Lifespan is defined simply as the length of time a person (or any other living thing) lives.Human lifespans have become increasingly longer over the years, mostly related to better healthcare.
However, there are increasing concerns about living longer but having a poor state of health. Hence the debate about healthier lifespans against just longer lifespans.
As humans age, their physiology keeps deteriorating. This natural process cannot as yet be halted, or reversed. Our muscles, heart, kidneys, and any other organ will increasingly fail as we age. This inevitably leads to some form of dependence, and poor overall quality of life.
Those afflicted with disease are worse off, and their long lives may be full of misery. Eventually, misery or no misery the body just fails to self-sustain, and we then die. But can we live longer, and eventually die in good health? The science of ageing has been grappling with this query for a while.
Being free of any type of disease is a good starting point. That means disease prevention, and prompt medical interventions whenever necessary. Then there are modifiable lifestyle factors that contribute to longevity and health. This is an ongoing area of intense research into healthy ageing.
Some think you can deliberately live longer and healthier. But others aren’t so sure as ageing is intertwined with a multiplicity of factors that include genetics. But proponents of longer and healthier lifespans have a lot to back their arguments. The good old advice about physical activities has stood the test of time.
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Those who exercise can expect to be physiologically better when older. Those who don’t smoke or drink, including avoiding other toxins, have less predisposition to major ailments over time. The socially connected, with family and friends, have been observed to live longer and healthier. Those who heed health advisories, like vaccines and disease screening, may expect to win with longevity and health. What about magic pills for healthier longevity?
The science behind any magic pills remains questionable. Those with some deficiencies will certainly benefit from carefully selected supplements. But for the rest, it’s a feel-good walk in the park. Just having the right kind of diet is good enough, paired with a healthier lifestyle. Does it matter if you are healthy at the end of your lifespan? Some may argue it matters little, the sickly dead and the healthy dead are all at the same point. The choice is yours.
Dr Alfred Murage is a Consultant Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist.