When it comes to aging, most people want to live a long life. Longevity, however, isn’t the only goal worth pursuing.
On the latest episode of the A Healthier Michigan Podcast, host Chuck Gaidica and guest Dr. Crystal Lee, medical director at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, explore the important difference between lifespan (how long we live) and healthspan (how well we live those years).
What is healthspan?
Lee explains healthspan refers to the years we spend active, independent and largely free from serious illness. Though medical advances have pushed the average lifespan higher, the quality of those additional years depends on our daily choices. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 79% of adults age 60 and older have at least two chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. But these issues also affect younger people; about half of adults aged 18 to 34 have at least one chronic condition.
While genetics play a role, Lee emphasizes the power of personal habits. Smoking cessation, physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week, plus strength training), healthy eating, quality sleep and stress reduction are all key to improving healthspan. She 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 |
The concept of healthspan is gaining traction, especially as more people witness public figures and peers aging actively and purposefully. Lee says it’s not about achieving perfection overnight, but about making small, sustainable changes, like walking a little farther each day, choosing healthier snacks or finding an accountability partner. These incremental steps can add up to a higher quality of life, regardless of age or current health status.
Cultural conversations about aging, sparked by celebrities and everyday role models, help shift the focus from just living longer to living better. Lee and Gaidica agree aiming for a long, healthy life isn’t reserved for older adults. The earlier you start building healthy habits, the more likely you are to enjoy more good years down the road.
Ultimately, there’s no single formula for healthy aging, but small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in both lifespan and healthspan.
Listen to the podcast, Healthspan vs Lifespan: What's the difference?, to hear the entire conversation. A Healthier Michigan Podcast is brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
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