The healthspan gap explained: bridging the divide between longevity and healthy living

Many people spend the final years of their lives in poor health. This is the healthspan gap - the difference between how long we live (our lifespan) and the number of years we live in good health (our healthspan).¹ 

Why is there a healthspan gap?

Over the years, improvements in healthcare and technology have greatly increased how long people live. From the mid-1900s to today, the average lifespan has grown from 47 to 73 years.² 

However, those extra years haven't translated into healthy years.² In the UK, the healthspan gap is 11.3 years, meaning many people spend over a decade dealing with chronic health problems.²

Why does the healthspan gap matter?

The healthspan gap highlights the difference between living longer and living well. A large part of the older population is affected by chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, which reduce the quality years of life.³ 

These health issues don't just affect people, they also place a heavy burden on healthcare systems worldwide. The gap's impact is even more significant for women, who tend to live longer but spend more of those years in poor health compared to men.²

Closing the healthspan gap

Lifestyle factors, such as weight, hormone balance, and nutrition, all play a role in determining how well we age.⁴

By taking action now, you can reduce your risk of chronic illness, stay independent for longer, and improve your quality of life in the years ahead.

Here’s how to support your healthspan:

1. Weight loss

Excess weight is linked to a higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease as you age.⁵ A balanced diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which includes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and moderate protein intake, is associated with improved cognitive function, lower mortality rates, and a reduced risk of age-related diseases.⁵

2. Hormone balance

Hormonal balance is crucial as we age, affecting various aspects of health. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, can lead to weight gain if not regulated.⁶ 

For men, testosterone is particularly important. It plays a significant role in maintaining energy levels, muscle mass, mood, and sleep quality.⁷ Low testosterone levels can result in symptoms such as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, and poor sleep, all of which negatively impact quality of life over time.⁷

3. Proactive blood tests

Preventative health starts with understanding your body. Regular blood tests can help identify imbalances or early signs of illness, giving you time to take action. They can reveal how your hormones, vitamin levels, and metabolic markers are performing and guide more informed decisions about your health.

4. Balanced diet

A healthy, balanced diet is the foundation of long-term health, but even with the best intentions, it’s not always easy to get everything your body needs. Supplements can help support a healthy diet, especially if blood tests reveal gaps in key nutrients.

The numan take 

While advancements in medical science have improved our lifespan, the next challenge is improving our healthspan. Look at life beyond just the number of years and focus on how healthy and fulfilling those years can be.

References

1. Garmany, A., Yamada, S., & Terzic, A. (2021). Longevity leap: mind the healthspan gap. npj Regenerative Medicine, 6, Article 57.

2. NHS Digital. (2024, September 24). Health survey for England, 2022 Part 2: Adult overweight and obesity. NHS Digital. https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/health-survey-for-england/2022/part-2-adult-overweight-and-obesity

3. Chun, E., Crete, A., Neal, C., Joseph, R., & Pojednic, R. (2024). The healthspan project: A retrospective pilot of biomarkers and biometric outcomes after a 6-month multi-modal wellness intervention. Healthcare, 12(6), 676.

4. Li, X., Ploner, A., Wang, Y., Zhan, Y., Pedersen, N. L., & Magnusson, P. K. E. (2021). Clinical biomarkers and associations with healthspan and lifespan: Evidence from observational and genetic data. eBioMedicine,