Why Healthspan Matters More Than Lifespan

  • By Brett Fellows

Published: Wednesday, 4 December, 2024

When most people think about longevity, they focus on the number of years they might live—their lifespan. But there’s another, arguably more important, aspect of aging: healthspan. Unlike lifespan, which is simply the total years you’re alive, healthspan refers to the years you live in good health—free from chronic disease, disability, and dependency.

Here’s why healthspan matters more than lifespan and how focusing on it can transform your approach to health and longevity.

1. Smartwatch: Your Health Command Centre

A smartwatch is more than just a stylish accessory—it’s a health powerhouse on your wrist. Today’s smartwatches track your heart rate, daily steps, calories burned, and even your VO2 max (a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness). Some models also monitor stress levels and provide guided breathing exercises to help you manage them.

Why it’s essential:

  • Tracks daily activity and keeps you accountable.
  • Offers insights into your resting heart rate and overall fitness.
  • Can monitor irregular heart rhythms or other health alerts (in advanced models).

If you’re serious about understanding and improving your fitness, a smartwatch is non-negotiable.

2. Bioimpedance Scales: Know What You’re Made Of

Gone are the days when a simple weight scale was enough. Bioimpedance scales go beyond the number on the scale to provide a breakdown of your body composition—body fat percentage, muscle mass, and even visceral fat levels.

Why it’s essential:

  • Helps you track progress beyond just weight loss.
  • Encourages healthier habits by showing changes in muscle and fat levels.
  • Offers a more comprehensive view of your overall health.

This is a fantastic tool for anyone on a fitness journey who wants a deeper understanding of their progress.

3. Blood Pressure Monitor: A Heart Health Lifesaver

High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” affects millions of people worldwide. Monitoring your blood pressure at home with a reliable device is a proactive step toward protecting your cardiovascular health.

Why it’s essential:

  • Identifies trends and flags potential health concerns early.
  • Tracks the effectiveness of lifestyle changes on your blood pressure.
  • Empowers you to have informed conversations with your doctor.

This is particularly important if you have a family history of hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions.

4. Glucometer: Manage Your Blood Sugar Like a Pro

Even if you’re not diabetic, understanding how your body responds to food is a game-changer. A glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can reveal how different meals impact your blood sugar, helping you make smarter dietary choices.

Why it’s essential:

  • Helps identify foods that may cause blood sugar spikes.
  • Encourages balanced meals to optimise energy and prevent crashes.
  • Provides insight into metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.

For those focusing on weight loss or preventing type 2 diabetes, this tool is invaluable.

5. Sleep Tracker: Unlock the Power of Rest

Sleep is the foundation of good health, affecting everything from mental clarity to muscle recovery. A dedicated sleep tracker can help you identify patterns and improve your sleep quality.

Why it’s essential:

  • Tracks sleep stages (deep, REM, light) to optimise recovery.
  • Helps identify factors affecting your sleep, such as stress or late-night screen time.
  • Encourages better bedtime habits for long-term health.

Whether it’s built into your smartwatch, smartphone, or a standalone device, understanding your sleep is critical to mastering your health.
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Bonus Gadget: Health App to Collect and Analyse Data

With all these gadgets generating data, it can feel overwhelming. That’s where a health app comes in—it consolidates your information in one place, offering a bird’s-eye view of your health trends. Apps like Apple Health, Google Fit, or MyFitnessPal can sync with your devices and provide actionable insights.

Why it’s essential:

  • Saves time by collecting all your health data in one place.
  • Makes it easier to spot patterns and track progress.
  • Supports better goal setting with a comprehensive view of your health.
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Final Thoughts

Owning these five gadgets (plus an app that collects all the data from these devices) can give you unparalleled insight into your health. The real magic happens when you use the data from these tools to make informed decisions—whether it’s tweaking your diet, adjusting your workouts, or improving your sleep hygiene.

At Everprime Health, I believe that understanding your body is the first step to mastering your health. These gadgets can be your gateway to becoming an expert in yourself.

Are you ready to take control of your health? Let me help you put this data into action with personalised coaching tailored to your goals. Learn more about my coaching programs here.

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