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 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 Scientists are working to develop drugs that could extend dogs’ lifespans and health spans. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2024 Here are the four barriers Gori sees to extending the American health span. Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 19 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'health span.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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