Zones Project Scottsdale

Participating communities have seen double-digit drops in obesity and smoking rates, economic investment in downtown corridors, grant funding awards to support policies and programs to improve health equity and measurable savings in healthcare costs.

“Cigna Healthcare’s mission is to improve the health and vitality of those we serve, and Blue Zones Project can help us achieve this by sustainably improving health, well-being, and vitality at the community level,” says Kim Shepard, commercial market president of Cigna Healthcare of Arizona. “We are proud to partner with leading organizations HonorHealth and Goodwill in this effort; together, we can create a healthier, happier community with higher vitality and quality of life.”

“Goodwill is a social impact engine that has helped Arizonans build pathways out of poverty for more than 75 years,” said Tim O’Neal, CEO of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona. “We are passionate about creating opportunities and communities where every person can thrive, and the Blue Zones Project will help us drive sustainable change. We are proud to partner with Blue Zones and other Valley leaders on such an important initiative.”

Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones and co-founder of Blue Zones Project, says, “We are excited to come together with these powerful leading organizations in this partnership for the greater good. We applaud these forward-looking, exemplary leaders for investing in improving the well-being for all current and future residents. We believe Scottsdale can become a model for communities around the country in their commitment to the future health, happiness, resilience and economic vitality of their residents.”

The launch of Blue Zones Project represents the beginning of a multi-year collaborative effort with the City of Scottsdale that involves the entire community working together toward one common goal—to support and build a culture of community health and well-being. The local implementation team has begun the Foundation and planning phase. For more information, visit bluezones.com/bzpscottsdale.

Empower everyone to live longer, better lives

While exercise lowers mortality risk by 20 to 40 percent, and having a good diet is more or less the same at about 30 percent, Blue Zone studies have shown that relationships and being connected to your community can lower mortality risk by 45 percent. Even though diet and exercise are critical to health and life span, these numbers suggest social connection should not be excluded from the menu of healthy living practices.

Here are some ways to strengthen your social ties in DC Ranch:

• Attend an event or program. Visit DCRanch.com/calendar for a full schedule.

• Try one of several fitness classes available: Yoga, Strength & Balance, Aqua Fitness.

• Join a club! Take a swing with Pickleball Club, join a friendly game of bridge or canasta, enjoy a glass of wine at Grapenuts, or meet neighbors at Women’s Club.

• Volunteer for a board, committee or DC Ranch Gives activity.