Health and Me

Dr. Monalisa Sahu

The Longevity Gap: Why Living Longer Must Also Mean Living Healthier

Lifespan across the globe is increasing. More people are living to old age and spending more years in later life. This is a big societal achievement.

India, too, is witnessing this demographic shift. Life expectancy in India is expected to rise from about 72 years in 2023 to nearly 77 years by 2045, and it may reach 83 years by 2080. But the question here is whether this increased lifespan also translates into good health?

Even though people are living longer, the number of years they live in good health has not increased by the same amount. 

People are now spending more years coping with health challenges that affect their independence, mobility, and quality of life. One of the key reasons behind this gap between lifespan and healthy years is the rising burden of chronic diseases in an <span>ageing population</span>.

<h2>How Ageing Increases Health Risks</h2>

Ageing is associated with a gradual deterioration of the immune system, a process called immunosenescence. As people enter their 50s, the body’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to bacteria and viruses decreases. 

Its ability to produce antibodies reduces. It makes the body stay in a constantly inflamed condition, even in the absence of an infection. 

This process is strongly linked to a higher risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or kidney disease. 

These chronic conditions further weaken the already weakening immune system of the ageing adults. This, in turn, makes older adults vulnerable to various vaccine-preventable infections such as flu, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/shingles">shingles</a></span>, and their complications. 

In this phase of life, even a routine illness like the flu may lead to hospitalization or serious complications such as pneumonia.

 Shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the <span>chickenpox virus</span> and is far more likely to strike in older adults, can result in debilitating nerve pain that lasts for months.

The impact of these infections goes far beyond an individual’s physical suffering. When adults fall ill, the consequences extend to families and the broader healthcare system. There are medical bills, lost wages, caregiver responsibilities, and often a long road to recovery.

For older adults, infections can mean loss of independence or worsening of underlying health conditions. 

At the system level, preventable hospitalizations lead to overcrowded facilities and diverted resources, putting additional strain on India’s already overburdened healthcare system.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Ageing society</span> And Preventive Healthcare </h2>

India is shifting from being one of the world’s youngest societies to the world’s oldest. 

It already has around 150 million older adults, making it the second-largest ageing population in the world. By 2047, this number is expected to double to nearly 300 million, and by 2067, India may have the largest population of older adults globally. 

As this shift continues, protecting the health of ageing adults will become increasingly important for families, communities, and the healthcare system.

As life expectancy continues to rise, it is important to ensure that these added years are lived in good health. 

Preventive healthcare measures such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, along with timely vaccination, can help achieve healthy ageing.

Vaccination works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight infections more effectively. 

As immunity naturally weakens with age, adult vaccination can help strengthen the body’s defences and maintain protection against certain preventable diseases. 

Adults, especially those entering their 50s and beyond, should speak with their doctors about recommended vaccinations and take timely steps to stay protected. Proactive preventive care can play an important role in supporting healthier, more active years later in life.

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Lifespan across the globe is increasing. More people are living to old age and spending more years in later life. This is a big societal achievement.India, too, is witnessing this demographic shift. Life expectancy in India is expected to rise from about 72 years in 2023 to nearly 77 years by 2045, and it may reach 83 years by 2080. But the question here is whether this increased lifespan also translates into good health?Even though people are living longer, the number of years they live in good health has not increased by the same amount. People are now spending more years coping with health challenges that affect their independence, mobility, and quality of life. One of the key reasons behind this gap between lifespan and healthy years is the rising burden of chronic diseases in an ageing population.How Ageing Increases Health RisksAgeing is associated with a gradual deterioration of the immune system, a process called immunosenescence. As people enter their 50s, the body’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to bacteria and viruses decreases. Its ability to produce antibodies reduces. It makes the body stay in a constantly inflamed condition, even in the absence of an infection. This process is strongly linked to a higher risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or kidney disease. These chronic conditions further weaken the already weakening immune system of the ageing adults. This, in turn, makes older adults vulnerable to various vaccine-preventable infections such as flu, shingles, and their complications. In this phase of life, even a routine illness like the flu may lead to hospitalization or serious complications such as pneumonia. Shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and is far more likely to strike in older adults, can result in debilitating nerve pain that lasts for months.The impact of these infections goes far beyond an individual’s physical suffering. When adults fall ill, the consequences extend to families and the broader healthcare system. There are medical bills, lost wages, caregiver responsibilities, and often a long road to recovery.For older adults, infections can mean loss of independence or worsening of underlying health conditions. At the system level, preventable hospitalizations lead to overcrowded facilities and diverted resources, putting additional strain on India’s already overburdened healthcare system.Ageing society And Preventive Healthcare India is shifting from being one of the world’s youngest societies to the world’s oldest. It already has around 150 million older adults, making it the second-largest ageing population in the world. By 2047, this number is expected to double to nearly 300 million, and by 2067, India may have the largest population of older adults globally. As this shift continues, protecting the health of ageing adults will become increasingly important for families, communities, and the healthcare system.As life expectancy continues to rise, it is important to ensure that these added years are lived in good health. Preventive healthcare measures such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep, along with timely vaccination, can help achieve healthy ageing.Vaccination works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight infections more effectively. As immunity naturally weakens with age, adult vaccination can help strengthen the body’s defences and maintain protection against certain preventable diseases. Adults, especially those entering their 50s and beyond, should speak with their doctors about recommended vaccinations and take timely steps to stay protected. Proactive preventive care can play an important role in supporting healthier, more active years later in life.

the longevity gap: why living longer must also mean living healthier

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