Health Span vs. Life Span: Minding the Gap 

Medically Reviewed by:Dr. Steven Campbell, MD

Written by: Our Editorial Team

Last updated: 09/04/2024

Health Span vs. Life Span: Minding the Gap 

When we talk about longevity, there’s a critical distinction between "health span" and "life span" that often gets overlooked. 

While life span is simply the number of years we live, health span refers to the period during which we enjoy good health, free from chronic illness or significant physical decline. 

At Marek Health, we prioritize health span because we believe that living longer is only meaningful if those additional years are lived with vitality and independence. Focusing on extending your health span through mindful daily habits and proactive care can significantly reduce the risk of disability or incapacitation as you age, allowing you to truly thrive throughout your entire life.

Life Span Variations

According to the CDC, the average American's life span as of 2022 is 77.5 years, with variations depending on gender and nationality. Life spans have increased over the last hundred years due to advancements in medicine and technology. 

Many factors impact an individual's life span, ranging from lifestyle habits like smoking and diet to unique genetics, access to healthcare, and the environments they’ve lived in. 

Unfortunately, the average life span in the U.S. is on the decline due to COVID-19, drug overdoses, and accidental deaths, among other factors.  

Health Span = Heath Adjusted Life Expectancy 

Health span refers to the years a person lives in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. It’s your quality of life in your elder years. That’s a compelling reason to make it the focus of your health optimization efforts. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has created a health span measurement called Health Adjusted Life Expectancy (HALE). HALE was developed by determining the average age at which the most common serious diseases (cancer, heart disease, etc.) occur. Currently, HALE for U.S. citizens is estimated at 63.1 years old. 

Many issues can influence your health span, including: 

LIFESTYLE CHOICES: Your lifestyle plays a HUGE part in living a long and healthy life. Sure, many of us love to indulge in the latest cocktail or craft beer trend or stay up super late when we should get a good night’s sleep. Unfortunately, too much alcohol and too little sleep are both detrimental to your health and can lead to long term issues. Small habits add up so consider which of your behaviors support your future health and which may lead you to a shorter health span. 

NUTRITION AND WEIGHT LOSS: What you eat definitely impacts your overall health and activities. Eating a lot of processed food with too few of the right nutrients can cause both physical and mental challenges, while carrying extra pounds contributes to diseases like diabetes. Plus, being overweight strains and can injure your joints, specifically your knees and hips. 

Consider consulting a healthcare professional to begin a supervised nutrition and weight loss effort so it’s customized to you, and you’ll have added accountability. 

SMOKING: Tobacco products are known to cause cancer and cardiac issues. Many early-stage cancers can be put in remission, and heart catheters may seem like no big deal, but the impact of surgery and treatment can derail your health and leave you with long-term challenges. Is a few moments of pleasure worth the risk? We’d say no. Start a smoking cessation program asap and don’t quit quitting. 

 

PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE: Life gets busy, and it's easy to let those annual check-ups like physicals, colonoscopies, or mammograms slip through the cracks. But staying on top of these appointments is crucial for catching potential issues early—whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or other serious conditions. 

At Marek Health, we’re committed to helping you stay proactive with our comprehensive preventive services. By regularly monitoring your health through tailored diagnostics and expert guidance, we empower you to address any concerns head-on before they escalate. Remember, the sooner you know what’s happening inside your body, the sooner you can take action to protect your future well-being.

MENTAL HEALTH: Psychological well-being and stress management are critical to overall health. Whether you’re living daily life under considerable stress or suffering from depression, you’re at higher risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other issues that impact your health span. If you’re experiencing ongoing anxiety, sleep difficulties, lack of motivation, or other signs of mental health concerns, consult a healthcare professional to create a plan for getting back on track. 

Ready to Enhance Your Health Span? 

If you're ready to bridge the gap between merely living and truly thriving, Marek Health is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and start your personalized path to optimal health and longevity.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your wellness routine.