health span

noun

: the length of time in one's life during which an individual is in reasonably good health
A revolutionary increase in life span has already occurred. A corresponding increase in health span, the maintenance of full function as nearly as possible to the end of life, should be the next gerontological goal.—John W. Rowe and Robert L. Kahn
Several genetic studies in mice suggest that the elimination of senescent cells from the organism leads to extension of the mouse's health span and lifespan.—Judy Siegel-Itzkovich

Examples of health span in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It's shown to increase health span and even lifespan. — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 7 Mar. 2026 Enjoying a longer life and a longer health span, or remaining free of disease, aren’t the same thing, Koemel said. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 13 Jan. 2026 Florida is asking them to choose between their patients and their own health spans, and a meaningful number are choosing their health spans. — Frances Mei Hardin, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2026 The findings add to emerging evidence that vaccines could increase health span in multiple ways, such as by decreasing dementia and heart disease risk. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 22 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for health span

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of health span was in 1931

Rhymes for health span

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Browse Nearby Words

health spa
health span
healthy
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Cite this Entry

“Health span.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health%20span. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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