The Implications of Low Back Pain on Prolonged Lifespan and Future Targeted Care Models to Support the Pursuit of Healthy Longevity

The human desire for everlasting youth and well-being has persisted throughout history. In the modern era, advancements in medicine and the emerging field of longevity have brought this age-old aspiration closer to realization. The remarkable increase in global life expectancy from a mere 30 years in 1870 to an impressive 71 years today, is a monumental healthcare achievement over the past century and a half. This achievement carries profound implications for the economy, necessitating a deeper understanding of the aging process and its influence on economic decision-making. Furthermore, it raises concerns regarding the adjustments required in behavior and lifestyle to adapt to extended lifespans while maintaining a high quality of life. The rise in life expectancy has substantial implications for managing chronic health conditions. Low back pain is nearly ubiquitous, and its global disease burden, particularly in high-socioeconomic standard countries, is high.

The youth and longevity business has carved out a niche from the traditional healthcare industry solely concerned with maintaining a high quality of life while managing the aging process. In this chapter, the authors deliver their perspective on the economic decision-making patterns of an aging population, the demographic changes associated with extended lifespans, and the adaptations in retirement planning and utilization of healthcare systems and social welfare programs. Further, the authors reflect on how aging spine patients adjust their behaviors and lifestyles to align with the demands of prolonged lifespans, prompting considerations of the economic consequences of these adjustments. The pursuit of healthy longevity raises questions about productivity, workforce participation, and the financial implications of supporting extended retire ment periods. Healthy longevity refers to empowering individuals to lead longer lives while maintaining optimal physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Achieving healthy longevity entails making choices that significantly impact long-term health outcomes. The authors describe how the otherwise healthy low back pain patient over 50 should adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, to promote healthy aging while enhancing the quality of life during extended lifespans.