Are We Just Living Longer… or Living Better? - May 2026 News from Gut Healthy
Published about 7 hours ago • 4 min read
May 2026
Lifespan vs. Healthspan
Most of us want to live a long life. We try to eat well, move our bodies, get enough sleep, and manage stress because we know these habits support our health. But when you think about it, is living longer really the goal?
What most of us truly want is to feel good for as many years as possible, to stay active, independent, mentally sharp, and able to enjoy life. That’s where the idea of healthspan comes in.
Over the past few years, there’s been a growing focus on longevity and extending lifespan. While living longer can sound appealing, those extra years may not feel like a gift if they’re spent struggling with chronic illness, pain, fatigue, or loss of independence.
So instead of only asking, “How long can I live?” perhaps the better question is: “How can I live well for longer?”
Lifespan refers to the total number of years a person lives.
Healthspan refers to the number of those years spent in good health, free from chronic disease, significant physical limitations, or cognitive decline.
In other words, healthspan is about quality of life, not just quantity.
Healthy aging generally includes three important components:
Avoiding or delaying chronic disease
Maintaining physical and cognitive function
Staying socially connected and engaged in life
Research suggests that the average North American healthspan ends years before lifespan does. Many people spend the last decade or more of life managing chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or dementia.
The good news? Many of the habits that support longevity also improve healthspan and it’s never too early or too late to start. While genetics do play a small role, daily lifestyle choices have a powerful impact on how we age. Here are some of the most important ways to support a longer, healthier life:
Eat for Long-Term Health: Focus on building meals around whole, minimally processed foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and quality protein sources. These foods provide fibre, antioxidants, and nutrients that help reduce inflammation and support heart, brain, and gut health. Try to limit ultra-processed foods high in added sugars, refined oils, and excess sodium, which are linked to chronic disease over time.
Move Your Body Regularly (including strength training): Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for healthy aging. Regular movement supports cardiovascular health, muscle strength, balance, mobility, mood, and cognitive function. Aim for strength training at least twice a week.
Prioritize Sleep: Sleep is when the body repairs, restores, and regulates many important functions. Poor sleep is linked to increased inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation, weakened immunity, and cognitive decline.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can impact nearly every system in the body, including digestion, hormones, immune function, and mental health. Stress management doesn’t mean eliminating stress completely, it means finding healthy ways to support your nervous system. This might include spending time in nature, meditation, journaling, or making time for hobbies and rest.
Stay Socially Connected: Strong social connections are closely linked to better mental and physical health as we age. Loneliness and isolation have even been associated with increased risk of dementia and chronic illness.
Know Your Health Numbers: Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help identify concerns early and support prevention. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers can provide valuable insight into your long-term health. Preventive care and routine screenings are an important part of healthy aging.
Improving healthspan doesn’t require perfection. Small, consistent habits practiced over time can make a meaningful difference in how we feel and function as we age.
The goal isn’t simply adding years to life, it’s adding life to those years.
Be well, Peggy
Baked Strawberry Rhubarb Oatmeal
On Thursday, I was so excited to have my first local strawberries from Mitchell's Farm. Oh, so sweet, so juicy and so early! May is actually rhubarb season though, and I’ve been busy whipping up all things rhubarb as friends and neighbours have been very generous in sharing their crops with me. There is no way I can say no to fresh, local produce!
While rhubarb is often treated like a fruit in desserts and baking, it’s actually a vegetable. Its bright pink stalks are packed with flavour as well as nutrition, providing fibre, vitamin K, antioxidants, and compounds that may help support gut and heart health. Rhubarb is also naturally low in sugar, making it a great addition to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Below are a few of my favourite new rhubarb recipes to help you enjoy this seasonal spring favourite while it lasts!
And if you’re craving a savoury dish to use your rhubarb in, try this Rhubarb and Red Quinoa Soup from Forks over Knives. Unusual yes, but quick to prepare, flavourful, and nourishing.
Looking for some help with meal planning and healthy recipe inspiration? I’ve recently launched an online shop featuring 7-day plant-based meal plans designed to make nourishing eating feel a little simpler and more approachable. Each plan includes 14–22 wholesome recipes and is currently available for $14.95, offering an affordable way to access balanced, gut-friendly meals and practical meal planning support from home. More plans will be added over the coming weeks!
Cooking Classes Update
Cooking classes offered through the rec centres are finished for the spring and summer but I am busy working on my menus for the fall. I will be teaching again through both Saanich and Pan Rec. Registration will open in July.
If you are interested in attending one of my in-home cooking classes over the summer, please reach out. I am happy to run a couple if there is demand. Cost is $95 per person.
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