What is the Origin of Healthspan Increase?

This term emerged from the fields of gerontology and biogerontology, driven by the recognition that simply living longer without a corresponding increase in vitality and functional independence is an inadequate outcome. It combines "health," referring to a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, with "span," denoting the duration of time. The focus is on compressing the period of morbidity and disease into the final stages of life.

What is the Mechanism of Healthspan Increase?

Achieving a healthspan increase involves a multifaceted approach targeting the molecular hallmarks of aging, such as cellular senescence, telomere attrition, and genomic instability. Interventions often include optimizing metabolic health to prevent insulin resistance and managing chronic inflammation, which are primary drivers of age-related diseases. By maintaining youthful hormonal signaling and mitochondrial function, the body's resilience against disease and decline is fundamentally strengthened and prolonged.

Healthspan Increase ∞ Area

Healthspan Increase

Meaning

The clinical and public health goal of extending the period of life during which an individual is generally healthy, active, and free from chronic, debilitating diseases and functional impairment. Unlike simply extending lifespan, which is total time lived, increasing healthspan focuses on the quality of those years, ensuring robust physical and cognitive function until the very end of life. This is the central, measurable metric of success in modern longevity and regenerative medicine.