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What is a lifespan? -

Your lifespan is the time between when you're born and when you die. More generally, a lifespan is an unknown number that is often estimated based on the longest-lived organism in that species known to date.

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How long do people normally live? -

As of 2022, men, on average, lived 74.8 years, and women, 80.2 years. It's suggested that these results might link gender and longevity.

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What is a health span? -

Health span is different from lifespan. It is a new concept for many but refers to how many healthy, disease-free years you have.

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What is the main difference? -

Lifespan and health span do influence one another, but as mentioned, they aren't the same thing. It's easiest to think of quality versus quantity. While your lifespan is the number of years you will live, your health span is the quality of those years.

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How does your health span impact your lifespan? -

If throughout your life you maintain a great health span, then it can positively impact your lifespan. If, however, you have poor health, it can absolutely shorten your lifespan.

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Chronic disease -

Chronic diseases or chronic illnesses, which are lifelong diseases or non-communicable diseases, cause 34% of deaths worldwide each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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In other words -

In other words, one in three people worldwide die due to chronic illnesses that could have possibly been prevented. 

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Factors that will improve health span -

Genetics can play a role in health alongside other factors such as lifestyle, environment, and personal choices.

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Healthy lifestyle -

While 10% to 25% of our health is linked to genetics, the majority is dictated by our daily habits and lifestyle choices. 

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Is there usually a gap between health span and lifespan? -

There is definitely a gap between the average health span and the average lifespan. Americans are living longer than they did in 1950, a whopping 26 years longer. However, due to the increased incidence of chronic disease, their quality of life has decreased.

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Increasing your health and lifespans -

It's essential to see your doctor regularly in order to improve your health span and increase your lifespan. Doing so can help you identify the following chronic diseases. 

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Heart disease -

Heart disease can include conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, which impair heart function.

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Cancer -

Cancer can occur when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and potentially invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. This can shorten your lifespan and severely impact your health span.

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Diabetes -

This chronic condition occurs when the body can't properly regulate blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin (type 1) or insulin resistance (type 2).

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Risk factors -

Your doctor can help you assess things to identify your risk factors for common conditions like heart disease and diabetes. The following slides contain factors that directly impact both your lifespan and health span.

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Lifestyle -

Lifestyle factors can play a major role in a longer, healthier life. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise, avoid tobacco, and minimize or eliminate alcohol.

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Weight -

Your weight is another factor to pay close attention to. Some weight gain can happen over the years but if you notice it getting to be more than usual, try speaking with a dietitian or doctor.

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Blood pressure -

Blood pressure is another factor that can impact your lifespan and health span in one way or another. As you continue to age, have your blood pressure checked regularly.

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Family medical history -

Knowing your family's medical history can help prevent many problems. If you're aware that you're predisposed to certain conditions, you can proactively confront them and hopefully prevent them from occurring.

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Develop a plan -

Work with your doctor or medical provider to develop a plan to address any health risks you might have. Include things like an exercise routine, quitting smoking, or even losing weight.

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How can I increase my life’s health span? -

There are several ways you can increase your health span and your lifespan while you're at it. The following slides will share some excellent ideas.

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Eating a Mediterranean-style diet -

If you want to reduce your chances of type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and cancer, then consider eating a diet like the Mediterranean diet, which is filled with fruits and vegetables. It also encourages you to eat leaner proteins, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

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Cons of traditional Western diets -

Traditional Western diets are often filled with processed food and red meats, both of which can be detrimental to your health, lifespan, and health span as they are associated with a 22% higher risk of death. 

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Exercise -

Exercising is always a good idea. It reduces our risk for chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. While you're strengthening your bones and muscles, you're also improving your mental health and mood.

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How much exercise is needed? -

In general, it's a good idea to move more, whatever more means for you. However, people who exercise between 2.6 and 4.5 hours a week have a 40% reduced risk of dying from all causes.

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Manage your stress and mental health -

Stress, anxiety, and depression can all shorten our lives. In fact, people who have depression can lose up to 28 years in terms of quality of life.

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Good sleep habits -

People with longer health spans tend to get more consistent sleep. It's advised to get about seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

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Build strong social circles -

Having strong social interactions or time with friends and acquaintances can help improve your health span and lifespan. Studies show that blood markers for immune response for lonely people are different than for those who are social.

Sources: (National Geographic) (Britannica) (University of Vermont) (NIH)

See also: Healthy eating habits from around the world

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