People around the world are living longer lives. But the question remains: are they living healthier lives? According to groundbreaking research from the Mayo Clinic, the answer is increasingly no. A study spanning 183 World Health Organization (WHO) member countries reveals a growing gap between lifespan — the total years lived — and healthspan, which refers to the years lived in good health.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study led by Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., and Armin Garmany sheds light on this widening disparity. The findings call for urgent reforms to emphasize wellness-focused healthcare systems.
THE LIFESPAN-HEALTHSPAN DIVIDE
Lifespan measures life expectancy, while healthspan reflects the disease-free years of life. Between 2000 and 2019, global life expectancy improved, increasing to 80.7 years for women and 76.3 years for men. Yet, healthspan struggled to keep pace.
On average, people lived 9.6 years of their lives burdened by disease in 2019. This shows a 13% increase in the lifespan-healthspan gap compared to 2000.
THE U.S. FACES THE LARGEST GAP
The United States reported the widest lifespan-healthspan divide globally. On average, Americans lived 12.4 years with illness or disability in 2019. This marks a significant rise from 10.9 years in 2000.
Chronic diseases, mental health issues, substance use disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions emerged as the primary drivers of prolonged poor health. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted healthcare policies and practices.
GENDER DISPARITIES IN HEALTHSPAN
Globally, women experience a larger healthspan-lifespan gap than men. Across the 183 countries studied, women endured 2.4 more years of poor health compared to their male counterparts.
Neurological disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, and urinary and genital tract disorders contributed significantly to women’s prolonged years of illness. Addressing gender-specific health challenges is vital to closing this disparity.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS AND CHALLENGES
The study revealed that the healthspan-lifespan gap varies widely across regions. Cultural, economic, and healthcare system differences influence the burden of disease in each area.
For instance:
- High-income countries face challenges from non-communicable diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
- Low- and middle-income nations grapple with infectious diseases alongside rising rates of chronic conditions.
THE NEED FOR WELLNESS-CENTRIC CARE
Dr. Armin Garmany emphasizes a shift toward wellness-focused care systems. “The widening healthspan-lifespan gap globally points to the need for proactive care,” he explains.
Proactive care systems focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and lifestyle interventions. These approaches can significantly reduce the burden of disease and improve quality of life.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHSPAN RESEARCH
The Mayo Clinic study used WHO Global Health Observatory data to calculate the lifespan-healthspan gap. Researchers analyzed life expectancy, health-adjusted life expectancy, years lived with disease, and years of life lost.
By identifying the contributors to this gap, healthcare systems can implement targeted strategies to improve healthy longevity. Future research should explore how demographics, health trends, and economic factors shape these disparities.
SOLUTIONS TO BRIDGE THE GAP
Addressing the lifespan-healthspan divide requires a multifaceted approach. Key recommendations include:
- Promoting Preventive Healthcare: Regular screenings and lifestyle changes can delay the onset of chronic diseases.
- Targeting Gender-Specific Issues: Tailored interventions for women’s health challenges are essential.
- Strengthening Mental Health Support: Resources for mental health and substance use disorders should be expanded.
- Encouraging Healthy Aging: Public awareness campaigns can highlight the importance of nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
- Investing in Research: Comprehensive studies can uncover patterns unique to specific regions, enabling more effective interventions.
