WHO analysts and Harvard’s Adult Development Study quantify a 13.7-year healthspan gap for women, attributing it to hormonal changes, caregiving burdens, and systemic inequities, and recommend protein-rich diets, strength training, and stronger social ties to extend healthy years.
Key points
- WHO data shows a 13.7-year global healthspan gap for women using JAMA Network analysis
- Protein-rich diets are advised to counteract age-related sarcopenia and preserve functional independence
- Progressive resistance training reduces women’s cardiovascular mortality by up to 30% per NPR-backed study
Why it matters: Bridging the healthspan-lifespan gap offers a path to reduce chronic disease burden and enhance quality of life for aging women globally.
Q&A
- What is healthspan?
- Why do women experience a larger healthspan gap?
- How does protein intake affect aging and muscle health?
- What role does strength training play in longevity?
- How can mindset influence the aging process?