Life Span Versus Health Span

A big gap

Photo by Online Marketing on Unsplash

It is no secret that the health situation in the United States does not look great. We have the opioid epidemic, a constant flow of gun deaths, an obesity crisis, issues with drinking and vaping, and an expensive, inefficient, and fragmented healthcare system.

Life expectancy is comparatively low here, at only around 79 years, but “health expectancy” is much worse. Health expectancy refers to the number of years we have still free of major chronic diseases and disabilities. That period ends for most people before they even retire, at around 63 years of age.

I am about to turn 65. I still walk as fast as I did in my thirties and have no issues with my joints, hips, or knees. I take low-dose blood pressure medication, just one pill a day.

Many people my age already take an assortment of pills every day. Some of my friends and acquaintances have diabetes or can barely walk. Quite a few are overweight or obese, have heart issues, or other medical issues.

I recently had a checkup. I was told everything looked fine, but I could come back in a few years to see if I needed medication. Last week I had lunch at a friend’s house. Her husband, a physician, was in the kitchen, eating a raw broccoli stalk from his garden. I asked him why doctors always mention medication and never even suggest lifestyle changes.

He said that physicians are definitely aware that pre-diabetes and other medical issues can be treated with lifestyle changes. He had suggested those changes in the past but realized that people just don’t follow through. They don’t adjust their diet or exercise more. So, doctors have no choice. Not giving medication would be negligent.

To enjoy a longer health span, people need to be responsible for their own health. They need to educate themselves and actually make those lifestyle changes.

Two years ago, my fasting glucose was high, and I had my A1C tested. It was 5.6 (borderline). The next day, I dropped sugar from tea and coffee (from three teaspoons before), and cut out fruit juice (except for a bit of beet juice for blood pressure). Six months later, I had an A1C of 4.7.

I still eat bread, sweets, and pastries, but I pay more attention. I add more protein. I naturally eat small portions and eat only when I am hungry. Many Americans don’t even know what hunger feels like since they eat all the time.

I am still healthy and want to stay that way as long as I can. It would be very depressing to spend the last 16 years or so cooped up at home, too unhealthy to do anything or go anywhere.

How healthy am I? Some easy tests

I did some tests I found on YouTube. I can still stand on one leg for quite some time, mostly without wobbling. That is good since a good balance indicates good overall health. However, I cannot stand 10 seconds on one leg with my eyes closed anymore.

I checked my metabolic health with an easy test. Your waist should be less than half your height. I cut a string to half the length of my height and wrapped it around the middle, the biggest part of my belly. I passed.

When I sit, I do leg exercises. I take magnesium in the evening, which helps my heart and muscles and also improves my sleep, I think. Luckily, I take after my dad. I don’t have trouble falling and staying asleep. But older bodies don’t absorb trace minerals that well anymore, so supplementation is necessary for most.

I am still surprised how fast my A1C came down after making just a few changes. Staying healthy is definitely easier than getting healthy when already sick. I may not make it to 90, my father’s age right now, but at least I hope to age gracefully and remain healthy as long as possible.