Longevity vs. Quality of Life: Asking the Real Questions About Healthy Aging
What a National Geographic Survey Says About Aging
We recently read a survey commissioned by National Geographic and conducted by FINN Partners. It polled 1,000 U.S. adults about growing older, and 64% of people said they would accept a shorter life if it was guaranteed that their remaining years would be free from physical and mental decline, rather than live longer with the frailty that can come with aging.
64%!
In that same survey, 61% of respondents said they would pause their biological age at a specific year if they could, on the assumption they would not venture into declining health and would maintain their current level of bodily and mental function.
What Would You Give Up for a Longer, Healthier Life?
The survey also asked what people would be willing to give up if a safe, FDA-approved treatment could add 10 healthy years to their lives.
About one-third would give up alcohol forever.
More than 20% would give up social media, sugar, or caffeine.
Only 15% would give up their favorite food.
Nearly one-fifth would not give up anything at all.
Money was part of the conversation too. 63% said they were concerned about outliving their financial safety net, which has a direct impact on their ability to afford care during their later years.
How Americans Feel About Aging
The survey suggests most Americans are not trying to reverse aging so much as grow older gracefully. Only 9% see aging as a medical condition that science should actively try to treat, and 72% expressed concern about the risks of emerging longevity technologies. Most are thinking about gently slowing down what they see as a natural process.
Lifespan vs. Healthspan: What Does Longevity Really Mean?
We're not sure what to make of all that when we consider this question of long life with poor health vs. shorter life with good health.
But longevity can't just be living a life in your body, either way. It has to be a whole experience of having your cognition in hand and experiencing loving relationships as well. Notice that only 9% of people surveyed would give up their relationship for more years.
Connection to others is the point, after all. That's part of what we love about our yoga studio.
Longevity Immersion Series at EverWell Yoga Collective
If you're interested in learning more about living well, check out our Longevity Immersion series. Each month, we'll be diving into how to address modifiable behaviors and educate you on lifestyle changes that will encourage memory and protect cognitive durability.
We can't wait to see you!
