Do People Living in the Lake Chelan Area Live Longer?
Or maybe they just look younger?
Well, actually, we don't have the scientific data to answer these intriguing questions, but we do believe that the community that you choose to live in can have a big effect on your health, longevity and happiness. To be sure, many studies have shown that people who stay physically active, eat well and have strong social circles are much more likely to live longer, healthier and happier lives.
My own experience is that wellness starts with the community and builds from there. In the Chelan area there are so many recreational opportunities to enjoy the outdoor living lifestyle, that good fitness tends to come naturally. The many hiking trails, biking trails, golf courses, lakes and streams provide outdoor recreation literally at your doorstep. The region, too, now has many organic growers offering high quality fruit and produce. And, though the towns of Chelan, Wenatchee and Entiat are all fairly small, they do support a wide variety of cultural activities and events that the communities are involved in.
But off course, there's also a bit of the "chicken or the egg" principle at work here in that the area's natural beauty, recreation and great weather also just naturally attract healthy, younger-than-their-age people to come live here.
In the neighborhoods that I've had an opportunity to help design, we've always looked for ways to increase opportunities to know your neighbors and enjoy outdoor recreation within your own community. This can be as simple as providing trails, view point parks or barbeque pits. Or more elaborate clubhouses, swimming pools, golf courses or equestrian centers. Either way, sustainable communities with these extra amenities tend to have people who are healthier and happier.
Take the REAL AGE Test!
So to get back to the original question... do people living in Chelan Washington live longer? I'd like to invite you to take the "Real Age" test and help us find out. If you live in the Chelan or Wenatchee area (or wish that you did!), go to Real Age Free Test to find out if your biological age (the age of your body based on how well you've maintained it) is older or younger than your actual age. Then with the results in hand, return to the Sun Mesa Blog home page and provide your answer in the form provided. We'll tabulate all of the answers and share the results with our readers!
So what's my real age, you're asking? I'll never tell, but I will say that I do support my own theory!