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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Health & Science

Taiwanese Live Longer, But Healthy Years Lag Behind

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Taiwan's average life expectancy is nearly 80 years, but the healthy life expectancy is only about 72.4 years, leaving a gap of 7-8 years requiring care.
  • Experts recommend five habits to extend healthy life expectancy: regular check-ups, consistent exercise, a light and varied diet, social engagement, and good sleep.
  • Maintaining health and self-care ability enhances life quality, autonomy, and social interaction in retirement.

Taiwanese people are living longer, but not necessarily healthier lives. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare statistics from 2022, the average life expectancy is approximately 79.8 years. However, the "healthy life expectancy", the period of life spent in good health without needing assistance, is only about 72.4 years.

This significant gap of nearly seven to eight years means many individuals may face limitations in mobility, require constant care, or become bedridden. This not only impacts personal quality of life but also places a substantial burden on families and increases demand for healthcare and caregiving resources.

The average life expectancy is approximately 79.8 years. However, the "healthy life expectancy", the period of life spent in good health without needing assistance, is only about 72.4 years.

— Changsheng Tang Chinese Medicine ClinicPresenting statistics on Taiwanese longevity and healthspan.

To address this, Changsheng Tang Chinese Medicine Clinic suggests five key habits to help extend healthy life expectancy and shorten the period of disability. These include undergoing regular health check-ups to manage conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol early, and to screen for cancer. Consistent physical activity, such as at least three sessions of moderate-intensity exercise per week like brisk walking or swimming, is also crucial.

This significant gap of nearly seven to eight years means many individuals may face limitations in mobility, require constant care, or become bedridden.

— Changsheng Tang Chinese Medicine ClinicExplaining the implications of the difference between average and healthy life expectancy.

Dietary recommendations focus on reducing heavy flavors and processed foods, increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Maintaining social connections, engaging in hobbies, and keeping the mind active are vital for psychological well-being. Finally, managing sleep and stress through regular routines and adequate rest can significantly improve the body's resilience and recovery capabilities.

By adopting these practices, individuals can strive for a longer life that is also healthier and more independent, allowing them to continue enjoying their retirement and interacting with loved ones.

Maintaining health and self-care ability enhances life quality, autonomy, and social interaction in retirement.

— Changsheng Tang Chinese Medicine ClinicHighlighting the benefits of a longer healthy life.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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