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
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    physical health
    5 Ways Playing Games Can Improve Neural and Physical Health
    September 9, 2022
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    Reasons For Hair Loss and Its Treatment
    February 16, 2022
    healthcare organization
    5 Actionable Strategies For Healthcare Organizations
    August 15, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    What Would You Do?
    January 28, 2013
    How Martin Shkreli is driving down drug prices
    May 24, 2017
    Here’s How The Body Deals With Pain – And How You Can Treat Yours
    December 31, 2018
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • 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

Rural Healthcare: Increasing Access to Physicians and Technology
Doc Foreman: Suicide Education and Twitter [PODCAST]
More on the Longevity Project
9 Criticisms of the Readmission Reduction Program
23andMe Suspends Genetic Testing During Review Process

“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

9 Lifestyle Tweaks That Can Add Years to Your Life
9 Healthcare Lifestyle Tweaks That can Add Years to Your Life
lifestyle
July 11, 2025
car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025

You Might also Like

brain-enhancing strategies
Public HealthSpecialties

APTA Session Recap: What We Say Feeds White and Grey

February 18, 2014
Home HealthWellness

7 Key Aspects Of Longterm Health And Wellness

May 16, 2020

National Patient Safety Foundation Launches 7/365 Campaign for Patient Safety

February 23, 2013

Schumer’s Completely Unhelpful Approach to Curbing Drug Shortages

December 8, 2011
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?