health span

noun

: the length of time in one's life during which an individual is in reasonably good health
A revolutionary increase in life span has already occurred. A corresponding increase in health span, the maintenance of full function as nearly as possible to the end of life, should be the next gerontological goal.John W. Rowe and Robert L. Kahn
Several genetic studies in mice suggest that the elimination of senescent cells from the organism leads to extension of the mouse's health span and lifespan.Judy Siegel-Itzkovich

Examples of health span in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But the study didn't just look at how long people lived, but how healthily, finding that coffee was linked with a longer health span too. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024 But even before such dramatic increases in human health span happen, progress toward addressing large subsets of the druggable proteome will deliver a steady flow of amazing new drugs. Chuck Brooks, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 These diets can harm mental and heart health, which reduces a person's health span. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024 Medical science and anti-aging technology promise to extend both the lifespan and health span of (affluent) human life. New Atlas, 23 July 2024 But a long life span is not the same as a long health span, says S. Jay Olshansky, a professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Illinois at Chicago, who was not involved in the work. Emily Willingham, Scientific American, 25 May 2021 Here’s how to lengthen your health span Healthspan may be more integral to your well-being than lifespan. Lindsey Leake, Fortune Well, 21 May 2024 To go beyond survival and reach optimal levels of physical fitness and wellness and maximal health span and lifespan requires a deeper understanding and application of the science of nutrition. Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 1 Mar. 2024 Additionally, the average American is expected to live to 77.5 years, while their health span is just 66.1. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 12 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of health span was in 1931

Dictionary Entries Near health span

Cite this Entry

“Health span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health%20span. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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