4.2 Flashcards
(10 cards)
- What is the difference between lifespan and healthspan?
Lifespan refers to the total length of time an individual lives, whereas healthspan is the period of life during which a person remains healthy and free from significant disease or disability. Extending healthspan means prolonging both life and quality of life.
- Why is focusing on healthspan as important as extending lifespan?
Focusing solely on lifespan may result in longer lives that include long periods of illness or disability. By emphasizing healthspan, public health initiatives aim to maximize the years lived in good health, ensuring not just a longer life but a better quality of life.
- How is obesity classified using Body Mass Index (BMI) and what are the common BMI categories?
Obesity is classified based on BMI, which is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. Common categories are: Underweight (<18.5), Normal weight (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25–29.9), Obese Class I (30–34.9), Obese Class II (35–39.9), and Obese Class III (≥40).
- What does recent data suggest about the prevalence of obesity among adults in Australia?
Data indicate that a substantial proportion of adults in Australia are overweight or obese. For example, surveys show that many adults fall into the overweight category (BMI 25–29.9), with a similar or significant percentage classified across the obesity classes, varying by gender and age group.
- What are the major health impacts associated with obesity?
Obesity increases the risk of a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases (like atherosclerosis and hypertension), type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory problems, and reduced overall quality of life by contributing to premature disability.
- How does obesity influence life expectancy and healthspan?
High levels of obesity are linked to a shorter healthspan due to the increased burden of chronic diseases and related disabilities. This can ultimately reduce life expectancy, even though some individuals may still live into old age, albeit with a lower quality of life.
- What positive impacts does regular exercise have on human longevity?
Regular physical exercise improves body composition, enhances cardiovascular function, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, and boosts mental and cognitive health. These benefits collectively reduce the risk of chronic diseases and contribute to both increased lifespan and an extended healthspan.
- How does physical activity contribute to cardiovascular health?
Physical activity improves endothelial function, strengthens the heart muscle, lowers blood pressure, improves lipid profiles, and helps maintain a healthy weight. These effects reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, thereby enhancing overall longevity.
- What evidence supports the role of exercise in reducing all-cause mortality?
Numerous longitudinal and epidemiological studies have shown that individuals engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity have lower hazard ratios for all-cause mortality. This indicates a clear dose–response relationship where increased physical activity correlates with reduced overall death rates.
- Why are public health strategies promoting exercise crucial for extending healthspan?
Since exercise offers wide-ranging benefits—including improved metabolic health, reduced risk of obesity-related diseases, enhanced cognitive function, and better mood—it is a key, cost-effective intervention that not only prolongs life but also improves the quality of the additional years.
