Why Aging Better Matters More Than Aging Longer
Lately, I’ve been thinking about what’s to come. What will the next chapter look like—and more importantly, how long do I have left?
As I get older, I can’t ignore the evolving conversation around longevity. For some, it’s a quest to extend life itself—to push the boundaries of age and chase youthfulness. But for others, including myself, the focus is shifting toward aging better, not just longer.
Personally, I’m less interested in reaching 100 if the last 20 years are spent battling chronic disease. Instead, I want to maximize my healthspan—the years I live free of illness, pain, and disability. I want my health and my life to follow a close trajectory. After all, what’s the value of longevity without vitality? Not to mention the financial costs that could drain whatever savings I may have left.
Research shows that while life expectancy in the U.S. has risen to 77.0 years, healthy life expectancy lags behind at just 63.7 years. That means the average American spends 13.3 years in poor health before dying. That’s a gap I’d like to see close.
The good news? Much of it is within our control. While genetics do play a role—accounting for roughly 20–30% of lifespan variation—the remaining 70–80% comes down to lifestyle. Quitting smoking, adopting a sustainable eating pattern, embracing preventative medicine, and committing to daily movement can dramatically shift the trajectory of our aging.
It’s comforting to know that ongoing research continues to uncover the complex interplay between genes and longevity. But it’s even more empowering to realize how much is in our hands.
AgingwithHennessey 