Healthspan vs. Lifespan: From the Book of "Outlive" by Peter Attia

Hi Friends
I've recently started reading "Outlive" by Peter Attia, a fascinating book on longevity that's already changing how I think about health and life. Today, I want to share some initial impressions and how they're influencing both my personal life and my approach to dentistry.

One of the most striking concepts in the book is the distinction between healthspan and lifespan. Healthspan refers to the years we live in good health, while lifespan is simply how long we live. It's not just about adding years to our life, but life to our years. 

Most people aren't healthy in the last decades of their lives, so even if they live a long time, it's not always enjoyable. They can no longer do things they love, like taking hikes, going on vacations, or holding their grandchildren. The goal, Attia argues, should be to increase healthspan, as most things that increase healthspan will naturally increase lifespan too.

Interestingly, I saw this concept play out in my dental practice just last week. A long-time patient came in with tooth pain, and her immediate reaction was to "just rip out the tooth." It was a classic case of not recognizing the importance of healthspan.

I found myself explaining the pros and cons of extraction versus saving the tooth through a root canal. In essence, I was having a conversation about dental healthspan. Keeping the tooth would increase her quality of life for eating and speaking, potentially for decades. It was about preserving functional longevity, not just dealing with immediate discomfort.

Another key takeaway from the book is that exercise is the single most important activity you can do to improve your healthspan. No drug in the world can increase your healthspan like exercise can. Attia presents an interesting perspective: every decade of life past your 40s brings about a 17% decline in your muscle strength. So, if you want to lift a 20lb carry-on into the overhead compartment when you're 80, you better be able to lift a 50lb carry-on in your 40s!

The goal, then, is to actually put on muscle mass now, to be able to withstand the losses later. Even if you lose muscle mass as you age, you'll still have enough muscle to do what you want in your twilight years. VO2 max and grip strength are also highly correlated with increased healthspan, which I found fascinating.

My main takeaway so far is that we need to take a proactive approach to building up our health and our muscle mass before any symptoms of disease occur. This book has motivated me to take my health even more seriously. I'm planning to focus more on strength training to build up muscles so my body can withstand the inevitable degradation that comes with time. The aim is to still be able to enjoy the activities that bring me joy when I retire.

I'm only a third of the way through the book, but it's already changing my perspective on health and longevity. I'm curious: how do you think about your own healthspan? Are there things you're doing now to invest in your future health?

Until next time, here's to not just living longer, but living better!

Kevin Ng

P.S. Remember, whether it's your teeth or your muscles, prevention and proactive care are key. Start building your health reserves today!