Global healthspan: People are living longer, but not healthier

Are we living longer? Yes. Are we living healthier? Not so much. This is according to recent research from scientists at the Mayo Clinic that focuses on global healthspan trends.

The study reveals an uncomfortable truth: while people around the world are living longer lives, those extra years aren’t necessarily filled with health and vitality.

Years of life burdened with disease

“Lifespan” and “healthspan” are the focus of this study. Lifespan has a straightforward meaning – it’s how long you live. Healthspan, on the other hand, is how long you live a healthy, active, disease-free life.

The research, led by Dr. Andre Terzic, was focused on data from 183 member countries of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Terzic serves as the Marriott Family Director, Comprehensive Cardiac Regenerative Medicine for the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, and is also the Marriott Family Professor of Cardiovascular Research at Mayo Clinic.

The findings identified an alarming trend: the gap between lifespan and healthspan is steadily growing.

“The data show that gains in longevity are not matched with equivalent advances in healthy longevity. Growing older often means more years of life burdened with disease,” noted Dr. Terzic.

“This research has important practice and policy implications by bringing attention to a growing threat to the quality of longevity and the need to close the healthspan-lifespan gap.”

Healthspan in the United States

In the years between 2000 and 2019, life expectancy increased, but healthspan did not keep up the pace. In 2019, the global gap between lifespan and healthspan was 9.6 years – up by 13% from 2000.

The widest gap between lifespan and healthspan was found in the United States.

Americans, on average, spend a whopping 12.4 years of their lives dealing with disability and sickness. That’s an increase from 10.9 years in 2000.

Chronic diseases, mental health issues, substance use disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions are the grim reapers stealing the health of Americans.

Health issues in later life

The global trend of increasing lifespans is a double-edged sword for women. While they are living longer, the quality of these extra years is often compromised by various health issues.   

A significant disparity exists between lifespan and healthspan, with women experiencing a 2.4-year larger gap on average than men.

This means that women are more likely to spend their later years grappling with health problems that diminish their quality of life.   

Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as urinary and genital tract disorders, are among the common health issues that disproportionately affect women.

These conditions can lead to pain, disability, and reduced independence – significantly impacting women’s overall well-being.

The widening healthspan-lifespan gap

Study first author Armin Garmany is an M.D./Ph.D. student in Mayo Clinic’s Alix School of Medicine and Mayo Clinic’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

“The widening healthspan-lifespan gap globally points to the need for an accelerated pivot to proactive wellness-centric care systems,” said Garmany.

“Identifying contributors to the gap unique to each geography can help inform healthcare interventions specific to each country and region.”

The Mayo Clinic team utilized data from the WHO Global Health Observatory to conduct this cross-sectional study, which presented a clearer picture of the current healthspan-lifespan disparities worldwide.

The team strongly recommends further exploration of demographic, health, and economic characteristics to better define disease patterns that influence these disparities.

The study was supported by the Marriott Family Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

Small steps to improve your health

Improving your healthspan is about small, lasting changes for long-term well-being. Some easy strategies for staying healthy include regular walking, strength training, and eating a balanced diet with veggies, fruits, and lean proteins.

Get enough sleep, manage stress, and see your doctor regularly. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and reduce exposure to pollutants. Stay connected with loved ones to boost happiness and emotional well-being.

By focusing on positive habits, individuals can extend their years of good health and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Small, consistent changes in daily routines can lead to long-term benefits that help people thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The study is published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

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