Foundations · October 22, 2026 · 1:18

Longer Is Not the Goal. Better Is.

Dr. Anna Schwartz explains the difference between lifespan and healthspan, and why she points to VO2 max as the number to watch.

healthspanlifespanVO2 maxlongevity

TLDR

Lifespan is the number of years you are alive. Healthspan is the number of years you are alive and functional.
Dr. Schwartz says adding years to life is not a win if the last years are spent frail and dependent.
She names VO2 max as the strongest predictor of mortality she knows of.
VO2 max can be trained, so your fitness age does not have to match your birthday age.

I asked Dr. Anna Schwartz, our Chief Longevity Officer, what she tells people who say they just want to live longer.

Her answer: longer is not the goal. Better is.

In this short talk you will hear:

The difference between lifespan and healthspan
Why she does not count extra years spent frail and dependent as a win
Why she points to VO2 max, your cardiorespiratory fitness, as the number to watch
Why you can train it at any age