Beyond sole longevity: a social perspective on healthspan extension

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology

Background:

• Longevity research primarily focuses on biological aging, neglecting the social environment's impact on health span.
• A healthy life span is influenced by social factors, yet biogerontology has overlooked this dimension.
• Extending life without a corresponding extension in health span poses significant medical and social challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between the social environment and health span.
• To highlight the importance of social relations in longevity research.
• To encourage interdisciplinary collaboration in biogerontology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on the impact of social milieu on health span.
• Exploration of social relations as a key component of the social environment.
• Discussion of the social dimension in the context of biogerontological pursuits.

Main Results:

• The social environment, particularly social relations, significantly impacts health span.
• There is a notable gap in biogerontological research regarding the social dimension of longevity.
• Increased awareness of the social milieu's relevance is needed within the biogerontological community.

Conclusions:

• Integrating social factors into longevity research is imperative for achieving healthy aging.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration can advance efforts to extend both life span and health span.
• Addressing the social milieu is essential to prevent longevity from becoming a societal burden.