← Notes From the Field

Die Healthy? Extending Healthspan to Match Lifespan.

At first glance this may seem a funny question. I get it, but there’s more to it. Let’s start with another question. How many people do you know that died healthy in their 70s, 80s, 90s, or older? I don’t know any. Other than accidental death, every funeral I have been to has been for people that were in and out of hospitals and chair ridden or bed ridden for the last 10-20 years of their life. What if you could extend your healthspan to match your lifespan? How much better will your last 10-20 years be as you continue to live your best life?

Let’s Define Healthy

For the sake of this question, I define healthy as the ability to do what you want and need to do in your daily life, with minimal to no assistance. Dr. Peter Attia introduced the Centenarian Decathlon on his podcast, and expands on this concept in his 2023 book Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity. Dr. Attia explains the concept of defining what you want to be able to do in the later years of your life, what will be physically required to do so, and what you need to be able to do now to achieve your decathlon goals later. For me, I want to be able to maintain my mental status, play with my great grandchildren (and get up from the floor by myself), skate, hike, shop, walk several miles, walk up and down stairs, and travel, among other things I currently enjoy doing. Obviously, I need to be able to do these things now, and at a pretty high level to overcome the inevitable and natural physical declines as we age.

Traditionally, we’ve focused on extending our lifespan at any cost, but what if we shifted our focus towards extending our healthspan instead? Imagine living not just longer, but also healthier, and enjoying the best years of our life until the very end. This intriguing concept holds the key to a higher quality of life and many benefits. Let’s explore the advantages of dying healthy.

1. Enhanced Quality of Life

Extending healthspan means enjoying a better quality of life throughout your entire existence. It means more years of being physically active, mentally sharp, and emotionally resilient. When you are healthy, you can fully engage in life’s experiences, pursue your passions, and enjoy your relationships to the fullest. You may even get to meet your great grandchildren.

2. Reduced Healthcare Costs

One of the most practical benefits of dying healthy is the significant reduction in healthcare costs. A longer healthspan implies fewer visits to doctors, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. This not only eases the financial burden on individuals and families but also reduces the strain on healthcare systems, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and efficient healthcare ecosystem as opposed to the expensive sick care system we have come to know, that works  to keep people alive at any cost. I’ll have more to say in future articles about healthcare vs sick care. 

3. Increased Productivity

Healthy individuals tend to be more productive. By extending healthspan, we can harness the untapped potential of a population that remains active and engaged in the workforce for a more extended period. This can boost economic growth and innovation, benefiting society as a whole. For me,  at the age of 62, I’m developing my plan for what I will do (i.e. work) for the next 30+ years. Other people I know that are my age or slightly older have retired or plan to do so in the coming few years. Here’s how Merriam-Webster defines “retire”:

  1. to withdraw from action or danger : RETREAT
  2. to withdraw especially for privacy: retired to her room
  3. to move back : RECEDE
  4. to withdraw from one’s position or occupation : conclude one’s working or professional career, usually due to age or health
  5. to go to bed

This does not look anything like how I want to spend my next 30 years. I want to pursue many of the ideas I’ve had over the last 30 years and come up with new ones, too.

4. Stronger Social Bonds

Maintaining health as we age allows us to stay connected with our family and friends. Healthy individuals are more likely to actively participate in family gatherings, engage in social activities, and contribute positively to their communities. This fosters stronger social bonds and a sense of belonging, which is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. One tip—make some younger friends!

5. Reduced Burden on Caregivers

Extending healthspan doesn’t just benefit the individual; it also eases the burden on caregivers. Family members and friends often become caregivers for aging loved ones, which can be physically, financially, and emotionally demanding. By prolonging healthspan, we reduce the need for intensive caregiving, allowing caregivers to focus on maintaining their own well-being and supporting their loved ones more effectively.

6. More Time for Personal Growth

A longer healthspan provides more time for personal growth and self-fulfillment. You can continue to learn, start a new career, explore new hobbies, and pursue your passions well into your later years. This constant self-improvement contributes to a sense of purpose and satisfaction, making life more meaningful. 

7. Improved Mental Health, Including Cognition

Physical health and mental health are closely intertwined. By extending healthspan, we can delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of mental health disorders. This ensures that we can enjoy our later years with clarity of thought and emotional resilience. The best prescription for this is exercise. Aerobic and weight bearing activities are crucial. And the good news is, it’s never too late to start,. But the earlier in life you start, the greater the benefits in later years.

8. A Legacy of Well-being

When you extend your healthspan, you set a positive example for future generations. Your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren can learn from your lifestyle choices and be inspired to prioritize their own health. This ripple effect can lead to healthier and happier communities for generations to come.

Conclusion

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, extending healthspan to match lifespan is a far better alternative to the status quo. Dying healthy offers amazing benefits, ranging from a better quality of life and reduced healthcare costs to increased productivity and stronger social bonds. By making conscious choices regarding exercise, nutrition, and sleep, we can maintain our health as we age, and enjoy all of life’s experiences, leaving a legacy of well-being for future generations. So, let’s embrace the journey of extending our healthspan and make the most of whatever time we do have left to really live our best life.

← Notes From the Field