You've likely heard the terms "longevity" and "healthspan" used when discussing a long life. While often used interchangeably, they actually mean different things.
Longevity simply refers to the total length of your life – how many years you live from birth to death. It's about quantity.
While living a long time is generally desirable, simply extending the number of years isn't the sole goal for many.This is where healthspan comes in.
Healthspan is the period of your life spent in good health, free from chronic disease, pain, and significant disability. It's about the quality of those years.
Imagine living to 95, but the last 20 years are spent struggling with severe health issues. That's a long longevity, but a shorter healthspan.
Ultimately, most of us want both: to live a long time, and to live those years actively, independently, and vibrantly. Focusing on your healthspan means making choices now – like regular exercise, good nutrition, and managing stress – that help you maintain your physical and mental capabilities for as long as possible.
Remember, it's not just about adding years to your life; it's about having the energy, mobility, and independence to do the things you love well into your later years.
At Kilkenny Pilates, we get this. That's why we have a special interest in the specific exercise needs of those over 55—because as our bodies change through the years, how we exercise needs to change too.