From CNBC: 2024-10-09 09:52:50

Americans are living longer, but also spending more years in poor health. The average U.S. life span has increased to 77.5 years, but health spans have shrunk, with older people spending about 10 years with chronic ailments. Obesity affects 42% of U.S. adults and is a key factor in chronic diseases.

Health spans are crucial for financial stability, as about 90% of the $4.5 trillion in annual healthcare costs go to those with chronic diseases. The average 65-year-old retiring this year will spend about $165,000 in out-of-pocket health expenses in retirement. Early retirements due to poor health can impact Social Security benefits.

Invest in your health early to avoid chronic diseases later in life. Taking care of your health in your 40s and 50s is crucial to prevent issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. Treat purchases of healthy food and exercise classes as investments that add years to your life. Over half of people can reverse diabetes by losing weight and making dietary changes.

Read more: Life spans are growing but ‘health spans’ are shrinking