Study finds longer periods of poor health toward end of life

Living longer doesn’t always mean living healthier, as a recent study published in JAMA Network Open has revealed. The study found a “widening gap between lifespan and healthspan” among 183 countries, indicating that people are living longer but not necessarily in good health.

In 2019, the global “healthspan-lifespan gap” was 9.6 years, a 13% increase from 8.5 years in 2019, according to Mayo Clinic researchers. The United States had the largest gap, with Americans living in poor health for an average of 12.4 years, compared to 10.9 years in 2000. This trend is primarily due to the high burden of chronic diseases in the country, including mental illness, substance use disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions.

Lead study author Dr. Andre Terzic, from the Mayo Clinic, emphasized the importance of addressing this gap, calling it a “universal threat to healthy longevity.” He highlighted the need for a shift towards proactive, wellness-centric care systems to promote better health outcomes.

The study also found a gender gap, with women experiencing more years in poor health than men. Worldwide, women live longer than men but have a 2.4-year wider healthspan-lifespan gap. In the U.S., women had a higher burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly musculoskeletal, genitourinary, and neurological conditions.

Grant Antoine, a naturopathic doctor and clinical lead at Viome, a health care testing company, pointed out several factors contributing to the widening healthspan-lifespan gap in the U.S. These include poor nutrition, imbalanced gut health, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyles, and preventable diseases.

Antoine stressed the importance of personalized nutrition in closing the healthspan-lifespan gap. He recommended a science-backed approach to nutrition that takes into account each individual’s biology, rather than a one-size-fits-all diet. By prioritizing personalized nutrition, people can improve their overall health and increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives.

In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the need for a holistic approach to health and wellness, focusing on personalized care and preventive measures. By addressing the root causes of poor health and promoting healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can strive to narrow the gap between lifespan and healthspan, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.