In what was perhaps the longest television segment yet about the AARP/Blue Zones Vitality Project, Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner and a handful of Albert Leans on Monday shared four simple secrets to longer lives during a feature on ABC’s “Nightline.”

Highlighting the successes of the Vitality Project as it went, the segment started by explaining to viewers the background of Buettner and his research across the world of the longest-lived people.

As video of some of the world’s centenarians was pictured, Buettner explained that the world’s longest-lived people never belonged to a gym and were never on any particular diet. But he did find they had four things in common.

The question was, could he make it work with an American population?

In January, project leaders announced they had chosen Albert Lea to undertake the project, which was the first of its kind.

Buettner said when he told the people of Albert Lea he could give them longer lives, they gave him a standing ovation, he said. His goal was to make changes mirroring what he’d seen around the world.

First, project leaders encouraged Albert Leans to improve their environments so activity is the easiest option, the show illustrated. Some sidewalks were built to connect not only walking areas, but the community as well.

Second, they tried to teach people to eat mostly plants and eat less.

Tribune Publisher Scott Schmeltzer said in the segment that the project helped him eat more vegetables and less food overall.

Beth Miller, human resources director for Lou-Rich said her company’s doughnut day now incorporates fruit. And fruit is usually the first thing to go, she noted.

Cathy Purdie, marketing director at Trail’s Restaurant and volunteer of the restaurant pledge initiative, explained how more than 30 restaurants signed up to make some healthy changes to their menu.

Third, project leaders encouraged residents to socialize and volunteer with friends and family who have a positive influence.

Albert Lean Moraa Knoll explained how she became good friends with the other members of her walking moai, or close group.

Buettner said the moai helped get Knoll out of the house and walking each day because she had a friend.

Fourth, residents were taught to figure out their purpose in life so they had an inspiring reason to get up every morning.

Buettner said people who have a strong sense of purpose live seven years longer.

Through these four secrets to longevity, he began to see Albert Lea take on a new shape, the show stated.

Participants put in over 2,500 hours of service, walked 75 million steps and created friendships that will outlive the project, he said.

People, such as Schmeltzer, lost weight and added years of life, and restaurants are now offering fruit and smaller portions.

Buettner said he thinks the lessons learned might be the best answer yet to the health care crisis, noting that health care costs for Albert Lea city workers has dropped by 49 percent in 10 months.

“I’m telling them they’ll be healthier if they optimize their environment when it comes to how you eat and how you move, and how you socialize and in your sense of purpose,” he said. “That stacks the deck in your favor for more good years of life.”

Go to http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/ to watch the video.

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