Global Life Expectancy vs. Healthspan: A Widening Gap
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has shed light on a pressing issue: while global life expectancy has seen steady growth, the number of years individuals live in good health has not kept pace. The research, spanning two decades and covering data from 183 World Health Organization (WHO) member states, was led by Armin Garmany and Dr. Andre Terzic from the Mayo Clinic. It highlights a stark reality: there is an average global gap of 9.6 years between lifespan and healthspan.
This disparity carries profound implications for public health policies, healthcare systems, and the overall quality of life, prompting critical questions about how societies address the health challenges of aging populations.
Disparities in the Healthspan-Lifespan Divide
The findings reveal that from 2000 to 2019, global life expectancy increased by an average of 6.5 years. However, health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) rose by only 5.4 years during the same period. This widening gap underscores the growing burden of years lived with disease or disability. 
High-income nations such as the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom show some of the largest gaps, with the U.S. leading at 12.4 years. This is primarily attributed to the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as mental health challenges. Meanwhile, countries like Lesotho and the Central African Republic, with smaller gaps, reflect differing healthcare burdens shaped by resource constraints and varied disease profiles.
The study also highlights gender disparities, with women experiencing a wider healthspan-lifespan gap than men. Globally, women’s gap averages 2.4 years more than men’s, a disparity linked to their higher life expectancy and greater burden of chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders. For instance, in the U.S., the gap for women increased from 12.2 years in 2000 to 13.7 years in 2019, compared to 10.9 to 12.4 years for men during the same period.
Lifespan and Healthspan: Noncommunicable Diseases as Key Drivers
The research identifies noncommunicable diseases as the primary contributors to the healthspan-lifespan gap. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders account for a significant portion of years lived with disability. In high-income countries, aging populations and lifestyle factors exacerbate this burden.
The U.S., for example, struggles with a heavy NCD load and modest gains in health-adjusted life expectancy. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including early disease detection, better access to preventive healthcare, and interventions targeting modifiable risk factors.
Prevention as the Path Forward
Organizations like Hevolution Foundation are emphasizing prevention as the cornerstone of healthy aging. Dedicated to extending healthspan, Hevolution invests in research to understand the biological processes of aging and develop interventions that promote wellness.
Dr. Mehmood Khan, CEO of Hevolution Foundation, stated, “We’ve learned to live longer, but not healthier. The challenge now is to bridge this gap and transform the final decades of life into disease-free periods.”
Khan advocates for shifting healthcare systems from reactive, symptom-focused approaches to proactive, prevention-driven strategies. Highlighting economic incentives, he noted that increasing healthy life expectancy by just one year could save $38 trillion annually in healthcare costs and productivity gains globally.
A Call to Action for Policymakers and Society
The findings emphasize the need for governments to prioritize healthspan-focused policies. Countries like the United Kingdom and Singapore have already set measurable goals to increase healthspan by five years, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 includes aging prevention as a key initiative.
Dr. Khan also stresses the importance of international collaboration. “Global leaders must come together to share discoveries and accelerate progress. By aligning efforts across borders, we can create a healthier future for all,” he said.
Beyond governmental action, public awareness is critical. Educating individuals on the importance of healthspan over lifespan can help shift societal mindsets. Advances in aging science, such as research into compounds like metformin and rapamycin, offer promising pathways to delay age-related diseases and improve quality of life in later years.
Addressing a Universal Challenge with Local Solutions
While the healthspan-lifespan gap is a global issue, localized solutions are crucial. Understanding regional disparities in healthcare challenges allows for targeted strategies to address specific needs.
For organizations like Hevolution Foundation, the mission extends beyond research: it involves fostering collaboration between governments, scientists, and healthcare systems to create a proactive approach to aging. As Dr. Khan concluded, “Extending healthy years of life is not just a medical goal; it’s a societal imperative that requires comprehensive, united efforts.”
