HonorHealth and the city of Scottsdale have partnered with a company called Blue Zones to bring forward a multi-year plan that can create longevity for the community’s aging population.

Officials say the goal is to provide a healthier, happier Scottsdale.

Backed by their research of the original blue zones — rare longevity hotspots where people thrive into their 100s — Blue Zones helps communities transform by making lasting changes to policies and the places where people spend the most time so that healthy choices are easier.

The first phase is a Blue Zones Activate assessment and feasibility study that will help determine how to make Scottsdale a healthier and happier place to live, work, grow up, and grow old, according to a press release.

“HonorHealth has served the communities of Scottsdale and Phoenix for more than nearly 100 years, and we understand that our communities need more than just high-quality healthcare to be truly healthy,” said Todd LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth. “Taking part in the global movement proven to improve health and well-being with other like-minded organizations further solidifies our commitment to go beyond the traditional expectations of a healthcare system and furthering our mission to improve the health and well-being of those we serve.”

By focusing on making permanent and semi-permanent changes to the Life Radius — the area close to home where people spend 90% of their lives — Blue Zones has helped hundreds of communities achieve measurable improvements in its residents’ health, according to a press release.

“Scottsdale has long been recognized as an environmental leader and is committed to enhancing the lives of its residents and future generations,” said David D. Ortega, mayor of Scottsdale. “It’s a natural progression to conduct this work with our shared commitment for more than 50 years of promoting health and wellness with HonorHealth.”

HonorHealth and city of Scottsdale is bringing together civic, business and community leaders to work with Blue Zones to begin an intensive multi-day engagement with national experts to identify and validate the key characteristics necessary to bring a Blue Zones transformation to Scottsdale.

The city of Scottsdale Blue Zones kickoff event will take place March 2.

Scottsdale is the first city in Arizona to conduct an assessment with Blue Zones and will receive an assessment report indicating readiness and feasibility for a Blue Zones transformation. The Blue Zones team of experts will create a multi-year plan that, once implemented, can drive widespread improvements in well-being, reductions in health-related costs, and improve economic vitality in the region.

The focus will be on sustainable, long-term environmental changes that strengthen social ties, enhance the places people spend the most time, and sharpen living policies to help people live healthier, longer and better lives.

“We are excited to work together with the forward-thinking leaders of Scottsdale to create a plan that will improve the lives of everyone in the community,” said Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones. “The need has never been greater for a proven solution that will help entire communities get healthier and happier with increased productivity, enhanced economic vitality, and a better quality of life for current and future generations.”