When TJ Meagher moved to St. George in 2019, his life was at a proverbial crossroads. Eager to connect with his new community, TJ joined a couple of hiking groups and quickly became known as a leader and motivator.
Then TJ happened on a documentary about “blue zones”—regions of the world where people purportedly live longer and healthier lives, often achieving centenarian status. Intrigued, TJ launched the “St. George Blue Zone Center” Facebook group, hoping to attract others wishing to improve their lives and health. With membership now 500-plus and climbing, we caught up with TJ for a lively Q&A to learn more.
Q: Tell us about your background.
A: Before I retired, I was living in Grants Pass, Oregon. I’d been restoring classic cars for 20 years—before that I owned hair salons. Just when my wife and I were going to move here, she decided to move elsewhere … so I came to St. George newly single and knowing no one.
Q: How did the idea of your blue zone group come to be?
A: In my prior hiking group, people told me that I saved their lives, because they’d moved here, they didn’t know anybody and they were despondent. The hikes gave them hope—something to do and a way to meet people. Then I saw this special about blue zones, and it blew me away … so I started a Facebook group and invited people to join.
Q: What was your impetus in launching the group?
A: When you retire, you have a lot of time on your hands, and a certain amount of mental decline to deal with. By the time we’re in our 60s and 70s, we may think it’s too late to make positive life changes. I saw this group as a way to exchange ideas about physical health and especially mental health, which tends to be ignored. The last five years have been a real awakening for me … so I hoped to share what I’ve learned with this community.
Q: What sorts of activities does your group do, and how often?
A: We do hikes every Sunday. During the summer we go up to Bryan Head, Pine Valley—where it’s cooler. When it's cold, we have more social events. I’m hoping to restart our beginners pickleball group soon. And we definitely welcome people who want to suggest activities and help organize them!
Q: How can people join the St. George Blue Zone Center?
A: Just go on our Facebook page and join—that’s it. Ultimately, we just want to see people being happy and feeling connected. A positive mind and outlook are as—or even more—important than our diet. And feeling like you’re a part of a community not only makes you feel great, but it protects that community, too. When people know each other, they’re more likely to want to take care of each other.