The 5 pillars of healthspan: How to live well, longer
Most of us want to live a long life – but what matters just as much is the quality of those years. It’s not simply about adding candles to your birthday cake, but about adding life to those years: energy to enjoy your mornings, strength and flexibility to move with ease, clarity to stay sharp and joy to stay connected.
Scientists call this healthspan – the number of years you live with vitality, mobility and mental clarity. And new research is showing that when it comes to ageing well, not all organs are created equal.
Why the brain and immune system matter most
A recent study of more than 44,000 people in the UK found that the brain and the immune system may hold the biggest (physical) influence over how long we live. Researchers analysed nearly 3,000 proteins in blood samples and discovered that when either the brain or immune system aged prematurely, the risk of death was up to three times higher.
On the other hand, those with a youthful brain or immune system had about a 40% reduced risk of death – rising to 56% if both systems were especially youthful. This reinforces what many scientists have suspected: because the brain and immune system coordinate so much across the body (and there are immune cells in the brain), they have an outsized effect on overall longevity.
The good news? Lifestyle choices that protect your brain and keep your immune system resilient overlap with the same daily actions shown to extend healthspan.
The 5 pillars of healthspan
1. Vitality
Energy is the foundation of a good life. Nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods and regular movement keeps your cells humming. Even simple habits – like 20 brisk minutes of walking each day – help sustain stamina and energy.
2. Cognition
Your brain thrives on stimulation and good nutrition. Learning new skills, tackling puzzles or staying curious all help strengthen neural pathways. Plants rich in antioxidants – such as berries, broccoli and leafy greens – protect brain cells from oxidative stress and support memory and focus.
3. Psychological wellbeing
Purpose and connection matter just as much as diet and exercise. Studies consistently show that people with strong social ties and a sense of meaning live not only longer, but with better quality of life.
4. Mobility
Independence depends on our ability to move with ease. Resistance training, stretching and balance work keep muscles, joints and bones strong, lowering the risk of falls and keeping you active well into later years.
5. Sensory health
Hearing and vision are essential for engagement with the world. Addressing hearing loss alone can reduce dementia risk by more than 60%. Regular checks for both hearing and sight help maintain confidence and connection.
Your daily healthspan ally
While lifestyle choices form the foundation of healthspan, the right nutritional support can help fill gaps:
- Organic Daily Greens and Reds delivers concentrated nutrients from six carefully chosen plants — including broccoli, beetroot and blackcurrants – rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients shown to support vitality, cognition and overall wellness.
- Pair it with Organic Zinc, which bolsters immunity and recovery, helping your body repair and thrive.
Together, they help you feel your best now, while building resilience for years to come.
