But there’s another important aspect that’s gaining more attention: healthspan, which refers to the number of years you live free of disease, injury, and disability. While modern medicine has increased our lifespan, many of those additional years are spent managing chronic health conditions that limit our quality of life.
The key to true longevity is extending our healthspan, not just our lifespan. At Loft Pilates, we believe that movement is medicine, and through Pilates and other forms of exercise, you can add not just more years to your life, but also more life to your years.
What Is Lifespan?
Lifespan is simply the number of years you live. Thanks to advances in healthcare, nutrition, and technology, people are living longer than ever before. In Australia, the average lifespan is around 84 years for women and 80 years for men. However, living longer doesn’t necessarily mean living well. Many of those extra years can be plagued by health issues such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, or diabetes, limiting mobility and independence.
What Is Healthspan?
Healthspan refers to the period of your life in which you are free from serious illness, injury, or disability. It’s the time when you feel fit, mobile, and mentally sharp, allowing you to enjoy life to the fullest. Unfortunately, while our lifespan has increased, our healthspan has not kept pace. The average Australian can expect about 10 years of poor health at the end of life due to various chronic conditions. This is where a strong focus on healthspan comes into play—making those later years not just longer, but healthier and more enjoyable.
Why Prioritising Healthspan Matters
While it’s wonderful to live longer, no one wants to spend their later years in pain or struggling with day-to-day tasks. Improving your healthspan means maintaining your independence, staying active, and avoiding the limitations that often come with ageing. By focusing on movement, strength, and flexibility, you can extend the period of your life when you’re able to do what you love.
How Pilates Extends Your Healthspan
Pilates is one of the most effective ways to improve your healthspan. It combines strength, flexibility, and balance training, all of which are essential to maintaining both physical and mental well-being as we age.
Build Strength Without Overstraining
Pilates uses controlled movements that help build muscle strength, particularly in the core. Strong muscles support healthy joints and bones, which reduces the risk of injury and helps prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
Improve Flexibility and Mobility
Flexibility and range of motion often decrease as we get older, limiting our ability to perform daily activities. Pilates focuses on stretching and elongating muscles, helping you maintain mobility and avoid stiffness that comes with age.
Enhance Balance and Coordination
Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, often leading to a downward spiral of health issues. Pilates focuses on balance and coordination, helping to prevent falls and maintain your independence for longer.
Support Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Regular physical activity, like Pilates, has been shown to improve mental clarity and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Pilates also focuses on mindful movement and breathing, helping to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Start Focusing on Healthspan Today
The earlier you start focusing on extending your healthspan, the better. That’s why we encourage everyone—regardless of age or fitness level—to start incorporating regular Pilates into their lives. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, the benefits of Pilates will not only help you feel stronger and more energetic today, but will also protect your health for the years to come.
At Loft, we offer both personalised Pilates programs designed to meet your unique needs and fitness classes. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or simply feel better in your body, our expert instructors are here to guide you on the path to a longer and healthier life.