'Healthspan’ may be more important than lifespan

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Why 'healthspan' may be more important than lifespan By Jamie Ducharme Health Correspondent Survey data suggest only about a third of Americans would want to live forever if they could—and, interestingly, that percentage shrinks with age. Almost half of adults under 30 said they want immortality, while just a quarter of those older than 65 do. One possible reason? Older age tends to bring with it a range of health problems, including chronic diseases that can seriously compromise quality of life. But not if some experts get their way. Increasingly, researchers and scientists are focusing on "healthspan"—the length of time someone lives free of serious medical issues—as a better measure of longevity than lifespan alone. In the U.S., projected lifespan is 77.5 years, according to a new estimate for 2022. But projected healthspan is only about 66 years, meaning lots of people spend the last decades of their lives in poor health. As I learned for a new story, a flurry of drug development and public-health campaigns are working to close that gap as much as possible. READ THE REST Share This Story

What Else to Read How to Help Your Body Adjust to Cold Weather By Markham Heid What scientific research shows on the best ways to adapt to plummeting temperatures. (Originally published in 2019.) Read More » Gaslighting, Narcissist, and More Psychology Terms You’re Misusing By Angela Haupt Mental-health experts say we often use psychology terms incorrectly—and that's a problem. Read More » How to Get Healthier Dopamine Highs By Matt Fuchs Humans aren't big fans of the status quo. We yearn for new experiences and rewards, whether by seeking a new meal, job, or creative project. Read More » How to Cultivate Hope When You Don’t Have Any By Angela Haupt Hope is a way of thinking—and experts say it can be taught. Read More » The Connection Between IBD and Aging By Katherine Harmon Courage More people are living longer with inflammatory bowel disease—and a growing number of elderly individuals are being diagnosed with the illness. Read More »

AN EXPERT VOICE "Every day, make a commitment to writing down at least five things you're grateful for. The key is they must be very specific to the day. There's science behind this—it helps create pathways in our brain for seeing the good that exists around us, while simultaneously making us 'less good' at seeing the pessimistic views." —Kelsey Latimer, clinical psychologist in Florida

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