lifespanbased

Lifespanbased is an adjective used to describe approaches, analyses, or design principles that place the duration of life or the lifecycle of a system at the center of consideration. The term blends lifespan with based, signaling that lifespan is the primary unit of analysis rather than shorter-term metrics or fixed time points. As an emerging descriptor, lifespanbased is used across disciplines that study aging, product lifecycles, and policy planning.

In biogerontology and health research, lifespanbased methods compare interventions by their effects on overall lifespan and healthy years. They commonly employ life table analyses, survival curves, and healthspan measures to assess trade-offs between extended life and quality of life, rather than focusing solely on intermediate biomarkers or short-term outcomes.

In engineering, design, and sustainability, a lifespanbased approach aligns research, manufacturing, and maintenance with the expected end-of-life of a product or system. This can guide warranty terms, preventive maintenance, and end-of-life recycling, with an emphasis on maximizing useful life while minimizing environmental impact. The concept is also used in policy planning to evaluate programs by how they influence long-term outcomes across a population.

Limitations include data heterogeneity in lifespans across populations, potential ethical concerns in prioritizing longevity, and the risk of oversimplifying complex aging processes or user needs. When used, lifespanbased analyses should clearly define what constitutes “lifespan” and account for healthspan, quality of life, equity, and contextual factors that influence duration and usefulness of life.