What is the HealthSpan?
In recent years, the average lifespan has increased. In the early 1900s, the average life expectancy in the United States was only around 47 years. Today, it is close to 78 years. But there’s a catch: while we might be living longer, we’re not necessarily healthier. Indeed, despite living so much longer, the years spent in good health haven’t kept pace.
While modern medicine has helped us add years to our lives, it hasn’t necessarily added life to our years. According to some estimates, the average American spends the last ten or more years in declining health, battling chronic conditions that can diminish their quality of life.
This is where the concept of “health span” comes in.
Health span refers to the length of time we spend living in good health—feeling strong, active, and full of energy. It’s not just about how long you live but how well you live. Instead of simply focusing on extending lifespan, health span encourages us to prioritize the quality of life during those years.
This is where the concept of “health span” comes in.
lifespan
healthspan
Average healthspan vs. average lifespan in the US (in years)
Where BioTRUST Comes In
At BioTRUST, we believe healthy aging isn’t just about living longer; it’s about making sure we continue to live a life full of joy, movement, and vitality. While genes are a factor, more and more research suggests that lifestyle has a greater impact on your quality of life.
That’s why we encourage our community to prioritize:
Fitness & Exercise
Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to extend your health span. Exercise not only helps you maintain strength and keep unwanted fat gain away as you age but also supports cardiovascular health, bone density, and even cognitive function.
We believe strength training is for every body. Evidence highlights the important connection between muscular strength and lifespan, which is why many experts refer to exercise as a real “fountain of youth.” Two full-body or four split-body training sessions per week are recommended to keep your body strong and resilient.
Fitness & Exercise
In addition, cardiovascular exercise keeps the heart and lungs in top condition. You can start with a daily walk and work your way up to more intense activities. If you’re short on time, a couple of 10- to 15-minute HIIT (high-intensity interval training) sessions a week can do wonders.
Don’t forget balance and flexibility sessions. Stretching, tai chi, mobility training, and yoga can all help improve balance and help prevent falls, which become more common with age. Practices like yoga and tai chi can also help reduce stress, improve posture, and promote relaxation.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, strength training, or yoga, we encourage everyone to move each and every day. It’s important, however, to adapt your fitness routine to your personal needs and abilities—whether you’re new to exercise or are an experienced athlete. Remember, any movement is better than none, and consistency is key.
Mental Fitness
A positive mindset and strong mental health are just as crucial for healthy aging as physical health. Engaging in activities that challenge your brain, practicing mindfulness or meditation, maintaining social connections, and managing stress are all important aspects of aging well. It’s about nurturing your mind, just as you do your body.
There’s a strong link between mental and physical health. What’s good for the body is good for the mind, and vice versa. For instance, exercise has been shown to boost mood and improve sleep, making it a powerful tool for both mental and physical well-being.
Mental Fitness
Nutrition
Key nutrients like protein for maintaining strong muscles and bones, omega-3s for heart and brain health, and antioxidants to help the body fight excess inflammation and support a healthy immune system become even more crucial as we get older.
Proper nutrition plays a foundational role in healthy aging, and sometimes, our diets alone aren’t enough. As we age, changes in appetite, digestion, and nutrient absorption can make it harder to meet all our nutritional needs through diet alone. That’s where supplements can make a big difference.
Nutrition
At BioTRUST, we believe healthy aging isn’t just about living longer; it’s about making sure we continue to live a life full of joy, movement, and vitality. While genes are a factor, more and more research suggests that lifestyle has a greater impact on your quality of life.