarians did not belong to a faith-based community. Research shows that attending faith-based services adds 4-14 years to your life. The denomination doesn’t seem to matter.
Lemont is known as the village of Seven Steeples, and has strong cultural institutions like the Lithuanian World Center and Slovenian Cultural Center.
Loved Ones First: All successful centenarians put their loved ones first regardless of age and every age is a respected member of the community. Aging parents or grandparents are within or near the home. Children are an active part of a well-run home. Additionally, a life partner adds years.
Hope & Friendship Foundation is a local organization consistently focused on giving back to the community through fundraisers, meal trains, or random acts of kindness.
Right Tribe: Finally, the right tribe makes all of the difference. You’re the sum of who you surround yourself with. Having social and professional groups with positive behaviors matters i.e. quit that toxic job and protect your peace.
Organizations like the Lemont Artists Guild and Lemont Writers Guild are two wonderful centers of community for creatives – no matter the experience level.
Community members gathering during the Lemont Labor Historical Tour and Picnic in Summer 2023
These Blue Zone principles are for everyone and aim to add quality to your years. Danyelle adds, “It’s all about accessibility. There are no hard and fast guidelines, no program to follow, and not a lot of time or money to invest in living a better life starting today.”
When Danyelle started the Lemont Walking Club in April 2023 she had the simple goal of getting more of the community outside, moving, and connecting with one another. She believes that when you know better, you do better. Together, we can all do more to improve our health, wellness, and happiness.
The LWC is open to everyone with meet-ups weekly on Mondays at 9:30 AM. The group is a prime example of Blue Zone living featuring our more senior residents and folks with small children – both looking for connection and belonging.
The group created their own ‘Walking Moai’- a Blue Zone component that is a group that “meets for a common purpose” – and the power of the right tribe pulled through when a member lost her husband. While not wanting to leave the house in her grief, she knew that her walking club would be there on Monday morning to support her as she transitioned to a new stage in life, and that support made all the difference to her.
If you’re thinking about living a better, longer life: you’re in the right spot. Lemont is committed to creating opportunities for folks to live and build together. Do you think we have what it takes?
Live Your Best Blue Zone Life | A few more ways to get started
Join The Bee Well Collective and the Lemont Walking Club by connecting with Danyelle on her website or Facebook. During the colder months, the group meets at the Lemont Park District CORE. On the third Monday of every month, participants can enjoy a walk with the group and an extended wellness chat with Danyelle. Upcoming topics include Blue Zone Wellness on February 19 and Food as Fuel on March 18.
Attend the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club Health & Wellness Symposium on Sunday, February 10. Request childcare by this Saturday, January 27! https://fb.me/e/5bHbQTSAK
Find your adventure at The Forge: Lemont Quarries Conservation Sunday Nature Walks to reconnect with the environment and help reduce invasive species.
