Every person has the desire to stay healthy as they age.But new figures show that a longer life is rarely accompanied by excellent health.
Life expectancy is continuously increasing worldwide, but this positive development also has a dark side. According to a study by the renowned Mayo clinic in the USA, people often spend the additional years of life they gain sick.
The researchers analyzed health data from 183 member countries of the World Health Institution (WHO). They discovered that the additional years of life are usually not spent in good health.“The data shows that the increased lifespan is not accompanied by corresponding advances in health,” explained study author Andre Terzic. “Getting older often means more years of life are spent with illness.”
This finding is supported by WHO data: between 2000 and 2019, life expectancy increased from 79.2 to 80.7 years for women and from 74.1 to 76.3 years for men. But the number of healthy years of life did not increase accordingly over the same period.
The average global gap between life expectancy and healthy years was 9.6 years in 2019 – an increase of 13 percent since 2000. This means that people worldwide, on average, have to spend almost a decade of their later years suffering from illness. This situation is particularly serious in the USA: people there live with illnesses and disabilities for an average of 12.4 years.
According to the study, mental illnesses, addiction problems and diseases of the musculoskeletal system were particularly common causes of long periods of illness. According to the researchers, in order to stop this development, a change in the health system is needed – specifically a system that works preventatively and is more closely oriented towards individual needs.
How can individuals implement preventive healthcare strategies to improve their health as they age?
Interview with Health Expert Andre Terzic: Addressing the Gap Between Longevity and Quality of Life
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today, Andre. Your recent study conducted at the mayo Clinic sheds light on a concerning trend—while life expectancy is increasing, manny individuals are finding themselves facing extended years of illness. Can you elaborate on this issue?
Andre Terzic: Absolutely. the findings from our study reveal a stark reality: although life expectancy has risen globally—from an average of 79.2 years for women and 74.1 years for men in 2000 to 80.7 and 76.3 years respectively by 2019—the number of those years spent in good health has not increased correspondingly.This discrepancy highlights how simply living longer does not equate to living better.
Editor: that’s a significant concern. you’re suggesting that the additional years of life gained are frequently enough marred by health issues. What does the data show about the average gap between life expectancy and healthy life years?
Andre Terzic: The study shows that, on average, people worldwide experienced 9.6 years of poor health as of 2019—a 13 percent increase sence 2000. In the United States specifically, individuals live with illnesses and disabilities for around 12.4 years. These figures point to the urgent need for systemic change in how we approach healthcare.
Editor: It’s alarming to think that nearly a decade of life could be spent struggling with illnesses. What factors contribute to this extended period of sickness?
Andre Terzic: Our research indicates that mental illnesses, addiction issues, and diseases related to the musculoskeletal system are the predominant causes of prolonged illness. These conditions not only affect physical well-being but also drastically reduce quality of life.
Editor: given these insights, what practical steps can individuals take to improve their health as they age?
Andre Terzic: Individuals can adopt preventive healthcare strategies tailored to their personal needs. This includes regular health screenings, mental health support, and lifestyle choices such as proper nutrition and exercise. Additionally, fostering a strong social support network can be incredibly beneficial for mental and emotional health.
Editor: You mentioned a need for a shift in the healthcare system. Can you elaborate on what that might look like?
Andre Terzic: Certainly. We need to pivot towards a more preventive healthcare system that prioritizes early intervention and personalized care. This means integrating mental health services with physical health programs and ensuring accessibility to resources that promote holistic well-being. A health system that accommodates individual needs can essentially help mitigate the so-called “dark side” of increasing life expectancy.
Editor: Andre, this is incredibly insightful. As we move forward, what message would you like to share with our readers regarding aging and health?
Andre Terzic: My message would be this: while we should celebrate the successes in extending life expectancy, let us also commit to enhancing the quality of those years. By advocating for preventive care and making informed health choices,we can work towards reducing the duration of illness in our later years,making aging a more positive experience.
Editor: Thank you for your time and expertise, Andre. Your insights into the intricate relationship between longevity and health are invaluable for our readers.
Andre Terzic: Thank you for having me. Its crucial that we continue these conversations to drive change, both at the personal and systemic levels.