JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Over the past two decades, concerns have arisen about the distinction between health span and lifespan, highlighting that longevity does not necessarily equate to good health, a concept often referred to as "healthy longevity." While various strategies have been explored to promote healthy aging and achieve healthy longevity, it remains uncertain which practices are most effective.

Objective:

Aim: To identify the existing and emerging practices and interventions that promote healthy longevity, identify the key components of these practices and interventions, and to consider how stakeholders contribute to these practices and interventions.

Methods:

Arksey & O'malley’s six-stage framework was used to conduct and guide reporting. The Joanna Briggs Institute Population–Concept–Context framework was used to define eligibility criteria and select studies that report practices/interventions aimed at achieving long health span or promoting healthy longevity carried out in community. Data were manually extracted by two independents reviewers to detail the characteristics of these practices and interventions, guide the data charting process and narrative synthesis. Six databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar) were searched for academic papers and gray literature published between January 2010 and February 2025.

Results:

Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies, mostly published after 2020, were predominantly conducted in high income settings (81.0%) across North America, Europe, and Asia. Four study types were identified: interventional (33%), intervention development (24%), association (24%), and descriptive (19%). Interventional and intervention development studies primarily described multi component programmes targeting individual and social determinants of health and generally reported beneficial effects on physical, cognitive, and psychosocial outcomes. Association studies linked micro , meso , and macro level factors (e.g. nutrition, household expenditure, housing quality, health insurance, public financing policy) to healthy longevity indicators. Descriptive studies highlighted themes cross micro and meso level, such as finance, physical activity, mental and spiritual health, digital literacy, independent living, safety, social support, and healthcare support. Technology played an increasingly important role, with digital health tools and wearables offering innovative solutions, though their effectiveness depended on user-friendly design and ethical considerations.

Conclusions:

The identified community-based strategies, practices, and policies which extend health span represent the joint effort of multiple stakeholders and disciplines. The implementation of these practices and policies are worthy to be supported. More studies in diverse socioeconomic contexts are needed. Clinical Trial: nil