Over the past century, the average lifespan (平均寿命) in developed countries has increased by 30 years, from roughly age 50 to 80.

【小题1】 But they have also created a new and important gap: Healthspan (健康寿命), usually explained as the period of life free of disease or disability, does not always match longer life.

While lifespan is certainly an important measure of health and well-being, it is not the only one. 【小题2】 That is because it emphasizes the importance of not only living a long life but also living a healthy and productive life.

By a study based on the World Health Organization, an American who expects to live to 79 might first face serious disease at 63. 【小题3】 Indeed, aging is the biggest risk for cancer and heart disease. During the past 10 years, medicine has started to take a different way based on the biology of aging. The focus should be on a longer health y life rather than just length of life, and slowing aging is the tool to do it.

Lengthening healthspan starts with thinking about aging well overall, meaning putting physical health, mental health, and daily lifestyle all in one. 【小题4】 It can reduce stress and the risk of chronic health conditions.

For now, there are some familiar steps to extend healthspan: common-sense nutrition, sleep, exercise and social connection are the four main factors. 【小题5】 For example, regular exercise helps to prevent many diseases.