Healthspan versus Lifespan 

 

Healthspan versus Lifespan

 Message to our Senpais -- and ALL those who may be interested!

Remember why we are doing all the leg exercises before each class?  I told you we need to keep our legs strong because once you lose use of your legs, you lose your independence!  And I would love to see ALL of you in the dojo for as long as possible!  I’m sure you all share the same feeling.  But how many of you are willing to work to make it happen?  If you are NOT actively working toward good health then you are headed for poor!!

I just read an article concerning healthspan versus lifespan that should interest you.

“Healthy lifestyles typically lead to longer lives and longer healthspans, the period of our lives where we are healthy. While most people want to live healthier for longer, maintaining that lifestyle isn’t easy. But it’s worth it: The average lifespan of an American adult is 77 years, but the average healthspan is only 66 years." Think about it – many people will have to depend on someone else for approximately 11 years to help them get around, eat, bathe, and just do the simple things that we now are able to.  A healthy lifestyle may help you accomplish both.

As many as 87 percent of Americans agree that they would like to take steps to live healthier for longer. Unfortunately, most fall short — less than three percent of Americans live a healthy lifestyle.”

The article then lists five science-backed healthy habits that contribute to living a healthier, longer life.  We are ALL familiar with them:

1.   Physical activity

2.   Healthy diet

3.   Healthy weight

4.   Good sleep

5.   Limit alcohol

Of these 5, I can confidently check off only ONE for all of us – physical activity!!  The rest is up to YOU!!!