Maximizing Life Isn't Just About Living Longer, It’s About Living Better
When someone asks, “What’s your goal in life?” many people will instinctively say, “To live a long and fulfilling life.” But have you thought about what that really means? Sure, living longer sounds great at first glance, but if those "longer" years are spent battling chronic illnesses, diminished mobility, or the inability to enjoy simple pleasures (like pizza in Italy without your stomach waging war against you), what’s the point? This is where the concept of healthspan comes into play.
Longevity vs. Healthspan
We often confuse life expectancy with health expectancy. Life expectancy measures how long you’ll likely live, while health expectancy focuses on how long you’ll live in good health. Spoiler alert: those two numbers aren’t the same.
For example, in Canada, the average life expectancy is about 83 years. Subtract the years spent dealing with significant health decline in old age, and that time shrinks remarkably. Back-of-the-napkin math suggests you might get closer to 10 healthy years of supposed "retirement bliss". That's if you’re lucky!
Now, here's where it gets interesting. The average retirement age in Canada is 65. If you retire at 65 and only have 8 to 12 healthy years left (because, let's face it, things like muscle mass and joint mobility don't magically improve after 60), you essentially have about as much “healthy freedom” as a pre-teen transitioning into adulthood. And for many people, those golden years are hindered by decades of poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, or burnout.
It’s not enough to just aim for longevity (living longer). We should aim for longevity with vitality—to feel energized, agile, and healthy throughout those years. That’s healthspan.
Why Healthspan Matters More Than You Think
Most of us spend decades saving money for retirement, investing in IRAs, 401(k)s, or whatever acronym your country uses, with the promise of spending those funds on “enjoying life” once we retire. But few of us put the same effort into saving our health for retirement. Funny, isn’t it?
Think about it. Many of us trade health for money in our 20s, 30s, and 40s by overworking, stressing out, skipping workouts, and living off quick takeout meals. Eventually, we’re left with money but poor health in later life. The paradox? You can’t even enjoy the wealth you worked so hard to earn if your body and mind are in disrepair.
It’s a cruel cycle. When you’re young, you have time and health but no money. When you’re middle-aged, you have money and health but no time. Finally, as a retiree, you may have money and time, but no health. Not quite the dream scenario, huh?
The Case for Prioritizing Healthspan
What’s the solution? Start prioritizing your healthspan now. By focusing on your health throughout life, you’ll not only maximize the number of years you live but also the quality of every one of those years.
How can you do it?
5 Ways to Prioritize Health Expectancy Over Life Expectancy
1. Think of Health as an Investment
You invest in mutual funds for retirement, so why not invest in your health too? Start seeing gym memberships, nutritious meals, and regular check-ups as part of your retirement plan.
Health is your real wealth, and it pays dividends far beyond your “golden” years. Want to enjoy hiking the Alps or scuba-diving in Bali at age 70? Build that fitness base now.
2. Adopt “Mini Retirements”
Tim Ferriss’s concept of “mini-retirements” is brilliant. Instead of waiting until 65 to “finally live,” sprinkle small breaks throughout your life. These are opportunities to travel, rest, or pursue hobbies while you still have the energy to enjoy them fully.
Last month, for instance, I spent 30 days in Mexico as part of a mini retirement. Plenty of pool time, workouts, great food, and low stress. The best part? I kept working in short, focused bursts, staying productive without overloading myself. Retirement might be decades away for me, but mini-retirements like this feel like a balance of time, health, and income.
3. Build Daily Habits that Fuel Longevity
Exercise Regularly: Peter Attia calls exercise the “most potent longevity drug.” Strength training, cardio, and mobility work should be cornerstones of your weekly routine. (Pro tip: Your future self will thank you for all those squats and deadlifts.)
Prioritize Sleep: Quality sleep is non-negotiable. It’s during sleep that your body repairs, restores, and prepares for the next day.
Eat for Healthspan: Instead of fad diets, focus on sustainable eating habits. Think whole foods, plenty of veggies, good fats, and enough protein to maintain muscle.
4. Balance Work and Play (Sustainably)
Work smarter, not harder. As a solopreneur and digital nomad, I’ve structured my workdays to focus on 2-4 hours of deep, productive effort. The rest of the day? I focus on health, hobbies, and fun. Whether it’s finding time to hike and explore, or cook a new recipe, I design my life to integrate work and play seamlessly.
Can this work for you? Maybe not exactly, but the principle applies to everyone. Find ways to make time for health and enjoyment instead of leaving it for retirement. You don't need to grind 9-to-5 until you drop.
5. Define Success with a New Metric
The ultimate success isn’t just having a fat bank account or retiring early; it’s passing your own version of Peter Attia’s “Centenarian Olympics”. That’s being physically able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures even in your 70s or 80s.
Want to lift your future grandkids? Train those muscles now. Want to travel the world? Maintain your cardiovascular health. Want to minimize cognitive decline? Build habits that challenge both your body and mind (e.g., learning a language, strength training, or meditation).
A Final Thought
Life expectancy and healthspan aren’t mutually exclusive, but focusing only on the former doesn’t guarantee the quality of life you deserve. Make choices today that maximize your energy, vitality, and freedom in the long run.
Start treating your health as a non-negotiable bucket in your life’s balance sheet, right alongside time and money. After all, the pizza in Italy may be divine, but it’s a whole lot better when your body (and your stomach) cooperates with the experience.
Oh, and if you take one lesson away from this, here’s the deal: Don’t just save for retirement. Save your health for retirement, too. Future-you will be eternally grateful.