Healthspan vs Lifespan
By: Brian Hoeflinger, MD
May 26, 2025 | #48
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Disclaimer: Opinions are my own. Not medical advice.
Medical Trivia of the Week
Which vitamin is essential for blood clotting? (the correct answer is at the end of this email)
- A) Vitamin A
- B) Vitamin K
- C) Vitamin C
- D) Vitamin D
The Real Key to Living Well
When we think about longevity, we often focus on lifespan, the total number of years we live. But what’s equally, if not more important, is healthspan. This is the number of years we live in good health, free from chronic disease and disability. Simply put, living longer is not the goal if those extra years are spent battling illness, immobility, or cognitive decline. The real question we should be asking is: how do we not just extend life, but extend quality of life?
How to Increase Healthspan
Maximizing healthspan requires a holistic approach that prioritizes physical, mental, and metabolic health. Here are some fundamental principles:
1. Movement is Medicine
- Regular exercise, both strength training and cardiovascular activities, preserves muscle mass, maintains bone density, and protects brain function.
- Incorporate daily movement: walking, resistance training, yoga, and even activities like gardening can make a significant impact.
2. Nutrition for Longevity
- Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods, with an emphasis on lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbohydrates.
- Reduce processed foods and excessive sugar to lower inflammation and prevent metabolic diseases.
- Consider intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating to optimize cellular repair and metabolic health.
3. Cognitive Fitness and Mental Health
- The brain is just like any other muscle, use it or lose it. Engage in continuous learning, problem-solving, and social interaction.
- Prioritize quality sleep, as poor sleep is linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
4. Preventative Medicine and Regular Check-Ups
- Early detection is critical. Screen for common conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer before they become serious issues.
- Regular health check-ups and proactive care can help prevent chronic illnesses from developing and progressing.
5. Social Connection and Purpose
- Loneliness and lack of purpose are significant risk factors for declining health in later years.
- Engage in meaningful relationships, hobbies, and activities that provide a sense of fulfillment and contribution.
The Future of Longevity
Science is advancing rapidly in the field of longevity, with innovations in regenerative medicine, AI-driven healthcare, and personalized nutrition. But the fundamentals of health remain the same, how we live today determines how we age tomorrow. The goal is not just to add years to life, but to add life to years.
Ask yourself: if you could live to 100, what would you want those last decades to look like? Investing in healthspan now is the key to making sure they are filled with strength, vitality, and independence.
Podcast Episode
Click below to watch the podcast episode we did with Dr. Z Neurosurgery: What It Really Takes to Become a Neurosurgeon
Impactful Quote of the Week
"It is not length of life, but depth of life.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
All my best,
Brian Hoeflinger
P.S. - if you enjoyed this newsletter, you may enjoy my book that details my life as neurosurgeon and the loss of my oldest son, Brian (see below a synopsis).
My Book
Life and Death . . . Two words with such opposite meaning and which inflict such contradictory emotions and yet are so closely intertwined in our lives. As parents, we bring meaning and life into this world through our children. Our lives become defined as a result. We learn the joy, hardship, and responsibility of shaping an innocent life. But a day will come when that life will be taken. For some, death will come too soon. This is the story of my son, Brian Nicholas Hoeflinger, who died unexpectedly at age 18.
https://doctorhoeflinger.com/products/the-night-he-died-the-harsh-reality-of-teenage-drinking
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Medical Trivia Answer:
The correct answer is B) Vitamin K
