The Growing Gap Between Lifespan and “Healthspan”: Why It Matters More Than Ever

People across the globe are living longer than ever before—but not necessarily better. The gap between our lifespan (how long we live) and what we might call our “healthspan” (how long we stay healthy) is widening each year, and the trend could cause for concern. At Kavod Senior Life – both in Assisted Living and Senior Living – we stay on top of trends to ensure we are providing the most updated care and support for our residents.

A 2024 study published in Global Health examined data from 183 World Health Organization member states and found a striking global pattern: while the average person can expect to live 72.5 years, only 63.3 of those years are spent in good health. That leaves nearly a decade of life marked by illness, pain, or disability.

The situation is especially troubling in the United States, where the healthspan-lifespan gap is the widest among all nations studied. Americans now spend an average of 12.4 years—up from 10.9 years in 2019—coping with chronic illness or disability.

This means that while medical advances have helped extend life expectancy, many people are spending more of those additional years struggling with preventable or manageable health issues.

Closing this gap requires more than just adding years to our lives—it means adding life to our years. Preventive care, healthier diets, regular physical activity, and social engagement all play a key role in extending the years we spend feeling strong and vibrant.

At Kavod, we are committed to supporting residents’ healthspan through programs that nurture both body and mind. From engaging exercise classes and wellness programs to social activities that foster meaningful connections, our goal is to help every resident live their healthiest, happiest years—not just a longer life. Whether our residents are in Assisted Living or Senior Living, Kavod provides robust offerings and services to help our residents – as well as outside visitors – be as healthy as possible.

The challenge is clear, but so is the opportunity: by prioritizing healthspan alongside lifespan, we can redefine what it truly means to age well. At Kavod, we’re committed to meeting this challenge, every day, one resident at a time.