Some reward programs have easy ways of adding to points, to keep the account active. With this, the points do not expire. A credit card purchase at a restaurant on a list of approved restaurants adds a small number of points, and the matter is resolved. I get this with "Hilton Honors Dining." Some participate with
http://www.e-miles.com
Other rewards programs don't expire at all.
Choose them carefully. Participating in a points program usually means staying more than one time in a chain of hotels / motels.