Definitions of healthspan: A systematic review

The term healthspan has been widely used in academic literature, technical reports and brochures, however, it is unclear if the same definitions and operationalizations for healthspan are being used. The objective of the systematic review (registration number CRD42023404872) was to summarize definitions of healthspan and their operationalization searching using four databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Out of 14,551 records, 207 records met the inclusion criteria and 187 articles gave a definition of healthspan. Of these, 113 definitions were considered primary definitions, which refer to an authors' definition without referencing other definitions. Healthspan definitions varied widely, describing the absence of various disease and or disability and were operationalized by measuring the onset of chronic diseases, disability or performance limitations. Two definitions included subjective measures, such as quality of life. In conclusion, definitions of healthspan and their operationalization are not standardized, hampering comparisons of data. A consensus on the definition and operationalization of healthspan is urgently needed. • Healthspan emphasizes the period of good health and performance. • No officially accepted definition of healthspan exists. • 187 unique healthspan definitions were found with varying operationalizations. • An accepted definition is needed for consistency and comparability in research and reporting.