Discover how to live longer, healthier years with practical tips on improving your healthspan through screenings, lifestyle choices, preventive care, and MSU resources.

At Missouri State University, we prioritize not just how long you live, but how well you live. According to a recent Mayo Clinic report, life expectancy is increasing globally, but many people spend their later years with chronic disease or disability, highlighting the importance of healthspan—the period of life spent in good health.

🧠 Understanding Healthspan vs. Lifespan

• Lifespan: Total years lived.
• Healthspan: Years lived healthy, active, and free from chronic disease.

In the U.S., people now live an average of 12.4 years with disability and sickness, up from 10.9 years in 2000.

🏥 Strategies to Improve Your Healthspan

• Preventive Care

  • MSU offers year-round biometric screenings at Magers Health and Wellness or other in-network providers to detect early risk factors like high blood pressure or cholesterol.

  • Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and services like the mammogram bus help prevent chronic disease and support early detection of health concerns.

  • MSU partners with Mercy’s Care Management and Collaborative Care programs  to support coordinated, holistic health and wellness for employees.

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices

  • Engage in regular exercise, maintain a balanced diet, manage stress, and avoid harmful habits like smoking to promote long-term health.

  • Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Adventures program offers trips such as kayaking, hiking, and rock climbing, providing opportunities to stay active and connect with nature.

  • Employee Wellness classes , such as Tai Chi, yoga, and Fab, Fit and Fun, enhance both physical and mental wellbeing.

• Mental Wellbeing

  • Magers Health and Wellness Center: Provides on-site mental health services, including counseling and psychiatric care. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 417-836-4000.

  • Mercy Collaborative Care: Integrates behavioral health experts into primary care settings, allowing faster access to mental health services through your primary care provider.

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Offers confidential counseling services to employees and household members, supporting personal and work-related issues.

• Financial Wellbeing

  • Managing finances reduces stress and supports overall wellness.

  • Resources like retirement planning, flex spending, savings accounts, and employee assistance programs help protect your healthspan by allowing you to focus on wellness without financial worry.

 Get all HR news, benefits insights, and upcoming professional development opportunities—follow the HR Blog.

 Stay updated on employee wellness—follow the Wellness Blog.