Right Place, Right Time

Place planning could be least understood, yet most important component of a successful long life

Illustration by New Rules Media.

Our living environment profoundly impacts our health, longevity, and quality of life, with some U.S. cities showing a 20-year difference in life expectancy from one neighborhood to another. Ryan Frederick, author of Right Place, Right Time, advocates for "place planning"—a strategy that aligns our surroundings with our health and lifestyle needs.

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WASHINGTON — As the saying goes, home is where the heart is, but it’s so much more than that. Where we live shapes who we become. It influences our routines, our interactions, and our lifestyle choices. It can dramatically impact our physical and financial well-being, affecting not only our longevity but also the number of healthy years we live.

In some U.S. cities, the longevity gap is sharp; differences in life expectancy between adjacent neighborhoods can be as much as 20 years, underlining the role of place in shaping health outcomes. This is particularly evident in cities with long histories of racial segregation.

"Where you live and how you choose to engage with your surroundings is one of the most important decisions in life," says Ryan Frederick, the founder and CEO of Here, a platform dedicated to “place planning.” His book, Right Place, Right Time: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Home for the Second Half of Life, dives into why aligning our living situations with our life stage and health goals is essential. According to Frederick, this alignment can mean the difference between a vibrant, fulfilling life and one burdened by loneliness and health challenges.

Data reinforces Frederick's claims. The landmark Alameda County Study, conducted over multiple decades starting in 1965, identified factors such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and social interaction as critical to longevity. Often influenced by one's living environment, these factors underscore the importance of choosing a place that supports a healthy lifestyle. This is as true for a 20-something as it is for a 100-something and everyone in between.

While place planning is typically geared toward individuals, it also holds significant value for community leaders. City and neighborhood leaders—both formal and informal—have a unique opportunity and responsibility to shape their areas to be resilient for longevity. Some states, like Maryland, through its Longevity Ready Maryland Initiative, have made place planning central to their goals.

Four Aspects

Frederick explains that place planning involves assessing four key aspects: environment, health, community, and finances. Together, these elements offer a roadmap for finding or shaping a living situation that supports long-term well-being.

• Environment: Shaping Our Health with Walkability and Green Spaces: The physical characteristics of our surroundings can have a profound impact on our health and happiness. Climate, access to nature, and walkability encourage physical activity and improve mental well-being. “To live longer, change your environment,” says Frederick. Pedestrian-friendly areas, for example, make daily movement a natural part of life, supporting both physical health and cognitive function. Proximity to parks and green spaces has also been shown to reduce stress and enhance mental clarity.

• Health: Access to Care and Preventive Support: An often overlooked component in choosing a place is access to healthcare services and opportunities for physical activity. Communities with easily accessible medical facilities make it easier for residents to manage chronic conditions and receive preventive care. Recreation spaces and wellness programs also support ongoing physical activity, a key component of a long and healthy life. For older adults, the ability to see a physician or specialist without traveling far can make a significant difference in both quality and length of life.

• Community: Combating Loneliness Through Social Connections: The impact of social connections on health is undeniable. Frederick emphasizes that chronic loneliness can pose serious health risks, even equating it to smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. Communities that foster social interaction can help reduce isolation and the health issues associated with it, such as depression, anxiety, and even physical decline. "Building and maintaining relationships isn't just about happiness; it’s a matter of health," Frederick says. Moving to a place that supports social engagement—whether through shared spaces, local clubs, or community events—can add years to life and life to years.

• Finances: Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability: Financial well-being is another crucial component of Place Planning. Housing affordability, cost of living, and tax implications all impact the quality of life. Frederick notes that financial stability reduces stress and allows individuals to invest in health-promoting activities, such as nutritious food, fitness programs, and preventive healthcare. He recommends considering the cost of housing, local taxes, and healthcare expenses when evaluating a potential community.

His organization developed an assessment tool that helps people better understand how well their current place impacts their well-being.

Healthy Communities for All

Frederick’s insights resonate with the broader public health movement. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocates for healthy community design, arguing that well-planned environments can boost physical activity, improve air quality, and foster social connection. Such changes, he says, aren’t just beneficial to individuals; they enhance community resilience, helping people live longer, healthier lives.

This approach is particularly relevant as populations age worldwide. By 2050, global life expectancy is projected to rise to 94 years, making it essential that our communities evolve to support an aging demographic. By the end of this decade, at least one out of five Americans will be over 65.

Yet, challenges remain, particularly for lower-income individuals who lack the financial resources to move to a better neighborhood. However, Frederick shared that most people, regardless of financial means, don't move; instead, they look for ways to improve their current place. “It is important to note that there are options to improve one's place in nearly every situation,” he shared.

“If you are concerned about living a long, healthy, and financially secure life, start with finding the right place, and good things will follow,” Frederick advised. “Ultimately, successful place planning involves individuals being more informed about what's best for them and taking action, and the places where they live better accounting for the evolving needs of current, future and prospective residents.”