Healthy Hundred

Petra was visiting her great-aunt in the local care home. At 95, her great-aunt had outlived many of her peers, but she was bedridden, spending her days in a small, neatly kept room, unable to enjoy the rich life she once had. While Petra reflected as her great-aunt dozed, she wondered why some people seemed to age better than others. It struck her that her great-aunt’s life span—years lived—was much longer than her health span—years lived in good health. This realization ignited a determination in Petra to find out how she could ensure her own health span would exceed her life span.

Life span refers to the total number of years a person lives, while health span focuses on the years spent in good health. In today’s world, many people are living into their 90s or even 100s, but sadly, for many, those years are filled with chronic pain, illness, and dependence on others, leading to a poor quality of life.

Lifestyle choices significantly impact health span. Developing healthier habits can lead to a longer, more vibrant life. This includes adopting a balanced diet rich in whole foods and low in sugar, staying physically active, and fostering strong social connections. Making small, consistent changes can lead to significant improvements over time.

By focusing on both life span and health span, You could be active and engaged well into your later years. Longevity isn’t just about the number of years you have; it’s about living those years to the fullest. Start cultivating new habits today to ensure your health span exceeds your life span!