Ageing gracefully: the shift from lifespan to healthspan
A holistic approach to health can add years to life and life to years
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Everyone wants to live longer. And in the last century, average global life expectancy has significantly increased. However, living longer and living better do not always go hand in hand.
Addressing the healthspan-lifespan gap begins with viewing health as a proactive investment in well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity.
For males and females in Hong Kong, life expectancy stands at 81 years and 87 years respectively, which is the second highest among the world, according to the latest data from the World Bank Group.1
But a high ranking for life expectancy does not necessarily reflect a better state of health – far from it. A 2023 study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong2 shows that while people in Hong Kong and Macau are living longer, they are increasingly experiencing health issues that negatively impact their quality of life. A survey by the Kantar Group3 also found that 81 per cent of individuals in Hong Kong exhibit symptoms of suboptimal health. With the health issues that come with longer life expectancy, the view of what it means to be healthy needs a radical rethink.
Indeed, preventive and predictive measures are essential to improving a person’s healthspan, as well as their future health. Regular screenings, vaccinations and healthy lifestyle guidance can mitigate the impact of chronic disease through early intervention, while addressing common health symptoms such as fatigue, backache, anxiety and insomnia can enhance the quality of life, ensuring years of future vitality.
