Healthspan vs. Lifespan: What’s the Difference?
Jake Newby
| 3 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- Healthspan measures years spent healthy and independent, while lifespan measures total years lived, making both essential healthy aging indicators.
- Regular exercise, strength training, nutritious eating, quality sleep and smoking cessation can help improve both healthspan and lifespan.
- Americans are living longer but often spending more years managing chronic diseases, highlighting the growing healthspan-lifespan gap.
- Preventive healthcare, stress management and strong social connections support healthy longevity, independence and overall quality of life as you age.
Most of us seek longevity, but there’s a difference between living a long time and leading a healthy, independent lifestyle for a long time.
Lifespan is how long you live, while healthspan is how long you live in good health, including the ability to remain active and independent. Ideally, the two would be as close together as possible. How long you live vs. how well you live boils down to several factors. Let’s dive into them.
What is the difference between healthspan and lifespan?
Lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives from birth until death. For years, longevity has been a primary measure of successful aging. But researchers and health experts are increasingly asking a different question regarding healthy aging: How many of those years are spent in good health?
Healthspan refers to the years a person spends healthy, active and free from significant chronic disease or disability. In other words, is the portion of life when you can maintain independence, enjoy daily activities and experience a high quality of life. The goal of a healthy life expectancy isn't simply reaching age 90 or 100 – it’s reaching those milestones while remaining physically, mentally and socially engaged.
Dr. Crystal Lee, medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan acknowledged on a recent episode of the A Healthier Michigan Podcast that while genetics play a role in healthspan, the power of these personal habits can lead to an improved healthspan, as well:
- Smoking cessation
- At least 150 minutes per week of physical activity, plus strength training
- Healthy eating
- Quality sleep
- Stress reduction
Dr. Lee encourages regular checkups – even for those without chronic illnesses – to establish a baseline and receive personalized advice on healthy habits.
| Lifespan | Healthspan |
| Measures total years lived | Measures years lived in good health |
| Focuses on longevity | Focuses on quality of life |
| Influenced by genetics and lifestyle | Strongly influenced by lifestyle habits |
| Can continue despite chronic illness | Emphasizes independence and wellness |
Why the gap between healthspan and lifespan matters
The American Heart Association (AHA) states healthspan in the United States has declined in recent decades, even as people continue to live longer. That means more individuals are spending a larger portion of their later years managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
That growing gap between healthspan and lifespan can affect everything from personal well-being to healthcare costs. Extending healthspan could delay the onset of age-related diseases and reduce the period of disability that often occurs later in life, according to a 2018 study.
This matters because chronic illness is increasingly common. Nealy 80% of adults age 60 and older live with two or more chronic conditions, per the AHA. Many younger adults are also experiencing preventable health issues that can affect their long-term quality of life.
What is the average healthspan?
Average healthspan estimates vary depending on how healthspan is defined and measured. Using the most recent World Health Organization data, the AHA stated the average healthspan is 63 to 64 years of age. The JAMA Network states the average global gap between lifespan and healthspan is 9.6 years.
How to improve your healthspan and lifespan at the same time
Prioritizing some of the daily habits listed above can help individuals unlock a healthspan and lifespan that nearly rival each other in length.
Improving healthspan and sustaining your independence does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. To reiterate, here some healthy, repeatable habits you can incorporate into your life right away:
- Move regularly and build strength
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet
- Don't smoke
- Prioritize quality sleep
- Manage stress
- Maintain social connections
- Keep up with preventive healthcare
Photo credit: Getty Images
