What is “Healthspan”?
Let us begin with
the AI definition:
“Healthspan refers to the period of a person's life when they are healthy and free from chronic diseases and disabilities associated with aging. It is essentially the number of years lived in good health, as opposed to just the total number of years lived (lifespan).
Focusing on healthspan means prioritizing quality of life and maximizing the time spent in good health, rather than solely pursuing extended lifespan.”
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The practical definition:
Healthspan is the number of years in one’s lifetime when they are in reasonably good health, maintaining the ability to be fully functional and live independently.
Assistance is not required while performing the activities and instruments of daily living. Let us define Healthspan as “the planned delaying of the natural decline during the chronological aging process.”
Why should we care
about our Healthspan?
Human lifespan, the period from birth to death, has increased dramatically. Today’s healthcare advancements are prolonging our mortality. Approximately one quarter of us will live past age 90. Welcome news of course. Has there been a corresponding increase in healthspans?
Opinions differ, but most agree there is some catching up to do. As our longevity increases so do the odds of eventually needing assisted living of some sort.
Besides the financial implications, the quality in life in later years is a growing concern for society. “Aging in Place” is the common term for retaining one’s independence. Increasing your healthspan flips the script, enabling us to “Stay Healthy in Place”
The purpose of
“Healthspan Highways”
After spending a decade working with seniors and their families, it is abundantly clear their top priority is to remain in their current home for as long as possible. However, having a plan or strategy in place to accomplish this was lacking.
Staying healthy can mean different things to different people, but good health does not happen by accident. The objectives of Healthspan Highways are to advocate for the healthspan mindset, advise on new developments and promote products and resources that are proven to increase and support healthspans.