15 Feb Understanding the Vital Distinction Between Lifespan versus Healthspan

At The Woodlands at Furman, “Author Your Life” isn’t just a clever marketing phrase but a central maxim to how we approach residential life in our community.

So, this month, we chose to introduce readers to the concepts of “lifespan” and “healthspan,” which have become integral to discussions surrounding longevity, pertain to life at The Woodlands and have broader implications for our society. Technology now assists us with living decades longer, but the quality of that life is often at odds with the caliber of that experience.

While lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives, healthspan emphasizes the number of years an individual lives in good health, free from chronic diseases and functional decline. At The Woodlands, that is what we want for all residents.

Martial artist, actor and philosopher Chuck Norris explained it this way, “The key to the future in an aging society is not found in increasing just our lifespan; we need to increase our healthspan at the same time.” And who can argue with Chuck Norris?

Defining Lifespan and Healthspan

This blog delves into the critical differences between these terms and explores why the healthspan approach is emerging as the key to unlocking a truly vibrant and extended life. We will also highlight how living in a community like ours can support healthspan and keep you living well and enjoying a longer life.

Lifespan, in its most straightforward definition, represents the duration of an individual’s life from birth to death. It is a quantitative measure that, until recently, has been the primary focus when discussing longevity. However, the focus on mere years lived does not capture the essence of quality in those years.

Healthspan, on the other hand, introduces a qualitative dimension to longevity. Healthspan represents the portion of an individual’s lifespan during which they enjoy good health, characterized by physical and mental well-being. This approach shifts the emphasis from the number of years lived to the quality of those years, acknowledging that true longevity is not just about adding years to life but adding life to years.

“Healthspan is increasingly being recognized as an important concept because it emphasizes the importance of not only living a long life but also living a healthy and productive life,” Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, an internal medicine physician, told Fortune magazine. She founded End Well, a non–profit focused on end-of-life care.  

The Woodlands at Furman is about embracing “healthspans” as a way of life. So many of our programs, services and amenities are a near–perfect fit with this new paradigm. The Woodlands is all about quality of life, from moving the body to engaging the mind to keeping social to connecting with nature to providing assistance for aging well.   

Three Reasons Healthspan Matters

1. Quality Over Quantity: Healthspan recognizes the importance of maintaining vitality and wellness throughout the aging process. It’s not just about living longer; it’s about living better for a more extended period. Healthspan is about compressing the period of illness and disability towards the end of life.
2. Reduces the Burden of Chronic Diseases: Focusing on healthspan involves strategies to prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases associated with aging, such as heart disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Extending healthspan means compressing the time we spend being unwell, which is the most important goal.
3. Maintains Functionality and Independence: Healthspan is closely linked to maintaining physical and cognitive function. At The Woodlands, we want to add life to years by preventing and treating what we can and optimizing function so older people can live independently and contribute to their communities.

The Components of Healthspan

Achieving a prolonged healthspan involves adopting a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of well-being. Here are key components contributing to a robust healthspan and how The Woodlands supports them. 

1. Nutrition A balanced and nutrient-rich diet plays a fundamental role in supporting healthspan. Consuming a variety of whole foods, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, helps protect against age-related diseases.

At The Woodlands at Furman, our best-in-class dining experience gives you the nutritional balance to help you flourish well into the ensuing decades. We offer a number of vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy and gluten-free options. Everything is made fresh from scratch. So, you will find very few prepacked, unhealthy, processed foods being served here. While everything is good, our salad bar is something special. From creating a simple side salad to making a hearty dinner salad dish with dozens of different types of favorite fresh ingredients, you will always love what you make.

1. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of healthspan. Aerobic and strength-training exercises contribute to cardiovascular health, muscle strength and overall well-being. We couldn’t agree more. On this point, The Woodlands takes a holistic approach to extended living, including a 360-degree look at health and wellness. Our new 13,000 sq. ft. Community Village, which makes it even easier to nurture your mind, body and spirit exemplifies this. With a fitness center, indoor pool, activities room, day spa and more, you’ll find plenty of ways to be well on your way.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Cognitive health and emotional resilience are crucial for a thriving healthspan. Activities, such as mindfulness, social connections and lifelong learning contribute to mental well-being. This is another area where The Woodlands at Furman excels. While The Woodlands is quiet and serene, it is nice to know you’re just a short jaunt away from youthful vibrancy and intergenerational connections. Furman University welcomes our residents with open arms, and the students also join us in our community as team members and volunteers. 
3. Sleep Quality: Sufficient and quality sleep is essential for physical and cognitive restoration. Poor sleep is linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and cognitive decline. The Woodlands is in a quiet area and doesn’t have that hustle and bustle compared to communities in downtown Greenville, SC. 
4. Stress Management: Chronic stress accelerates aging and negatively impacts healthspan. Adopting stress management techniques, such as meditation and relaxation practices, contributes to overall well-being. The Woodlands offers yoga and other wellness classes. Some residents practice meditation, group prayer, support groups and worship circles. Religious services are held on campus a couple of days a week.
5. Preventive Healthcare: Regular check-ups, screenings and preventive measures are vital for early detection and management of potential health issues. The Woodlands helps residents find medical professionals in the area, and we do offer a group wellness fair once a year. Plus, we have highly rated long-term skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation, if you need it, as well as assisted living and memory care. 

Where longevity and lifestyle meet.

Life at the Woodlands at Furman allows you to embrace the concept of healthspan right where you live. Voted “Best of the Upstate” seven years running, our campus offers a full continuum of care with a full spectrum of experience. On the journey toward a longer and more fulfilling life, we strive to be your ally, expanding your healthspan for optimal well-being at every level. For more information about our amenities and services, we recommend joining us for a tour.