Measuring the Value of Better Health
Blue Zones Project uses data to track health outcomes, identify risks, and measure progress — helping communities understand where they are and how they’re improving.
A data-driven framework that measures population health and tracks changes over time
The Community Well-Being Index (CWBI) combines individual risk from the Well-Being Index (WBI) with community risk from the Social Determinants Health Index (SDOHi) into a single measure of collective health risk and opportunity.
The CWBI provides a comprehensive view of well-being across states and communities, based on a sample representing an estimated 95% of American adults. It helps identify populations where impact can be greatest and provides a framework to measure improvement and track progress over time. Because the index is continuously updated with new data, it allows organizations and communities to make decisions based on the most current insights available.
Three levels that quantify progress, investment, and visibility
The impact of Blue Zones Project is measured across three key levels that together provide a clear, quantifiable view of outcomes and value:
Measured through the Community Well-Being Index and survey elements tied to overall improvements in well-being and Blue Zones Project interventions.
Blue Zones Project communities have been extremely successful in securing local, state, and national grants for healthier schools, built environment projects, food policy or systems efforts, and other community development initiatives.
The value generated through media interest, tracked and measured using PR analytics tools.
From individual assessments to a comprehensive understanding of population health
Among other proprietary tools, data is collected through the RealAge® assessment, a scientifically based tool taken by more than 45 million people.
The assessment evaluates individual health and lifestyle factors and provides both personal insights and aggregated data for communities. This data is combined with social determinants of health and analyzed through the Gallup Well-Being Index to create a comprehensive, real-time view of population health and trends.
Primary data collection instrument taken by millions.
Evaluates key personal health and lifestyle factors.
Provides broader community-level data and trends.
Combines data with social determinants to track well-being.
How measurement guides strategy, tracks progress, and strengthens community health outcomes
The measurement framework is used by employers, health plans, health systems, and community leaders to better understand population health and guide decision-making. By identifying high-risk populations and underlying causes of poor health, the data supports strategies that encourage sustainable lifestyle changes and improve overall well-being.
This ongoing measurement allows communities to track progress, evaluate impact, and continuously refine their approach to improving health outcomes.
Blue Zones Project initiatives are not a one size fits all program. We work with the data and with the community to determine the opportunities that will provide the most impact for a community’s health.
Together, we can build environments where healthier choices become natural and lasting.
Bring Blue Zones Project to Your Community
If your city or county is ready to invest in long-term well-being, Blue Zones Project can help guide the journey.