We’ve all heard about lifespan – the number of years that we’re alive. But what if those years aren’t all created equal? Enter healthspan, a concept that is gaining significant traction in the wellness and longevity spheres. Healthspan isn’t just about living longer; it’s about living well for longer, enjoying more years free from chronic disease and the limitations of ageing. So let’s take a closer look…
When we think about it, would you rather live to 95yrs old with significant health issues, or to 85 with vitality, energy and the ability to enjoy life to the fullest? Most of us would possibly choose the latter. That’s the power of focusing on healthspan over lifespan.
What exactly is healthspan?
Simply put, healthspan refers to the period of your life during which you are in good health – free from major age-related diseases such as heart disease, a stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes, maintaining good physical and cognitive function. It’s about the quality of your years, not just the quantity spent in discomfort.
Why is healthspan gaining so much attention?
While extending lifespan has been a long-standing goal for many, the focus is shifting towards a more holistic view of ageing. Living longer without quality of life can place a significant burden on individuals, families and healthcare systems alike. Whereas, improving healthspan offers a win-win scenaerio, as individuals are able to enjoy more vibrant and fulfilling lives, and society benefits from a healthier, more productive population.
The Good News: You Have More Control Than You Think!
While genetics certainly play a role, research is increasingly showing that lifestyle factors have a profound impact on our healthspan. The choices that we make every day can significantly influence how long we stay healthy and active for throughout our life.
If you’re ready to optimise your healthspan, here are some top tips to get you started:
- Nourish Your Body with Whole Foods: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats provides the essential nutrients that your body needs to thrive. Focus on a colourful plate and limit processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive saturated and unhealthy fats. Think of food as fuel and medicine!
- Move Your Body Regularly: Physical activity isn’t just about staying trim; it’s crucial for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular health and healthy cognitive function. Aim for a combination of aerobic exercise – brisk walking, swimming or cycling – and strength training several times a week. Find activities that you truly enjoy doing so that you can make it a sustainable habit.
- Prioritise Quality Sleep: Sleep is when your body repairs and rejuvenates. Chronic sleep deprivation can increase the risk of various health problems as well as accelerating ageing. Aim to get between 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night by establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and optimising your sleep environment.
- Manage Stress Effectively: Chronic stress takes a significant toll on both physical and mental health. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies is key. Building resilience allows us to nurture longterm wellbeing.
- Stay Socially Connected: Strong social connections are vital for mental and emotional health, which in turn impacts our physical health. Try to engage with friends, family and your community as loneliness and isolation can have detrimental effects on healthspan.
- Stimulate Your Mind: Just like the body, our brains needs regular exercise too. Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles, learning new skills or creative pursuits. This can help to maintain cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Regular Health Check-ups and Prevention: Early detection and preventative care are crucial for managing potential health issues before they become major problems. Schedule regular check-ups with your doctor or practitioner and attend recommended health screenings.
Lola Health: NMN (NAD+ Booster) Capsules
A brand that I personally love are Lola Health and their NMN (NAD+ Booster) Capsules which are vegan friendly and come in 250mg, 30 days supply. Scientifically-formulated, these NMN capsules boost NAD+ levels to enhance cellular energy, sharpen focus and cognitive function, support the metabolism and promote healthy ageing for optimal longevity with a purity of 99.5%+. You simply take two capsules per day, in the morning without food.
NMN, Nicotinamide Mononucleotide, is a powerful precursor to NAD+ which is a vital molecule that the body needs for energy production and cellular repair. NMN therefore plays a critical role in in providing cells with the direct fuel necessary to synthesise more NAD+. Occurring naturally in small amounts within foods such as broccoli and avocado, dietary sources alone are not sufficient to maintain optimal NAD+ levels as we age. However, taking NMN in a concentrated form increases NAD+ more effectively, making it a sustainable tool to slow down age-related decline.
Within the first two weeks of use, energy levels and mental clarity become noticeable, kickstarting cells to feel more awake, focused and ready for daily challenges. Moods become brighter and mornings less sluggishness. Within two to eight weeks of use these benefits deepen, enhancing the metabolism as cells become more efficient at turning nutrients into energy, as the body feels stronger and more resilient. The body begins to repair itself more effectively, with improved stamina and sharper concentration.
From two months onwards, with consistent use, longterm cellular health benefits can be felt. NAD+ levels are able to stabilise at a higher baseline, supporting sustained energy, elevated mood and metabolic function. This phase promotes longevity by helping cells to combat age-related decline, leaving you feeling vibrant and more active. Over time, the cumulative effects of healthier ageing increase, allowing for better recovery after exercise and a renewed sense of vitality.
I think that we can all agree, at any age and stage of our life, good health is vitally important to our happiness and wellbeing. Healthspan is a powerful concept that empowers us to truly take control of our ageing journey by not just about adding years to our lives, but adding life to our years. By adopting healthy lifestyle habits and routines now, we can significantly increase our chances of enjoying a longer, healthier and more fulfilling life.
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