by Jennifer Cox Longevity Longevity and Vitality d Vitality There’s been a lot of chatter about the word “vitality” and what it means, especially in relation to longevity. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives a very wordy definition and says that vitality is considered the underlying physiological determinant of intrinsic capacity, a crucial concept in healthy aging and “the composite of all the physical and mental capacities that an individual can draw on at any point in time.” The University of Pennsylvania keeps it a bit simpler: vitality refers to a feeling of aliveness. In the physical sense, this vitality refers to feeling healthy and capable and energetic. Psychologically, this state of aliveness brings a sense that one’s actions have meaning and purpose. The question is, how are vitality and longevity linked? In an article called, “When Vitality Meets Longevity – New Strategies for Health in Later Life” by Rudi G. J. Westendorp, the term longevity is used by medical professionals in a more narrow, functional definition of health, whereas vitality is considered to be a psychological concept and is primarily used in social sciences. In other words, longevity is about black-and-white lifespan years, and vitality is about the grey area of how you live out those years. Wouldn’t it make sense that if you’re living a vivacious life (i.e., vitality), you’d therefore live longer? Based on past columns in which we’ve examined the link between lifespan and certain life choices, such as exercise and socializing, these positive, beneficial practices not only help people live longer, they also provide quality and health to that lengthy life. Westendorp writes: “Healthy longevity and vitality are deemed to be two necessary attributes for well-being in old age. Whereas healthy longevity has already become a hot topic in the health services domain, because of the socioeconomic consequences thereof, attention to vitality is lagging behind as the latter concept is too often addressed independently of health. Healthy longevity prevails in the narrow, functional definition of health, which is often used by medical professionals. Vitality is considered to be a psychological concept and is primarily used in social sciences. However, the two concepts are not independent of each other.” So, while it is advantageous to incorporate certain practices into our lives that give us increased vitality, these habits impact other longevity factors. When we exercise, our bodies and minds are stronger, and when we get sick or suffer an injury, we can heal and recover that much faster. When we eat certain foods (or avoid others), we fuel our bodies in the best way possible. When we have friends, pets or a connection to our community, we stave off loneliness and depression, something that can carry us through difficult times. It’s like a chain reaction: All of these things contribute to our well-being. Our physical and emotional health are heightened and, therefore, affect those things that affect longevity. The tricky part is linking the two in a concrete way. Because research is normally focused on solving a problem, not a lot of onus is put on looking at how we can help healthy people continue to stay healthy. Also, because the idea of vitality is defined in so many different ways, it’s a difficult concept to study (how do we differentiate between a little bit of vitality in someone’s life versus a lot of vitality, for example). However, there is still one thing that is certain: when we have well-being (aka vitality) in our lives, and when our living has quality and dignity attached to it, we can deal with biological challenges much better and, therefore, live longer. So, find your passion. Make time to spend with friends and family. Get moving. It all leads to more fulfilling, happier years. CSANews | SUMMER 2024 | 35
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