EDITOR’S SUMMARY: Americans are grappling with widespread chronic diseases, so much so that even young people may hesitate at the thought of living to a “ripe old age.” While hunter-gatherers like the Hadza tribe in Tanzania face high infant and maternal mortality due to the harsh realities of their environment, they rarely contend with chronic illnesses. When we talk about longevity, it’s not just about living long—but about living well.
Written by Carter Trent
Edited by Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D.
What if you could live to 150? The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it once seemed. Scientists believe it’s possible, and the first person to reach this milestone may have already been born. Living over a century is an impressive accomplishment. The average American has a life expectancy of 78.4 years—75.8 for males and 81.1 for females. If that sounds like a long time, the fact is that Americans possess the shortest life expectancy of any developed country in the world. This is despite the U.S. spending more on healthcare than any other nation. While Americans average 78.4 years, people in Australia, Japan, France, Germany, South Korea, the U.K., and other industrialized nations often breeze past 80. A key contributor to the lower lifespan is the high rate of obesity-related deaths in the United States, often linked to the standard American diet (SAD). With two-thirds of Americans overweight, many face years of managing chronic health issues, but it’s important to recognize that multiple factors beyond obesity contribute to these challenges.
Research by the Rand Corporation shows 60% of American adults live with a chronic disease, and 42% have more than one debilitating illness. The United States has the highest rate of people with multiple chronic diseases among high-income countries. Chronic illnesses are defined as conditions that last a year or more, limit daily living, and require ongoing medical care. Examples include type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and heart disease. This grim reality raises a key point about longevity in the United States. Living longer is only attractive if you can extend your “healthspan” to go along with it. In other words, if a healthy body doesn’t last as long as your life, you could spend years struggling with debilitating physical and mental conditions. In case you’re unfamiliar with the impact of chronic illness, it can significantly affect your daily life. Everyday actions, like getting dressed or going to the bathroom, can become difficult. Frequent bouts of pain and fatigue can become a constant burden. Coping with these challenges can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation, which is why depression and anxiety are not uncommon if you’re affected by chronic illness.
Nearly half of Americans have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, making the condition increasingly prevalent and raising the likelihood of developing it, especially if you follow the SAD way of eating and lead a sedentary lifestyle. The U.S. diabetes death rate for those under 70 is about 2.5 times higher than in comparable countries. This contributes significantly to the overall gap in life expectancy between the U.S. and peer nations. These troubling statistics have perpetuated a haunting view of aging, turning it into something to fear instead of embrace, according to Professor Andrew J. Scott, Director of Economics at the Ellison Institute of Technology. In 2021, he published a groundbreaking study, “The economic value of targeting aging,” which was the first to assign a monetary value to the societal benefits of living longer. Professor Scott stated:
“I want to get longevity up there with artificial intelligence and climate change as a major force that’s going to influence our future, both individually and collectively. It’s blindingly obvious. But the reason that’s not happening is we’re stuck on a doom-and-gloom aging society narrative that just says “Hey, there’s more old people, and they just aren’t very useful because they get ill, lack capacity, etc.” With global life expectancy now over 70, for the first time in human history the majority can expect to become old and, in fact, very old. And too many fear getting old. We fear outliving our health, our wealth, our skills, our finances, our relationships, our purpose. And so we have to take action now, as a society, to create a longevity revolution to change how we age and ensure that we age well.”
Professor Scott advocates a new societal approach called the “longevity society.” His description of the concept is that it “focuses on changes in how we age and the exploitation of life-expectancy gains.” The idea involves harnessing the benefits of a long life by understanding that how you age is malleable. Many of the factors contributing to chronic disease are within your control. A longevity mindset focuses on extending your healthspan, primarily by encouraging a healthy lifestyle. This way of living encompasses eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, getting quality sleep, and reducing stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes a complementary concept called “healthy ageing,” described as “the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.” This means you’re able to lead a meaningful life where you contribute to society, build relationships, and maintain health in order to meet your daily needs as you age.
Movements geared toward a longevity mentality are embraced in countries outside the U.S., such as Italy, where the government has established policies to support elderly citizens with healthcare, financial assistance, and social needs. The goal is to prevent them from being marginalized, or as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described, “being ‘parked’ in healthcare facilities.” Another example of longevity can be seen in Okinawa, Japan. It’s one of a handful of places on the planet with the highest number of centenarians and low rates of chronic disease, referred to as Blue Zones. People living in Okinawa tend to live over 100 years because they stay active, play together, live a low-stress lifestyle, and consume healthy foods. The Japanese government oversees healthcare, helping to reduce the inequality in health services that is common in the United States
Unfortunately, many Americans don’t hold a longevity-focused mindset and tend to consume a diet high in additives and low in nutrients. This combined with inactivity, persistent stress, and poor sleep increases the risk of developing chronic disease. Part of the reason for this is a lack of awareness or understanding around the problems plaguing the American food system. This includes the issue of rampant toxins, such as maltodextrin and titanium dioxide, hiding in your food along with the herbicide glyphosate. Additionally, the nutritional content of foods considered “healthy” is diminished by the global supply chain, which causes food to spend days or even weeks traveling to grocery stores. And once those fruits and vegetables finally arrive at the market, they may be sprayed with disinfectants. Transitioning to healthy eating requires creating time to cook meals at home. To maximize nutrition while minimizing your exposure to toxic ingredients, eating organic food and sourcing ingredients from farmers’ markets or community supported agriculture (CSAs) makes good sense.
Life in the Fast Lane
A quick-paced, get-up-and-go mentality is fueled by the American idea of success, which is often tied to financial status. To make more money, you may work longer hours, hold multiple jobs, or adopt a side hustle. American society tends to prioritize work over well-being, as reflected in the scarcity of government policies that promote work-life balance. For example, after one of life’s biggest events—having a baby—you can’t stay home for long because the U.S. is the only industrialized nation that doesn’t require paid parental leave. This dynamic fuels higher stress levels, which in turn contribute to lower longevity and a shorter healthspan for Americans. Chronic stress triggers inflammation in the body, initiating an ongoing immune response that gradually damages healthy cells and tissues.
Your body naturally repairs itself through the immune system, but with age, this process becomes less efficient. This phenomenon, known as “inflammaging,” contributes to a rise in low-grade inflammation over time. Stress exacerbates the situation, because it tells your body to release hormones that initiate the fight-or-flight response. Persistent inflammation gradually wears down the body, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of chronic disease. Managing stress is essential for maintaining health, and many effective strategies exist. Practices like meditation, yoga, and qigong—a 4,000-year-old Chinese tradition combining breath control, movement, and mental focus—can help reduce tension and enhance well-being.
With the demands of a busy lifestyle fueling stress, it’s no surprise that Americans struggle with quality sleep. On top of that, the internet has become a substantial part of daily life, making it easier than ever to stay up all hours of the night, working or scrolling through social media. The problem is that poor sleep throws off your circadian rhythm—a biological process your body performs over a 24-hour cycle. Morning light plays a key role, signaling your body that it’s time to wake up, just as sunset sends cues that it’s time to move toward sleep. Your body turns on and off certain genes based on your circadian rhythm. When that cycle is disrupted—such as staying up until 1:00 a.m. repeatedly—your body’s processes struggle to function normally. As a result, poor sleep can contribute to a range of health issues over time, from obesity and mood disorders to cancer. Research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, “The Cardiac Circadian Clock: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease and its Treatment,” shows that your heart and cardiovascular system rely on circadian rhythms to function properly, and interruptions to these 24-hour cycles can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can significantly improve sleep quality, directly supporting vitality and a healthier lifespan.
Prioritizing longevity and healthspan in American society can be challenging. In other developed countries, healthy longevity is viewed as an indicator of overall societal well-being. Consequently, these nations often promote policies and investments to improve life expectancy. An example is government-sponsored healthcare. The industrialized nations with higher life expectancy than the U.S. offer guaranteed health coverage, including New Zealand, South Korea, and Switzerland. Others, such as Norway, Australia, and the U.K., are expanding on this by enabling broader access to treatments for mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression. In addition, healthcare in these countries focuses on preventative actions that minimize the chances of developing chronic disease. This is in stark contrast to the reactive approach to healthcare in the U.S., where medical attention is sought primarily when symptoms arise. A 2019 article, “Creating a Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity,” published in the Journals of Gerontology explained this difference, stating:
“Healthy longevity requires societies to focus more on physical and mental fitness rather than diminishment alone — on preventing disease and improving well-being rather than simply treating ailments.”
Professor Scott was more blunt in his assessment of today’s U.S. medical system, and how it needs to change to support health in the context of a longevity society. He said:
“The great success of our health system has been getting global life expectancy up to 70 by intervening when we get diseases early in life. That’s what got us here, but it ain’t going to get us to there – a life where we’re healthy to 90. So we have to jettison our current health system in favor of one focused on keeping us healthy. It’s a pretty radical change.”
What You Can Do Now
Instead of waiting for disease to sneak up on you, take charge of your health by exploring innovative solutions, whether through your medical provider or other proactive approaches. If your primary doctor doesn’t support your desire for integrative, preventative care, you may decide to find one who aligns with your values. If the latter is the case, finding a doctor who practices functional or naturopathic medicine may help create a unique approach to your healing process. Functional and naturopathic medicines aim to prevent disease by addressing various contributing factors, including lifestyle choices. When chronic disease is present, they focus on finding the root cause, rather than simply treating symptoms. Regular check-ups are valuable for reviewing your diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, and can help identify areas of concern, such as the need for further testing to detect vitamin deficiencies. Many Americans are deficient in vitamin D, a nutrient linked to the prevention of conditions like osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and depression. If your check-ups include screenings for conditions like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, it’s worth researching whether they’re beneficial for you. Some experts argue that these screenings can lead to false positives and misdiagnoses, and that follow-up tests and invasive treatments may cause more harm than good.
Physical activity is a key factor in boosting healthspan, and moving your body doesn’t have to involve grueling workouts. In fact, an approach espoused by scientific research suggests incorporating play into your schedule. Engaging in playful activities is often associated with childhood, but studies suggest playfulness benefits longevity and healthspan for all ages. This is due to the fact that it reduces stress, improves social connections, promotes physical activity, and fosters a positive mindset, which supports mental health. Playful activities for adults to enjoy with family and friends include bike riding, surfing, volleyball, hiking, and more. According to Dr. Kevin Stone, surgeon and founder of the Stone Clinic, in “Play Out”:
“Longevity genes are turned on by exercise. Happiness is promoted by play. Combine the two every day and the addiction to the adrenaline, testosterone, pheromones, and endorphins coursing through your bloodstream will combine with the smile on your face to promote the kind of healthy happiness that permits you to live and play forever.”
All the elements discussed so far support health, but one key ingredient ties them together. Scientific research points to a powerful factor that helps achieve the rest—having a strong sense of purpose. According to a 2020 study, “Sense of Purpose in Life and Five Health Behaviors in Older Adults,” published in the medical journal Preventive Medicine:
“A sense of purpose is viewed as a central component of well-being and refers to the extent that people see their lives as having meaning, a sense of direction, and goals.”
A 2022 paper reviewing 20 years of research on how having a sense of purpose in life (PIL) improves healthspan, “Purpose in Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Conceptualization, Measures, and Determinants,” concluded that understanding your purpose—and allowing it to evolve with your circumstances as you age—helps you naturally incorporate the key factors that support a longer lifespan:
“PIL is dynamic and changes during the course of life in response to various environmental and life circumstances… Greater PIL also balances the risk factors for various health conditions, thus having a life purpose improves life satisfaction and facilitates successful aging. Therefore, it is opined that PIL should be improved at every stage, especially when it seemed to decline.”
One way having a sense of purpose positively influences your health is by encouraging physical activity, which in turn supports a positive mental outlook. In fact, researchers have found that those who stay active tend to develop a stronger sense of purpose over time. Additionally, having a clear purpose in life may help reduce chronic stress by providing a sense of direction, resilience, and emotional stability. This, in turn, can lower the risk of sleep disorders and promote better sleep. Interestingly, people with a sense of purpose happen to be more motivated to eat vegetables (and other whole foods)—because staying healthy helps them achieve their goals. This motivation also extends to seeking preventative health services. Combined with regular exercise, lower stress, and better sleep, it contributes to a reduced risk of chronic disease.
Creating a sense of purpose may require challenging societal norms and redefining expectations around aging. According to Professor Scott, a longevity way of thinking “places an emphasis on the individual to experiment and discover new ways of behaving at a variety of ages.” For example, in the 20th century, three significant life stages emerged, but this paradigm may no longer apply to your life in the 21st century. The three-stage model starts with education. Your childhood and adolescence, from kindergarten through high school (and perhaps college), was spent learning. Adulthood typically revolved around work. And in old age, you’re expected to retire. Instead, you may choose to continue working in your golden years. This decision might stem from a desire to stay active, avoid isolation, or support your finances.
After all, a longer life requires more savings, and currently, the U.S. Social Security system covers only about 40% of pre-retirement income. Working beyond the traditional retirement age comes with another challenge—keeping your skills current to stay relevant, or learning new ones to pursue a different career aligned with your sense of purpose. As a result, you may choose to go back to school or take on additional educational training at a later stage in life. In today’s era of rapid technological advancement, such as the arrival of artificial intelligence (AI), revisiting education at some point in your adult years may make sense. Learning a new skill is also a great way to keep your mind sharp as you age, meet new people, and prevent the inactivity in retirement that can contribute to chronic disease.
Discovering your purpose starts with reflection—what do you truly value? What ignites your passion? Pursue activities that matter to you. Consider the skills and experiences you bring to the table, set meaningful goals, and take consistent steps toward them, adjusting as needed. Purpose can take many forms: volunteering for a cause you believe in, exploring creative outlets like music or art, immersing yourself in hobbies that bring joy, mentoring others, or traveling to broaden your perspective. The key is to engage in activities that fulfill you and make life feel rich with meaning. If maximizing your healthspan sounds like a goal worth pursuing, it starts with adopting a longevity mindset. The choices you make today shape your ability to stay vibrant in the years ahead. Aging doesn’t have to be something to fear—it can be embraced through small, consistent changes in your daily habits. And by the way, if you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, there’s no better time than now to foster this brain-boosting, life-enhancing bond of love and friendship. With the right outlook and actions that support your well-being, a longer, healthier life isn’t just possible—it’s within reach. Who knows? You might even thrive well into your 150s.
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Published on March 20, 2025.
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