You’re likely familiar with the concept of “lifespan,” but “healthspan” may be an unfamiliar term. What is healthspan, and how should this concept inform longevity planning? Although there is some overlap between healthspan and lifespan, healthspan is ultimately a more constructive concept to help plan for a positive future.
Healthspan vs. Lifespan: What’s the Difference?
A person’s lifespan is the total number of years they live, whereas a person’s healthspan consists of the years in which they enjoy good health. The concept draws attention to the importance of not just adding years to one’s life but adding healthy, joyful, and meaningful years. In short, healthspan focuses on quality of life rather than just quantity.
After all, living to an impressive age becomes less appealing if the last decade of your life is fraught with health challenges. For most people in our current society, lifespan exceeds healthspan. Research shows that although the average lifespan in the U.S. has steadily increased, the average American lives up to one-fifth of their life unhealthy.
This reality can be discouraging, but it also can be motivating. What steps can you take to promote not just a long life but a healthy one—one where you can continue to enjoy the people, places, and pursuits that bring you joy every day?
Promoting a Long and Healthy Life
Investing in your healthspan is key to making the most of every year going forward. The right formula may look different from person to person, but there are some key ways everyone can strive to enhance their healthspan. We recommend taking a holistic approach to well-being that focuses on physical, mental, and social wellness.
Physical Well-Being
Throughout our lives, investing in our physical well-being can pay off both in the short and long term. Many healthy lifestyle choices can help you start feeling better right away and potentially increase your healthspan. What does it look like to invest in your physical health? Here are some key areas on which to focus:
- Nutrition: “You are what you eat” may oversimplify things, but fueling our bodies with nutritious foods is always a wise choice for improving health. Consider doing some research or talking with a dietitian to learn what a balanced, nutritious diet looks like for you. And don’t worry — nutrition doesn’t need to mean cutting out the foods you love. In moderation, indulgent treats have their place!
- Exercise: Staying active as you age can be an excellent way to ward off physical ailments and continue feeling vibrant. In an average week, adults aged 65 and older should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and participate in activities that strengthen their muscles at least twice, according to the CDC. If exercise feels like a chore, look for activities you enjoy to get your body moving, such as walking through your neighborhood, riding bikes with a friend, or participating in an aquatics class.
- Preventive care: Those annual wellness appointments, routine screenings, and dental cleanings can all go a long way toward promoting your healthspan. There’s a good reason insurance policies tend to cover preventive care; taking a proactive approach to your health can save you from more serious conditions (and health care costs) down the road.
- Lifestyle choices: Unhealthy habits such as smoking and abusing alcohol are known to negatively impact longevity and quality of life, so the sooner you can leave these habits behind, the better. Talk with your doctor and consider joining a support group or recovery program to embrace a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Mental Health
Your mental state is another significant factor in your overall wellness. Consider how you can take steps to enjoy better mental health now and in the future. Some important aspects of a comprehensive approach to mental health include:
- Learning and cognitive exercise: One of the best ways to keep life fresh and to maintain your mental acuity as you age is through continued learning and cognitive exercise. Consider taking classes, reading books, or watching online videos to learn new skills. Have you always wanted to learn a new language, instrument, or craft? There’s never been a better time to stretch your brain and potentially discover a new passion.
- Sleep: Sleep can significantly impact both physical and mental health. In fact, research shows that not sleeping enough can eventually increase your risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Insufficient or low-quality sleep also can contribute to stress and memory problems. Consider whether there are steps you can take to start achieving better quality sleep.
- Sense of purpose: As the National Institute on Aging points out, participating in activities that provide a daily sense of purpose can help you maintain your well-being and independence as you age. Consider where your sense of purpose lies; perhaps it includes areas such as relationships, vocations, passion projects, and social causes. Be sure to channel a good portion of your time and effort into the areas that imbue your life with meaning.
- Mental health care: No matter how you would assess your mental health, there’s always room for improvement. Especially if you struggle with disorders such as depression or anxiety, you can improve your healthspan by seeking the support you need. Counseling and support groups, for example, are two great ways to process personal challenges and discover meaningful coping mechanisms and positive perspectives.
Social Life
Even a life marked by healthy choices and enjoyable activities can feel like it’s missing something essential if there’s no one with whom to share it. Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just unpleasant to experience — they can carry serious health risks. Thriving social connections, on the other hand, can enhance your healthspan. Let’s look at some aspects of a healthy social life:
- Familial relationships: A spouse, siblings, close friends, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews — whatever “family” means to you, these relationships are worth your time and attention. Seek out opportunities to spend quality time with the people you care about.
- Peer support: It’s also important to spend time with peers — that is, people of a similar age and position in life. Especially if you’re struggling with experiences associated with this season of life (e.g., life transitions such as retirement or the loss of a loved one), talking with someone who understands can be especially meaningful.
- New connections: Even if you’re blessed with rich personal relationships, you should look for opportunities to meet new people and enjoy new experiences. Consider attending an event or class at your local senior living community, for example, to form new connections. It’s never too late to make new friends.
How to Craft a Healthy Plan for Aging
As you read through the tips above, which areas stood out to you as possible avenues for more proactive longevity planning? You can start taking steps right now to enjoy better health and well-being in the years to come.
It’s also wise to consider logistics around aging and evolving health and financial needs. Having a solid plan in place can provide you with confidence and peace of mind as you step into your future. For example, if remaining at home is important to you, you’ll want to start creating a plan for aging in place. Or perhaps you’re interested in moving to a senior living community. If so, now is a great time to explore different levels of living and community options.
Today, senior living services and programs take a wide variety of forms, and you don’t necessarily need to commit to one living option. For example, if you would prefer to remain independent at home for as long as possible but also want a safety net in case your needs change down the road, you should consider a continuing care at home (CCaH) program like WellAhead — A WesleyLife Well-Being Experience.
As a WellAhead member, you gain access to a personal wellness coach, fitness centers, and at-home services to help you invest in your well-being. If you ever need a higher level of care, whether through at-home services or in a WesleyLife community, your membership guarantees access to this care at no additional cost beyond your membership fees.
Start Planning for a Long and Healthy Life
No matter your age, you can start investing in your long-term well-being. Understanding healthspan versus lifespan is a great place to start. What measures can you take to plan for longevity and ongoing vitality? Learn more about what it means to age in place and invest in your future by reading The Complete Guide to WellAhead.
