The Story of La Buena Vida: Bringing Accessible Wellness to Latino Communities

A Community Adaptation of a Proven Model

Across Los Angeles County, many older adults are looking for ways to stay active, connected, and engaged as they age. Wellness programs can play an important role in supporting this goal, particularly when they are accessible, culturally welcoming, and rooted in community.

La Buena Vida was created with that vision in mind.

The program was developed as a culturally responsive adaptation of The Good Life, a wellness initiative designed to promote healthy aging through movement, social connection, and lifestyle education. While The Good Life established a strong foundation for community-based wellness programming, leaders at Rancho Research Institute recognized an opportunity to extend this model in a way that would better serve Spanish-speaking communities in Los Angeles County.

La Buena Vida emerged as a way to bring the spirit and structure of The Good Life program to Latino communities while ensuring that the experience feels culturally familiar and welcoming.

Wellness That Reflects the Community

Programs are most effective when participants feel comfortable and understood.

For many Spanish-speaking older adults, language accessibility and cultural familiarity play an important role in deciding whether to participate in a wellness program. La Buena Vida was designed to address these factors by creating a space where participants can engage in wellness activities in Spanish and in a culturally supportive environment.

Through movement-based sessions, cooking and nutrition exploration, and opportunities for social engagement, participants experience wellness in ways that connect naturally with everyday life.

The program is offered through the Don Knabe Wellness Center located on the campus of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, allowing participants to engage with a broader network of wellness resources and community programs.

A Natural Extension of Rancho’s Mission

For decades, Rancho has been recognized for its leadership in rehabilitation and community health. The work of Rancho Research Institute helps extend that mission beyond clinical settings by supporting programs that promote long-term wellbeing and community participation.

La Buena Vida reflects this commitment.

By adapting the model of The Good Life and tailoring it for the local Latino community, the program helps create an environment where wellness education, movement, and connection can come together in meaningful ways.

Participants often describe the program as something they look forward to each week. Many speak about the relationships they build with fellow participants and the encouragement they receive from instructors and staff.

“The instructors and staff make us feel like we are part of a family.”

This sense of community is a powerful part of what makes the program special.

Looking Ahead

As interest in La Buena Vida continues to grow, so does the opportunity to expand its reach.

Across Los Angeles County, many communities continue to seek accessible wellness opportunities that reflect their language, culture, and lived experiences. Expanding programs like La Buena Vida can help meet this growing need.

Philanthropic support plays an important role in making that expansion possible. Contributions help provide participant scholarships, program materials, and outreach that allows the program to reach more individuals and communities.

La Buena Vida represents more than a wellness class. It is part of a broader effort to ensure that community-centered wellness is accessible to everyone.

Help Grow La Buena Vida

You can help bring culturally responsive wellness opportunities to more communities. If you would like to help expand access to this program, consider making a donation today here

Together, we can help more individuals experience la buena vida, the good life, through wellness, connection, and community.