Ever wonder how long you’ll live? Most people give that a passing thought every now and again. Census data shows that the average US citizen has a life span of 78.8 years (76.4 for men and 81.2 for women.)
Those averages are calculated from birth. But if you live until you are 65, your life span increases. Social Security says that a man reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 84.3, and a woman turning age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 86.6.
Some people beat the odds. Centenarians are people who reach the age of 100 – there are about 80,000 in the U.S. that reach this mark. There are also a few dozen supercentenarians in the U.S.: people who reach the age of 110. See our prior post on How to live to be 100 to learn more about these folks and what they attribute their longevity to.
What’s your likely lifespan?
There are several ways to get a rough idea of your lifespan. Click the image below to access a simple calculator that will give you a good idea of how long you’ll live. Answer simple questions about your health and lifestyle – it’s quick and easy and with each answer, you’ll see how certain choices you make increase or decrease your odds. Watch as years are added to or subtracted from the age in the upper right hand corner.
The calculator is based on actuarial tables so it is a good rough estimate, but for a more accurate assessment of your health, we recommend Health Risk Appraisals or Biometric Screenings to identify your specific risk areas so that you can target your nutrition and fitness routine where it will do the most good. Members of Total Care Wellness can take free Health Risk Appraisals in the TotalCare Wellness Portal. Members can also set goals and track progress.
Here are some related prior posts from our blog:
- Make Health Last: healthy lifestyle changes now reduce risk later
- New study: Physical activity may slow aging – – and the more the better