Healthspan vs. Lifespan: A Vital Consideration as We Age

In this episode, Tamara Fidler discusses the difference between health span and lifespan and why it's important to consider both as we age. She explains that health span refers to the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities. Tamara highlights the importance of health span for quality of life, healthcare costs, mental and emotional well-being, and productivity and independence. She also provides tips on how to extend our health span through a healthy diet, regular exercise, mental health activities, preventative healthcare, and quality sleep.

Takeaways

• Health span refers to the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic diseases and disabilities.
• Focusing on health span is important for quality of life, healthcare costs, mental and emotional well-being, and productivity and independence.
• To extend our health span, we can focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise, mental health activities, preventative healthcare, and quality sleep.
• Countries like Japan, Switzerland, and Singapore have longer health spans due to efficient healthcare systems, public health initiatives, high standard of living, and a focus on healthy eating and active lifestyles.