We’re Living Longer, But Are We Really “Living” Longer?

Did you know that, globally, life expectancy has increased by more than six years over the past two decades? In New Zealand, it’s now sitting at an impressive 82 years for women and 79 years for men. That’s a huge achievement for modern medicine, no doubt. But while we’re living longer, we’re often not living well for many of those extra years.

In fact, research shows that people can spend an average of 11-16 years in their later life living with significant health issues. This growing gap between lifespan and healthspan is one of the reasons I pursued this career. I’ve seen how quality of life can start declining long before the final years, and I believe that prevention can make a difference. I’m passionate about working with people before they reach that point so they get the most out of life for as long as possible.

The Quality vs. Quantity Dilemma

The increase in life expectancy is great don’t get me wrong, but it’s accompanied by an increase in years lived with disability. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the global burden of disease measured by DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) shows that many of these added years are lived with greatly reduced function. DALYs represent the total years of life lost to ill health, disability, or early death, and they highlight a big issue: living longer doesn’t necessarily mean "living" longer.

The reality is that everyday movements—like getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, or even just reaching for something on a high shelf—become more challenging as we age. Let alone doing the things we love like socialising, travelling and engaging in hobbies, The goal isn’t just to add years to our lives; it’s to ensure those years are filled with the energy, mobility, and independence we need to actually LIVE.

Exercise: Your Physical Pension

Think of exercise as your physical pension or KiwiSaver. Just like financial planning secures your future wealth, regular movement secures your physical health. Research backs this up: adults who exercise regularly are less likely to experience the age-related decline in muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and balance that can significantly impact quality of life.

And just like you wouldn’t wait until your 60s to start saving for retirement (I hope), you shouldn’t wait until mobility becomes an issue to start moving.

Why Moving More Matters

Here are three key reasons why prioritising movement now can make a big difference as you age:

1. Maintaining Independence:

   • Strength and mobility from regular exercise reduce the risk of falls, which are one of the leading causes of injury and disability among older adults. In fact, strength training alone can improve muscle mass by up to 33%, helping you maintain independence for longer.

     
     

2. Reducing the Risk of Chronic Conditions:

   • Studies show that just 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 30%. Exercise plays a preventive role, effectively managing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. 

     
     

3. Improving Mental Well-Being:

   • Exercise isn’t just good for the body. Engaging in regular movement can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by up to 30%. It’s a powerful way to manage stress, improve mood, and keep your brain sharp as you age.

Movement is Medicine

Yes, modern medicine is helping us live longer, but exercise is what helps us live better. It’s medicine too, just in a different form. And always remember: you don’t have to suffer through exercise. Find a form that you enjoy, because that’s the kind of “medicine” you’ll want to take consistently.  If you wouldn’t skip a KiwiSaver contribution, don’t skip squats! Invest in your physical pension now, and watch it pay off for years to come (cheesy I know - but it’s true!) 

Need help investing in movement? Reach out and let’s come up with a plan.