TUCSON, Ariz. – Let’s be clear about one thing: we all face mortality.

But the details regarding how and when that will occur are far from certain. Most health experts suggest that genetics, diet, lifestyle, and sheer luck all play roles in determining our lifespans. Factors like your birthplace, current living conditions, and daily habits also count. What if, however, you could tailor your health insights down to very detailed lab results? What if you could extend your time on earth just a little?

This is what Canyon Ranch, a luxury wellness retreat that is about to introduce a program centered on longevity, aims to provide its visitors. But the question remains: will attending this retreat genuinely contribute to a longer life? You’ll certainly have to invest a significant sum to find out.

The Tucson-based wellness resort opened its doors back in 1979 when founder Mel Zuckerman sought to break free from a sedentary lifestyle and inspire others to do the same. Today, it boasts five locations across the United States.

The resort has various packages available – some are budget-friendly, others certainly aren’t. A new longevity program called “Longevity8” is set to launch in November, which I had the chance to experience. This program revolves around eight health pillars: integrative medicine, emotional and mental well-being, strength and endurance, sleep, flexibility and fitness, spiritual health, nutrition, and outdoor activities. It comes at a staggering cost of $20,000 for individuals and $36,000 for couples, featuring an extensive array of spa and wellness treatments, along with multiple medical exams like a treadmill assessment, cancer screening, a bone density scan, and an in-depth dietary evaluation. The mission? To enhance both the length and quality of life.

It’s understandable why Canyon Ranch and others would want to monetize this trend: the global longevity market was worth $25.1 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $44.2 billion by 2030, as per Allied Market Research.

For some attendees, the expense might be justified. There’s no harm in learning more about your health—if you have the budget for it. However, health professionals warn that there are more affordable methods to achieve a longer and healthier life, potentially alleviating some of your health-related worries.

Investing in peace of mind

At Canyon Ranch, it’s tough not to get swept up in the experience—though sugary drinks aren’t part of the offerings. Visitors savor healthy meals and snacks of their choosing, enjoy a vast selection of gym equipment, indulge in spa services, take leisurely swims, and attend lectures on a variety of health topics, participate in workout sessions, and practice meditation. It truly resembles a choose-your-own-adventure lifestyle. Need to see a chiropractor for joint pain? No problem. Want a reading from a clairvoyant about the upcoming months? Consider it done. Interested in the vitality suite featuring red light therapy, luxurious compression garments, and massage chairs? Absolutely, yes!

Moreover, the atmosphere is tranquil. The grounds are relatively serene, punctuated only by the sound of flowing water and the occasional clink of pickleball. Colorful butterflies dance among vibrant red and orange blooms surrounding the guest lodgings. A meditation sanctuary offers soothing scents of lavender. Visitors are welcoming without being overly familiar. And there’s a delightful protein-rich peanut butter smoothie available that tastes like a first experience with peanut butter—it’s that incredible.

However, the longevity aspects of the program can feel more like a doctor’s visit than a spa experience, which may be preferable for some guests.

Otis Greene was thrilled to savor the rejuvenating offerings at Canyon Ranch again; he returned specifically for the longevity programs. His first visit occurred over a decade ago, following his treatment for stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had a tumor the size of a grapefruit situated at the base of his spine, wrapping around his nerves.

For years, “my back was painful, and I assumed it was just stress from work,” says the 50-year-old business executive hailing from Florida. His cancer was diagnosed late, resulting in an exceptionally aggressive treatment plan involving high doses of chemotherapy followed by radiation to target any residual cancer cells. While these treatments were instrumental in fighting his cancer, they also took a toll on his overall well-being.

Greene’s physician suggested he take a trip to Canyon Ranch: “Head out to the desert, spend some money, and let the experts rejuvenate you.” He followed this advice, seeking a mix of mental health support, wellness strategies, and general life guidance to help him tackle new challenges.

Recently, he went back with his wife and their now-adult daughter, who is 18. Greene was looking for a life-changing experience for all three of them, especially as he approached 50, a milestone his doctors particularly cautioned him about. Although there was no recurrence of his cancer, he was aware that secondary cancers often emerge between years six and ten of treatment. He has been proactive about his health, trusts his medical team, but desired the comprehensive approach offered by Canyon Ranch—access to not just a nutritionist, but also an exercise physiologist and a primary care doctor. This holistic view was something he valued highly after his cancer treatments, which involved multiple specialists beyond just his oncologist.

During his stay at Canyon Ranch, Greene participated in several health assessments: he used a Bod Pod machine to evaluate his body fat, ran on a treadmill, completed 40 bench presses, underwent a dietary evaluation, had his blood drawn, and was monitored for continuous glucose levels.

Did the expense concern him? Greene replied, “You can either invest in your health now or in your medical treatment later.” It’s certainly a significant financial commitment. However, Greene believes it’s wiser to spend money on wellness before facing the costs of medications needed to treat health issues down the line. Either way, the financial burden is unavoidable.

One of Greene’s liver markers was found to be high. His primary care physician suspected it could indicate gallstones, prompting a need for follow-up testing. While it might turn out to be nothing serious, he expressed gratitude that the doctor at Canyon Ranch included this on a more detailed testing panel.

Some patrons have detected potential cancer markers through the Galleri test used at Canyon Ranch, which screens for signals linked to more than 50 types of cancer, including colon and prostate cancer. This revelation can be shocking, but it allows individuals the chance to seek further testing and treatment that could be life-saving.

‘Pursuing Longevity is Fundamental to Humanity’

Mark Rivers, CEO of Canyon Ranch, spent time to define how the facility should approach the modern longevity movement. Numerous influencers and apps promise to help individuals achieve their longest, healthiest lives, with many tools available right on their smartphones or smartwatches.

“Longevity is a core human goal,” he stated during an interview from his office, which contrasts with the calm vibe of the resort. “It isn’t just a matter of downloading an app. I realized we possess strengths in this area that many others lack, thanks to our robust structure and organization. Our team includes board-certified doctors and licensed dietitians, which adds credibility beyond what many social media promoters can provide.”

The interest in longevity is understandable: by 2034, the U.S. will have more individuals aged 65 or older than those aged 18 and younger, as highlighted by Dr. Bruce R. Troen, head of the Landon Center on Aging and a professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. This age group is projected to grow to 80 million by 2040, according to data from the Urban Institute. Typically, life expectancy has improved globally; for instance, life expectancy in the U.S. was just 68 years in 1950, which rose to 79 by 2019. This figure briefly declined due to the COVID pandemic but has since rebounded.

“Recent advances have provided us with tools to explore the intricate biology of aging,” Troen adds. “We hope to develop focused therapies that enhance both healthspan and lifespan.” Many consumers are already familiar with various biological age testing kits available on the market.

Moreover, similar wellness services can be found through private physicians or alternative programs, such as those offered by Mayo Clinic.

However, the question remains for the average individual: what truly benefits health? Research indicates that lifestyle factors, including smoking, obesity, stress, insufficient physical activity, and exposure to pollution, can drastically impact both healthspan and lifespan. Many of these factors also elevate the risks for several health conditions.

The most straightforward solutions come from established knowledge: maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, consult with your primary care physician, and steer clear of smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drugs.

“Most people would agree that what truly counts is the quality of life, not just the number of years lived,” Troen remarks.

‘It shouldn’t be reserved for the affluent’

While the tests provided by Canyon Ranch have advantages, one must consider whether the benefits outweigh the potential stress involved with undergoing them.

For individuals with health anxiety, an extensive evaluation such as that provided by Canyon Ranch might further exacerbate their mental health issues. Conversely, it might alleviate certain worries. “(These programs) predominantly target the health-conscious,” states Marion Nestle, a former Paulette Goddard Professor at New York University in nutrition, food studies, and public health. She explains that these are “typically affluent, well-educated individuals who tend to be mostly healthy but have concerns about their health.”

Additionally, Dr. Robert Shmerling, a senior faculty editor for Harvard Health Publishing at Harvard Medical School, believes that many people tend to exaggerate the accuracy of testing. “Numerous tests are overhyped, frequently over-prescribed and not fully understood by those receiving the tests.”

Shmerling posits that many of the tests at Canyon Ranch are unnecessary for the average person. There’s also an ethical issue—those receiving the tests likely do not need them, while those who might actually benefit may not have access. Can we find a solution to this dilemma?

“I wish this could be accessible to everyone,” Rivers says regarding his program at Canyon Ranch. “Individuals with healthcare access can visit various doctors and specialists. However, sometimes it takes a long time to get an appointment, and you might have to travel around town to different locations. Our strength lies in providing comprehensive care all in one spot.”

Shmerling contends, “If this testing were truly essential for everyone, it should not be exclusive to the affluent. It should be accessible to all, insured, and so forth.” Canyon Ranch does not take insurance, explaining they lack the administrative capability to handle claims and face challenges with the low reimbursement rates from insurers.

The implications of actively seeking out diseases or concerns

Seeking such comprehensive analysis often leads to unexpected discoveries.

“The rise in popularity of total body MRIs is really about identifying potential cancers before they fully develop,” comments Dr. Douglas E. Vaughan, a medicine professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and director of the Potocsnak Longevity Institute. “Are we really preoccupied with issues that lie beneath the surface? This form of thorough screening is focused on identifying diseases before they display clear symptoms.”

“Here, we empower individuals to take charge of their health by informing them about the issues they need to focus on,” states Dr. Diane Downing, a physician at Canyon Ranch. “Often, primary care physicians might observe lab results and say, ‘Your glucose is slightly elevated, but you’re not diabetic, so don’t worry about it.’ This complacency can be problematic; we need to address issues before they escalate into chronic conditions.”

What is deemed “normal” for a certain age or demographic may not consider genetic predispositions or other unique factors. Participants of Canyon Ranch’s “Longevity8” program also undergo genetic assessments.

However, Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an associate professor of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, advises caution in interpreting these results. “I generally view some of this information skeptically.”

‘This place brings me peace’

Susan Cowan, a 65-year-old from Hawaii, first visited Canyon Ranch 30 years ago as a graduate student. Once a collegiate volleyball athlete, she used to hike until exhaustion, following it up with spa treatments. Recently, her outlook has changed. In the past few years, her husband was diagnosed with ALS and passed away, and she has also sent her son off to college, making her realize she has lost her personal time.

“As an empty nester, I don’t want to retire. This place helps me feel calm,” she shares while relaxing on a comfy outdoor couch, listening to the gentle chime of the wind. “I get my rush of endorphins, then take the time to relax and think about my next chapter.” This chapter is focused on longevity.

She has embraced a “Zone 2” approach, involving moderately intense workouts for extended durations. Consequently, she has shifted away from running. “I began walking and stopped worrying about competition. It’s more about being smart with my choices,” she explains.

What’s the ultimate goal?

Dr. Margarita Terrassa, an OBGYN who spent time at Canyon Ranch this summer, recommends her patients to explore it.

However, she cautions, “You can’t just think, ‘I’ll go there, and everything will be solved, and I’ll come back occasionally.’ You need a solid medical team (at home) to follow up on what was done, or else you might develop anxiety about your health.”

Everyone has their imperfections. “I rarely meet a patient without some issues,” Stanford comments.

Beth Madison, who has been visiting Canyon Ranch since the 1990s, had specific goals after turning 80: “I aim to stay vibrant and agile, plus I need to regain some flexibility.”

She looks forward to discovering what lies ahead.

“Eventually, you reach a point of acceptance: ‘This is your new normal, and you need to navigate it,’ and I seek guidance on how to do that.”

The journalist for this article received benefits from Canyon Ranch. YSL News maintains editorial independence in its reporting.