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Healthy Mineral Wells

HEALTHY MINERAL WELLS
Our ancestors knew something we’ve drifted away from: Mineral Wells has always had the potential to be a place of healing. Once known as America’s Great Health Resort, this was where people came to drink and bathe in the mineral waters, rest, and soak up the natural beauty. Somewhere along the way, that vision faded.

Years ago—before COVID changed everything—several community members began exploring how we might return to that focus. Around that time, Fort Worth announced it had become Blue Zone Certified, and that sparked our curiosity.

The Blue Zones concept began with a National Geographic study in 2005, which identified five regions around the world where people routinely live into their 90s and 100s, and do so in good health. These places—Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Loma Linda, California—had different cultures, but nine key habits in common:

  1. They moved naturally—walking, gardening, biking, or doing physical work every day.
  2. They had a sense of purpose that got them out of bed each morning.
  3. Their diets leaned heavily toward plant-based foods.
  4. They stopped eating when they felt about 80% full.
  5. They took time to slow down and manage stress.
  6. They gathered regularly, often over a glass of wine or other drink, with friends and family.
  7. They belonged to a close-knit circle of friends.
  8. They participated in a faith-based community.
  9. They prioritized family and stayed connected to loved ones.

One important takeaway? Thriving communities make healthy choices the easy choices.

At the time, a group of local leaders looked into what it would take for Palo Pinto County to become Blue Zone Certified. We had community support—but not the budget. The cost of certification was beyond our means.

Still, we didn’t give up.

Instead, we formed the Healthy Mineral Wells Committee, focused on collaborating to improve the health of our community in practical, meaningful ways. We leaned into what we do have—our natural resources, our people, and our history.

Thanks to the efforts of the tourism team, along with Glen Rogers, Mayor Regan Johnson, Carol Elder, Carol Montgomery, and Rose Jordan, Mineral Wells earned the designation of The Wellness Capital of Texas. That title isn’t just symbolic—it recognizes the beauty and resources we’ve had all along.

Did you know that 70% of our health is influenced by lifestyle and environment? That means we have more control than we think. Healthy Mineral Wells continues to build partnerships rooted in the nine principles identified by the Blue Zones. Our mission is simple: make healthy choices easy, accessible, and sustainable.

We’re not trying to be one of the five Blue Zones. We’re creating something that fits us—a Mineral Wells version of what health can look like.

We invite you to be part of it.