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Longevity has become a buzzword in modern health circles, dominating everything from podcasts to TikTok feeds. The fascination points to a simple desire to live well and live well longer. That instinct drives global public-health conversations around “healthy aging” and helps explain why societies across history developed practices to extend vitality. Physicians and sociologists measure this not only by age but by “quality-of-life years,” the span in which we move comfortably, think clearly, stay engaged, and enjoy the people around us.
Studies from Harvard, the National Institutes of Health, and other major research institutions show that small, consistent habits matter far more for long-term health than dramatic reinventions. We spoke with two local experts for some perspective: family medicine physician Dr. Gregory “Reid” Lancaster, who runs Ethos Modern Medicine in La Quinta, and sociologist Eric Vogelsang, Ph.D., director of the Center on Aging at California State University, San Bernardino.
Prioritize small habits
Lancaster emphasizes foundational behaviors. “The more we learn in this field,” he says, “the more we realize the best solutions are things humans have known forever. Eat real food. Sleep well. Move your body. Keep your body fat down. Have healthy relationships. Practice gratitude. Forgive instead of holding onto things. If you do these things consistently, you’re healthier longer and you have a better life.”
Preventive care is part of that foundation. Lancaster encourages patients to stay current on routine screenings, from bloodwork to cancer checks. “Number one is don’t die unnecessarily,” he says. “Stay in touch with your doctor. Catching things early often results in far better outcomes.”
Create movement patterns that stick
When it comes to movement, structure matters. A day can quickly fill with tasks, and each one draws from what Lancaster calls our limited “decision battery.” Without a plan, even the best intentions to exercise can fade as the day fills with competing demands.
A weekly routine helps reduce that friction. Lancaster suggests establishing a baseline that’s easy to return to even on hectic days — perhaps strength training on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and walks on Tuesday and Thursday. “If you make it your baseline, you don’t have to renegotiate with yourself every day,” he says.
Accountability helps too. Whether it’s a friend, partner, or standing class, knowing someone is waiting for you increases the likelihood that you’ll show up. “If someone else is expecting you, adherence skyrockets,” Lancaster says. “Just get there. Once you show up, the decisions are made for you.”
He recommends getting outdoors for added enjoyment, especially here in the Coachella Valley, where recreation abounds. That might mean a scenic hike, a neighborhood walk, or joining the region’s thriving pickleball scene. “If Tuesday is your walk with Judy and Thursday is pickleball night, you’re going to do it,” he says.
Expand your community
For Vogelsang, social connection is an essential — and often overlooked — pillar of longevity. “Being angry, being stressed, holding grudges, none of that is good for us,” he says. “But being around others, especially in meaningful ways, is.” Whether it’s a group exercise class, a community organization, or a neighborhood gathering, shared activities can support long-term well-being in ways that extend beyond the activity itself. “In an exercise class, you’re keeping fit,” Vogelsang notes, “but you also gain the benefit of social connection.”
Volunteering is another powerful avenue. “There’s strong evidence that volunteering not only helps others, but it might also be the best activity you can do for yourself,” Vogelsang says. For older adults in particular, expanding community becomes increasingly important as household networks shrink over time. New ties — formed through service, movement, or shared interests — can be a lifeline.
By the Numbers
10+ Added Years of Life
Research from Harvard shows that adults who follow five low-risk lifestyle habits — eating well, moving regularly, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and drinking in moderation — live a decade longer on average than those who follow none.
150 Minutes of Weekly Movement
Meeting the federal guideline of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (like brisk walking) is linked in National Institutes of Health research to a 20%–30% lower risk of early death. Even about 15 minutes a day offers benefits.
85.3% Safe Outdoor Access
A 2022 survey from Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) finds that 85.3% of Coachella Valley adults feel safe walking, biking, or hiking near their homes, reflecting the region’s broad access to outdoor spaces.
8% Loneliness Rate
About 22% of adults nationwide report feeling lonely or isolated “often” or “always,” according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In the Coachella Valley, HARC reports just 8% — a notably lower rate that suggests strong connection here.
7 in 10 Annual Checkups
Nearly 70% of Coachella Valley adults had a routine checkup in the past year, according to HARC, signaling consistent engagement in preventive care. By contrast, 5.3% haven’t had a checkup in five years and 4.3% have never had one.
