Project R-16633

Blue Zone Limburg. (Research)

Belgium currently faces significant health inequalities between regions. The province of Limburg has the highest life expectancy in Belgium, yet the region is ageing rapidly and faces a number of challenges, particularly in relation to chronic lifestyle-related diseases and drug use. In the neighbouring regions of Aachen, Dutch Limburg and Liège, these disparities are even more pronounced. While international organisations such as the OECD and WHO emphasise the importance of prevention, infrastructure, collaboration and education in addressing health inequalities through healthier lifestyles, the coordinated and (inter)regional approach required to achieve this is currently lacking. In so-called Blue Zones—such as Sardinia, Okinawa, Ikaria, Nicoya and Loma Linda—people demonstrably live longer and healthier lives, supported by more natural physical activity, healthier diets, stronger social networks and a clear sense of purpose. But can Blue Zones actually be created? Yes. Singapore demonstrates this through its development as a 'Blue Zone 2.0', showing that a policy-driven, integrated Health in All Policies (HiAP) strategy can significantly improve health and healthy life expectancy within a relatively short period of time. The Limburg region already possesses many of the building blocks required to achieve a similar transition: well-developed green living environments, a more active and happier population, a strong sense of Limburg identity, a robust healthcare and welfare infrastructure, knowledge institutions, and ongoing initiatives focused on nature, healthy nutrition, physical activity and well-being. What is currently missing is a shared vision and an integrated regional HiAP approachthat connects and leverages these strengths. Therefore, the initiators of this project aim to establish a Living Blue in Limburg consortium, bringing together, among others, Hasselt University, businesses, the healthcare and welfare sectors, and the Province of Limburg. Its objective is to develop a joint, advisory regional roadmap towards a healthy and inclusive region, involving all relevant stakeholders and actively engaging citizens in the process. The consortium will therefore (1) conduct a study and baseline assessment to monitor and evaluate the 'Blue Zone Limburg' concept, embed it structurally through a roadmap—including an advisory governance proposal for potential institutional and governmental integration—and communicate it throughout the region. In addition, it will (2) connect and label existing initiatives within a Living Blue network, and (3) facilitate the launch of new integrated projects involving broad participation from businesses, knowledge institutions and citizens. The ultimate goal is to position Limburg as an inclusive Blue Zone 3.0 region where people live better, healthier and longer lives, while also establishing Limburg as a national and international example of social innovation and economic strengthening.

01 January 2026 - 31 December 2028