We tend to focus on extending 'life span', and with the advent of antimicrobial treatments and improved public health, we have extended our life expectancy significantly over the past century. However, how do we enjoy those extra years? This topic involves 'Health-Span', the subject of Peter Attia's book Outlive, released last week.
Healthspan refers to the length of time an individual can live a healthy, active, and independent life, free from chronic or serious diseases and disabilities. In other words, it is the period of life during which a person is able to maintain a high quality of life and functional ability.
Unlike lifespan, which refers to the total length of time a person is alive, health span focuses on the quality of life during that time. The goal of improving health span is to help people enjoy more years of good health and vitality and to delay or prevent the onset of chronic diseases and disabilities.
There are many factors that can influence healthspan, including genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors. Some strategies for improving health span include adopting a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
By focusing on improving their healthspan, individuals can increase their chances of enjoying a long and healthy life with fewer limitations and greater independence.
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