We asked perplexity to give us the summary of joyspan… a new word hitting our newsfeed. This is that summary…

“Lifespan counts the years.
Healthspan counts the healthy years.
Joyspan counts the meaningful ones.”

Joyspan is the concept of maximizing the quality and fulfillment of life in older age, focusing not just on how long you live (lifespan) or how healthy you are (healthspan), but on the time you spend experiencing deep well-being, contentment, connection, meaning, growth, and purpose[1][2][3][5][7].

Developed by Dr. Kerry Burnight, it draws from science and real-world experience to encourage intentional practices that build emotional, social, and psychological resilience as you age.

Unlike fleeting happiness, joyspan emphasises sustainable well-being—purpose, adaptability, social connections, and giving to others—even in the face of challenges like illness, loss, or caregiving responsibilities[1][4][5][7].

The approach is grounded in both research and practical strategies, highlighting four essentials, often called the “Joyspan Matrix”:

• Growth: try new things and remain curious
• Adaptation: stay flexible and embrace change
• Connection: nurture meaningful relationships
• Giving: find purpose through contributing to others[5][7]

Joyspan reframes aging as a time of potential—not decline—and gives tools to help people thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially, aiming for a long life that is rich and meaningful, not merely long[2][3][5][7].

Citations:
[1] [PDF] Dr. Kerry Burnight – Hachette Book Group https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Joyspan-Introduction.pdf
[2] Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second … https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joyspan-kerry-burnight-phd/1146833030
[3] Joyspan as a Cornerstone of Longevity: Enhancing Wellbeing and … https://globalwellnessinstitute.org/global-wellness-institute-blog/2025/04/11/joyspan-as-a-cornerstone-of-longevity-enhancing-wellbeing-and-productivity-in-the-workplace/
[4] Book Review: Joyspan by Dr. Kerry Burnight – Iron Gall Media https://irongallmedia.com/2025/08/05/book-review-joyspan-by-dr-kerry-burnight/
[5] Your Joyspan is the Key to Aging Well – The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/18/well/is-joyspan-the-key-to-aging-well.html
[6] Joyspan: The Art And Science Of Thriving In Life’s Second … https://www.christianbook.com/joyspan-science-thriving-lifes-second-half/9781546007357/pd/007359
[7] Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/218372381-joyspan
[8] Joyspan: A Short Guide to Enjoying your Long Life – Hachette Australia https://www.hachette.com.au/dr-kerry-burnight/joyspan-a-short-guide-to-enjoying-your-long-life
[9] Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half https://www.tatteredcover.com/products/9781546007357
[10] [PDF] Joyspan Reader’s Group Guide https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Joyspan-Readers-Group-Guide-1.pdf