Expected lifespan and healthspan among rural and urban individuals in Java, Indonesia

In Indonesia, adults living in rural areas have a longer life expectancy than their urban counterparts. Beyond observed longevity, attention has focused on lifespan and healthspan expectations as predictors of health outcomes. This study examines expected lifespan and expected healthspan and their associated factors among rural and urban populations in Java, Indonesia. The cross-sectional Healthy Longevity (HELO) survey collected data from the general population using in-person interviews and an online platform. Multinomial logistic regression analyses identified sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and perceptions, personality traits, health behaviours, social support, and health status associated with expected lifespan and expected healthspan. A total of 1,199 individuals (602 rural; 597 urban) completed the survey (63.5% of rural and 66.8% of urban were female). Median age was 49 years [34 - 64] in rural areas and 50 years [35 - 63] in urban areas. Among those aged 40 - 64 years, 68.7% of rural versus 63.9% of urban individuals expected to live to 80 - 99 years. Expected healthspan was shorter among urban individuals, with 42.5% versus 38.9% expecting healthspan to end at 60 - 79 years. Higher chronological age, perceiving same-age individuals as long-lived, and stronger expectancy and value of healthy longevity were associated with higher expected lifespan and healthspan in both areas. Balanced diet and weight monitoring showed similar association in both groups. Exercise, sleep, and doctor check-ups were associated only with rural individuals. Higher conscientiousness, neuroticism, and extraversion were associated with lower expectations in rural individuals, whereas higher agreeableness and conscientiousness showed similar associations in urban individuals.