Lifespan, healthspan, and the challenge to close the gap

Thanks to modern medicine and an improved lifestyle, people are living longer than ever before, with the average life expectancy exceeding 70 years, and some even reaching 100 or more. However, although we have extended lifespan, people spend the last 9-12 years of their lives battling chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or cognitive impairments such as diabetes, heart disease, or dementia. 
 

This is where the difference between lifespan and healthspan becomes apparent. Ideally, a person's healthspan and lifespan should be closely aligned, meaning they remain healthy for the majority of their life and experience only a short period of illness before death. This raises an important question: if we can add years to life, can we also make those years full of vitality? Scientists believe the answer lies in a combination of genetics, lifestyle choices, and medical advancements.

Natural factors also contribute to longevity and healthspan. Studies on centenarians—those who reach 100 or beyond—show that many have genes that help them stay healthier as they age. These genes influence things like how well cells repair themselves and how efficiently the body manages energy. 

But genes alone aren’t enough. Our daily habits play a huge role in how well we age. Certain foods like berries, nuts, dark chocolate, and omega-3-rich fish can help protect against disease and slow down aging. There’s also evidence that eating a little less or practicing intermittent fasting could help the body stay younger at a cellular level.

Exercise is another big factor. It can help keep muscles strong, support heart health, and even protect brain function. Mental health and social engagement matter just as much. People who stay socially connected, keep learning new things, and engage in mentally stimulating activities are less likely to develop dementia. Sleep and stress management are just as important. Poor sleep and chronic stress speed up aging, while good sleep habits, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help slow it down.

Beyond lifestyle changes, scientists are developing medical approaches to align lifespan and healthspan. Researchers are exploring drugs called senolytics, which remove dysfunctional cells that contribute to aging. They’re also studying NAD+ boosters, which help cells repair themselves and maintain energy levels. Some existing drugs, like metformin and rapamycin—originally developed for diabetes and immune suppression are now being tested for their potential to slow aging.

In the future, gene therapy and epigenetic reprogramming could influence the aging process itself by repairing DNA damage and activating youth-preserving genes. However, it's essential to care for both physical and cognitive health through cognitive training and early interventions for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

While we wait for the next big breakthrough, there’s already plenty we can do. Making smart choices—eating well, staying active, managing stress, and keeping our minds engaged—can have a huge impact on how we age. The goal isn’t just to add more years to life, but to make sure those extra years are full of energy and vitality. And with all the advancements happening in aging research, a future where we live longer, and healthier lives may be closer than we think.

Milda Sakalauskaite
Doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki