By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Health Span: a Nifty Measure
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Public Health > Health Span: a Nifty Measure
Public Health

Health Span: a Nifty Measure

DavidEWilliams
DavidEWilliams
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

One of the striking things about people who live to very old ages is how spry and healthy many are until close to the end. There are exceptions of course, but in general the very old are a hopeful beacon for those who are younger. So I was happy to see a Wall Street Journal article (Living Lab Sets Up at a Seniors Residence), which profiles efforts by the Mayo Clinic to apply research on healthier aging to an old-age residence next door.

One of the striking things about people who live to very old ages is how spry and healthy many are until close to the end. There are exceptions of course, but in general the very old are a hopeful beacon for those who are younger. So I was happy to see a Wall Street Journal article (Living Lab Sets Up at a Seniors Residence), which profiles efforts by the Mayo Clinic to apply research on healthier aging to an old-age residence next door. The article introduced me to the term “health span,” defined as “the number of years living on one’s own and free of major disease.” That’s a great objective that conforms to how almost everyone wants to age.

Researchers –and presumably their subjects, too– are looking for ways to extend the health span and bring it as close to the lifespan as possible. Techniques include medication adherence apps, vital sign monitoring systems, and seeking medications to improve muscle function. The article doesn’t discuss non-medical interventions, but there is a photo of residents lifting weights so presumably that’s an important part of the approach. I sure hope so.

“If you can attack the intersection between aging and chronic disease, you could really improve the health and independence of older people,” says Dr. [James] Kirkland, [head of Mayo’s Center on Aging].

More Read

Debunking Another Eco Scare
Diabetic Emergencies 101
Dual-Eligibility: An Overworked and Overlooked Population?
CMS Medicare Data Dump Shows Why Transparency Is Only Half the Battle
Healing Environments

“This could substantially decrease health costs, especially if we are able to extend health span and shorten the period of disability at the end of the life span,” he adds.

I hope it works out.

 


TAGGED:geriatricshealth spanwellness
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

How To Attract Patients in a Consumer-Driven Healthcare Market

February 13, 2016
Image
Global HealthcareMedical InnovationsMobile HealthPublic HealthTechnology

Mobile Health Around the Globe: US – Aneesh Chopra Talks

March 19, 2012

Working Together to Improve Health Outcomes While Saving Money

April 16, 2012
heath exchange enrollment rates
FinanceHealth ReformPolicy & LawPublic Health

Health Exchange Enrollment: Speed of Light or…Molasses

November 13, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?