Longevity: Lifespan vs. Healthspan
In the basic definition of longevity, it's the duration of one's life. When you really think about it, there's a much deeper meaning associated with it.
We talk about living a long life (lifespan) but ideally living that life as healthy, comfortable and coherent as possible (healthspan), a vibrant one without sickness or disease. Isn't that the goal? In an ideal world, we want to live those later years feeling good, both mentally and physically, without having to depend on other people or medication to get us to the next day.
When people talk about changes happening in their bodies and just say it's part of getting old, it always makes me pause. Of course there are things you can't control...but what would happen if you started focusing on the things you could?
The topic of longevity has been on my mind a lot lately. Perhaps it’s because I’m continually studying what lifestyle factors make for a long, healthy life, or always drawn to podcasts on the subject, or because I’ve been exposed to more loss than usual these days. I even found it refreshing to watch Chris Hemsworth's Limitless documentary bring some sensitive topics and health practices to the forefront of the public eye.
No matter what the reason is, it’s hard not to reflect on what I used to do on a regular basis without a thought or care, and not think it had any long-term effects on my health. Sure, I always looked healthy but plenty of us do and that’s not always the secret to a long life. Hell, who can explain the person who drinks, smokes and eats fast food and is still kicking around at 85?!
When you watch a life leave before your eyes, it changes you. It makes you look at life in a different way, what you do on a daily basis, what you're striving towards, your purpose - why you do what you do. What you perhaps chose to prioritize before doesn't matter as much and things you might have taken for granted or ignored now matter more. But let’s be real, I’m talking about me here. These are all emotions and thoughts I’VE experienced and what’s shifted me.
No one is saying to strive for perfection or live in fear of the what-ifs but there are so many little things you can proactively do to expand both your lifespan AND healthspan.
I’m dedicated to my own journey and helping people improve their odds of increasing their longevity, not only for themselves but for the people they love. What would happen if you made a small change that could help you feel just a little bit better than you do today?
