Ep.2/ Health span vs life span
As we age, it's not just about how long we live.....its about the quality of those living years too.
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What Does "Life Span" and "Health Span" Mean?
Life span refers to the amount of time a person is expected to live, based on various demographic and health-related factors.
On the other hand, health span is the period of time during which a person is generally healthy and free from chronic disease or disability. It's all about staying healthy, fit, and fabulous as we age....about keeping our bodies and minds in tip-top shape so we can keep living our best lives for as long as possible.
While these two concepts have some overlap, they are actually quite different. Life span is largely determined by genetics and environmental factors, whereas health span is largely determined by lifestyle choices and behaviors.
In other words, just because someone has a long life span does not necessarily mean they have a long health span.
And why is it important to understand the difference between the two?
The importance of health span over life span cannot be overstated. Having a long life without good health is not desirable, as it can lead to increased medical expenses, decreased quality of life, and decreased independence. In contrast, having a long health span allows individuals to enjoy a higher quality of life, maintain independence, and avoid many of the chronic diseases and disabilities associated with aging.
The good news is that there are several things you and I can do to increase our health span. Simple lifestyle choices that can increase our quality of life as we age including:
regular physical activity
proper and adequate nutrients
healthy stress management
avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
and getting enough sleep.
These lifestyle choices might not always come easy or naturally, but they are simple (and for the most part, FREE). So let's talk about them for a minute.
Regular Physical Activity
is particularly important for increasing health span, as it has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength and flexibility, and decrease the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain types of cancer. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, regular exercise can reduce the risk of these diseases by up to 35%.
I know, I know, the thought of hitting the gym might make you want to run in the opposite direction. But trust me, exercise doesn't have to be boring or torturous.
In fact, if you feel like exercise is a four-letter work, check out my blog post about Physical Activity for Women Who Hate to Exercise.
The trick is to find something you enjoy doing - whether it's yoga, dance classes, or even just walking your dog - and make it a regular part of your routine. Not only will it help keep your body healthy, but it's also a great way to de-stress and boost your mood.
Proper and Adequate Nutrition
is also crucial, as it provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly and can help to prevent chronic diseases. Yes, we all love our chocolate and wine, and I am in no way advocating for abstinence of any yummy indulgence. But it's important to make sure we're getting enough of the good stuff too.
Eat plenty of fruits, veggies, and lean proteins. And don't forget about hydration - drink plenty of water to keep your body happy and healthy. It may not sound super sexy to talk healthy, life-giving foods.....but when you are talking health span, it makes a BIG difference.
Good Quality Sleep
I know it's tempting to skimp on sleep to get everything done, but trust me, your body needs those zzz's. Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night, and don't be afraid to take naps if you need them. If sleep is a struggle for you, check out my course Sleep Yourself Well. Its a great way to jumpstart the health benefits of good, quality sleep.
There is simply no substitute for sleep. You can't make it up later and the negative health effects of sleep deprivation will compound significantly overtime.
Stress Management
is a big one too. Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including an increased risk of heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Stress is inevitable in this fast-paced world we live in, but there are ways to manage stress in a healthy way. Too much stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds.
Find ways to manage your stress, whether it's through meditation, deep breathing, or even just taking a bubble bath. Your body (and your sanity) will thank you.
Tangible Tips to Increase Your Health Span
As we wrap up this topic today, I want to acknowledge that as women, we all want to age gracefully and maintain our health for as long as possible. While many people focus on increasing their lifespan, it's important to remember that the quality of life is just as important. That's why focusing on increasing your health span is crucial.
To recap, here are some simple ways us ladies can increase our health span and age well:
1. Exercise Regularly - Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet - You've likely heard this from me before....focus on eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed and junk foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Annnnnd make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
3. Manage Stress - Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation. To learn different ways to help manage stress, check out my FREE Mindfulness Email Series.
4. Sleep Well - Take a good look at your quality and quantity of sleep, prioritizing this beautiful form of self care.
5. Keep Learning - we didn't talk much about this one yet but keeping your mind active can also help increase your health span. Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as reading, doing puzzles, or learning a new language or skill. Keeping your mind active can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and improve your overall mental health.
Actually, these are all areas I help my clients work on, as part of the Coaching Program I offer. If you are interested in getting some support and accountability here, I invite you to check out the details at WendyImmel.com/Coaching
So There You Have it - Ladies...
So there you have it, ladies - some tips for increasing your health span and living your best life. While there are many factors that contribute to Life Span, and several that are outside of our control......these are some simple (and mostly FREE) ways to increase our Health Span.
I don't just want to "age well". I want to be 82, strutting my stuff in a gawdy hat and pulling off great April Fools Jokes on the kids.
Let's keep our bodies and minds in top shape so we can keep enjoying all the amazing things life has to offer, whether it's dancing with our friends, traveling the world, or just enjoying a glass of wine on the porch. Here's to a long, healthy, and fabulous life!
