Lifespan vs Healthspan

What healthspan means, how it differs from lifespan, and why most longevity advice is really about compression of morbidity.

Intro

Most people who talk about “longevity” actually want more good years, not just more years. That’s healthspan.

Key Points

  • Lifespan = total years lived
  • Healthspan = years lived in good function
  • Many interventions aim at compression of morbidity
  • Improving healthspan can be valuable even without adding years

Background

Stub: expand with examples (BP control, exercise, vaccination, smoking cessation).

FAQ

Q: What is healthspan?
A: The portion of life spent in good health and function.

Q: What is compression of morbidity?
A: Delaying disease so ill-health occupies a shorter period near end of life.

Q: Can healthspan improve without changing lifespan?
A: Yes — often.