Healthspan vs Lifespan: Prioritizing Quality of Life Over Quantity

As individuals become increasingly proactive about their well-being, the focus shifts from merely extending lifespan to enhancing healthspan, emphasizing a life filled with vitality.

Life expectancy has significantly increased, having risen by thirty years since the mid-20th century. However, the rate of many diseases continues to climb, partly due to the expansion of treatment options. This trend underscores the urgent need to bridge the widening gap between years lived and total healthy years by prioritizing disease-free longevity.

A combination of behavioural, lifestyle, and policy changes could significantly improve health and increase life expectancy, enabling longer, healthier lives.

Understanding Healthspan vs. Lifespan

In recent discussions on health and longevity, the terms lifespan and healthspan frequently surface. While lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives, healthspan is defined as the years lived in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. The global average healthspan is 9 years shorter than the average lifespan (73.2 years), highlighting the gap between long life and healthy life. For Canadians, who have a longer average lifespan (82.2 years) than the global average, the gap is 11 years. Although these concepts are intertwined, they highlight different aspects of life. As the conversation shifts towards living both longer and better, the distinction becomes crucial.

Prioritizing Healthspan through Disease-free Longevity Strategies

Healthspan focuses on quality rather than quantity, highlighting an active and fulfilling life in later years. A strong healthspan keeps individuals active and engaged as they age. With an aging population, sustaining independence and activity becomes ever more crucial.

5 Habits to Bridge the Gap Between Lifespan and Healthspan

1. 1. Exercise & Mobility

Engaging in regular physical activity, such as daily walks and strength training, is essential for maintaining mobility and overall health. A 2019 study found that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 31%. A study in the British Medical Journal found that any level of physical activity, along with reduced sedentary time, is linked to increased longevity. “They found that the risk of premature death in the most active group was about 60% lower than for those in the most sedentary group,” adds Amra Dizdarevic, Nurse Practitioner at Harrison Healthcare who wrote about the study in a Harrison article.

1. 2. Healthy Eating

Prioritizing nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods, like those found in the Mediterranean diet, can positively impact healthspan. The Mediterranean diet, rich in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and seeds, is associated with improved well-being and reduced mortality. It has preventive effects against chronic diseases and positively impacts cardiometabolic risk, lowering the risk of diabetes and related conditions. A study examining the diet’s effect on the quality of life for individuals with type 2 diabetes revealed a positive correlation, especially regarding participants’ physical and social functioning.

2. 3. Stress Management

Techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, time management strategies and fostering social connections can help manage stress and promote mental well-being. “Social connections can go a long way to repairing stress and lowering the risk of premature death by 50%,” emphasizes Dr. Beth Donaldson, Family Physician and Harrison Medical Director.

3. 4. Sleep Hygiene

Good sleep hygiene involves maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and avoiding stimulants before bedtime. Interestingly, studies show that people who get 7-8 hours of sleep nightly a lower risk of mortality compared to those with both shorter and longer sleep durations. Prioritizing quality rest can significantly enhance both mental and physical well-being.

4. 5. Preventive Healthcare Measures

Regular check-ups, vaccinations, screening tests and other thorough preventive care practices are vital in identifying and addressing health issues before they become severe. A study reported that in the United States, preventable risk factors were responsible for approximately 61% of deaths in 2019, and health risks tend to escalate with age.

Extending Your Healthspan with Harrison Healthcare

At Harrison, we offer precision, preventive health programs designed to extend healthspan. Our precision care model focuses on predicting disease risks, preventing illness through early intervention, detecting diseases early for effective treatment, treating conditions with a comprehensive understanding of influencing factors, and ensuring client education and participation in their care.

Through comprehensive health coaching, screenings, and wellness services, our clients are empowered to live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives that can defy the stereotypes of aging. To explore how Harrison can support extending your healthspan, contact your Care Coordinator to book an appointment with a member of your Care Team. And if you are not yet a client, consider engaging with our innovative service. Learn more by contacting us today.

In a world where the pursuit of longevity is often paramount, it is essential to remember that living well is as important as living long. By prioritizing healthspan, individuals can help ensure that their years are not only numerous but rich in quality and life.