Mayo Clinic research has revealed that people worldwide are living longer lives, but not necessarily healthier ones. A study conducted in 183 World Health Organization (WHO) member countries found that the additional years of life are increasingly plagued by disease. The research, led by Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., and Armin Garmany, highlights a growing disparity between lifespan and healthspan, with their findings published in JAMA Network Open.
According to Dr. Terzic, “The data show that gains in longevity are not matched with equivalent advances in healthy longevity. Growing older often means more years of life burdened with disease.” This research sheds light on the need to address the widening gap between lifespan and healthspan, emphasizing the importance of closing this divide for better quality of life.
Life expectancy has increased globally, with women now living an average of 80.7 years and men living 76.3 years. However, the number of years spent in good health has not seen a corresponding increase. The average global gap between lifespan and healthspan was 9.6 years in 2019, representing a 13% increase since 2000.
The United States recorded the highest average lifespan-health span divide, with Americans living 12.4 years on average with disability and sickness. Chronic diseases such as mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and musculoskeletal conditions were major contributors to illness in the country.
Additionally, the study found a 25% gender disparity worldwide, with women experiencing a 2.4-year larger gap in lifespan versus healthspan compared to men. Neurological, musculoskeletal, urinary, and genital tract disorders were highlighted as key contributors to extended years of poor health among women.
Armin Garmany, the first author of the study, emphasized the need for proactive wellness-centric care systems to address the widening healthspan-lifespan gap. By identifying the unique contributors to this gap in each country, healthcare interventions specific to each region can be implemented.
The research team at Mayo Clinic analyzed data from the WHO Global Health Observatory to calculate the healthspan-lifespan gap for each member state. Their cross-sectional study provided insights into life expectancy, health-adjusted life expectancy, years lived with disease, and years of life lost among member states.
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the importance of addressing the growing disparity between lifespan and healthspan globally. By focusing on proactive wellness strategies and tailored healthcare interventions, we can work towards closing the healthspan-lifespan gap and improving the quality of life for individuals around the world.
