Does longevity have longevity?

In the past two years, European Spa has seen a shift in language around the topic of longevity, with a more nuanced approach focusing on ensuring healthy years as well as simply extending life span.

According to analysts at Bank of America, the global longevity market is expected to reach $610 billion (£485 billion/€584 billion) by 2025. This represents a major opportunity for wellness operators, but getting the right focus is crucial. Innovative brands to watch in this field include the Chenot Group, Lanserhof, Chiva-Som and Canyon Ranch.

“Lifespan is how long you live, but health span is how many years you stay healthy and active,” says Dr Jason Culp, research and development director at Chiva-Som International Health Resorts. “More and more, healthcare focuses on health span as living longer means little if we’re not at our best.”

Dr George Gaitanos, chief operating and scientific officer at the Chenot Group, acknowledges that scientific advancements have allowed the development of treatments, therapies, phytonutrient supplements and

lifestyle factors that can address the root causes of ageing. But he believes we need to activate change on a global level.

“To really increase our health span we need a cultural revolution involving policy makers, school teachers, families and doctors,” he says. “We need medicine to focus on prevention, with GPs teaching people about factors such as nutrition and exercise.”

WHAT IT MEANS FOR SPAS…

Spas can introduce meaningful programming that promotes healthy lifestyle choices, from eating a healthy diet to staying active, getting enough sleep and supporting mental and emotional health.