Healthy Ageing: Adding Life to Years
- Tim Hayden
- Nov 7
- 1 min read
Living longer is one thing. Living well is another. In the UK, people spend an average of 16–20 years in poor health. The goal shouldn’t just be lifespan, what’s the point of living to 81 if you can’t do what you usually do - it should be healthspan.
What Is Healthspan?
Healthspan = the years lived in good health, without chronic disease or disability.
It’s possible to live into your 80s or 90s with independence, energy, and vitality, but it requires planning earlier in life.
The Key Pillars of Healthy Ageing
Movement: strength training protects muscle and bones; walking supports cardiovascular and brain health.
Nutrition: protein, fibre, omega-3s, and nutrient-dense foods.
Sleep: crucial for memory, immune function, and hormonal balance.
Stress management: lowers risk of heart disease and cognitive decline.
Social connection: isolation is as harmful as smoking.
The Role of Screening in Healthy Ageing
Screening helps track the systems that matter most for ageing:
Bone health (osteoporosis prevention)
Heart health (blood pressure, cholesterol)
Metabolic health (blood sugar, weight, waist circumference)
Brain health (sleep, mental wellbeing)
Acting early gives decades of benefit.
Practical Tips for Adding Life to Years
Lift weights twice a week
Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep
Eat a Mediterranean-style diet
Stay socially active, community protects health
Schedule regular health MOTs
Healthy ageing doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of prevention, awareness, and consistent habits built over decades.
Invest in your future health today. Book your Healthy Ageing Screening at Bristol Health Hub.
