Maximising Health Span and Wealth Span for Sustainable Longevity in South Africa

Explore how financial planning can help South Africans bridge the gap between lifespan and health span for a more sustainable and fulfilling future.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 4:13 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Independent Online (IOL)

Redefining the Metric of Aging

For decades, the global conversation on aging has centered almost exclusively on lifespan, celebrating the addition of years to human life through medical innovation. However, Bertie Nel, head of financial planning at Momentum, argues that the focus must shift to health span, which represents the period of life spent in good health, free from chronic disease and disability. In the South African context, where socio-economic pressures are high, the goal is not merely to live longer but to ensure those additional years are characterized by quality and independence.

The Economic Reality of Longevity Risk

The "longevity risk"—the danger of outliving one's financial resources or physical health—has become a pressing reality for many South African households. Nel illustrates this with a comparison of two individuals living to 90: one burdened by medical dependency and the other remaining active and socially engaged. The gap between these two scenarios often translates into extreme financial and emotional strain. As healthcare costs consistently outpace inflation, the need for a proactive financial strategy that anticipates thirty years of retirement has never been more urgent.

Epigenetics and Personal Agency

Modern science, particularly the study of epigenetics, suggests that DNA is not an unchangeable destiny. Environmental factors and lifestyle choices, such as diet, movement, and stress management, act as switches that can influence gene expression. This empowering shift means that long-term wellbeing is often a result of mindful habits and preventative healthcare rather than mere luck. However, Nel points out that making these better choices frequently requires financial flexibility, allowing individuals the time and resources to prioritize wellness today to avoid a high "illness tax" tomorrow.