Recently, I read about Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur who’s become famous for his mission to live well past 100. His relentless investment in anti-ageing science and biohacking got me thinking—would I really want to live that long?

It’s easy to be captivated by the idea of living to 100 or even 120, but when I stop to think about it, questions surface. What if I outlived all my friends and family? What if I was left as the last man standing, with only memories for company? More practically, how active and capable would I actually be? My knees are already a bit creaky at 61—what will they be like at 101? And what about my heart health or cognitive function?

Sure, medical technology is advancing rapidly, and perhaps one day it will allow us to live with vitality well into old age. But will it progress fast enough to keep me moving, thinking, and living with the same energy I’ve had for the past 40 years?

Rather than chasing immortality, I’m choosing a more grounded ambition. My father lived until he was 82. That sounds like a good innings. The issue was that from about 65, his health began to decline, so while his lifespan was 82 years, his healthspan—the years he lived in good health—was much shorter.

Lifespan refers to the total number of years you live. Healthspan, on the other hand, is the number of those years you spend in good health, free from chronic illness or significant physical or cognitive decline. The goal isn’t just to add years to life, but life to years.

Here’s a sobering fact: in 2022, the average healthy life expectancy at birth in the UK for men was just 62.5 years. That means most men will spend the final 15–20 years of their lives coping with some level of ill health. Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE) is defined as the number of years a person can expect to live in “very good” or “good” health, based on self-assessed health status.

When you visualise it as a graph, lifespan is a long line—let’s say 82 years—but healthspan only covers the first 62 or so. After that, the curve dips as illness, injuries, and degeneration set in. That gap between healthspan and lifespan is the part we should all be thinking about.

And that brings me to a quote that captures how I want to live the rest of my years:

That’s my aspiration. I don’t need to live to 120 if the last 40 years are spent in a recliner. What I want is to maximise the number of years I feel strong, energetic, mentally sharp, and independent. To do that, I’ve realised that action is required now—not later.

So what does that look like? It means prioritising strength and mobility to protect my joints and bones. It means nourishing my body with real food and limiting processed junk. It means prioritising sleep, managing stress, and staying connected socially. It means regular health checks to keep an eye on heart and brain health. And it means living with purpose—having reasons to get up and get going every single day

In the end, I may not control how long I live. But I can influence the quality of those years. My goal isn’t just a longer life—it’s a fuller one. One where, if I’m lucky enough to hit 82—or beyond—I can still punch the air, skid in sideways, and shout, “Wow! What a ride!”​
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Thanks for being part of the tribe — I’m here to help you stay healthy, strong, and performing at your best. ​ Simon

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Please check out these podcasts and articles

PODCAST: Longevity, Consistency & enjoying the Process with Tim Ashelford This week, I’m joined by long-time friend and triathlon stalwart Tim Ashelford. With 35+ years in the sport, Tim has built a life around consistency, minimal injuries, and a focus on long-term health. We dive into the early days of UK triathlon, why he stepped away from Ironman, and the underrated value of shorter races. Tim shares how he stays fit, healthy, and motivated past 60, with insights on nutrition, strength, sleep, and the wisdom of not training through niggles. Tune in now

​ ARTICLE: Heart Rate Variability: Why it Matters for Everyone, Not Just Athletes Heart rate variability (HRV) is becoming an essential tool—not just for athletes, but for anyone looking to optimize their health. While it’s a great way to measure training load and recovery, HRV is also deeply connected to everyday lifestyle habits like sleep, nutrition, stress, and even alcohol intake. By understanding HRV, you can get real insights into how well your body is handling stress and whether you're recovering properly—or heading towards burnout. Dive in for more tips (3 min read)

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