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

Exercise is one of the most effective interventions to prolong life and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases throughout life – in effect, prolonging lifespan and improving health span, meaning the number of years that people spend in good health. —William Cornwell, The Conversation, 1 Aug. 2025

Among the launches for skin care were the Absolue Longevity Cream, which taps into the focus on longevity today that’s about health span rather than age span. —Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

All these technologies show promise in helping more people, if not reach Super Ager status, then achieve a longer health span by either delaying the onset of disease or aggressively treating conditions to prevent progression and complications. —Andrea Kane, CNN Money, 28 May 2025

While wellness programming is seemingly popping up at every hotel across the world, a select few destinations are doubling down on longevity, which focuses on health span — or finding ways to experience more healthful and beauty-full lives for longer. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 24 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for health span

• afghan
• bedpan
• began
• caveman
• chapin
• crankpin
• cyan
• deadpan
• dextran
• divan
• doorman
• fishman