Cultures vary in terms of time orientation. That is, some cultures are present oriented and this is reflected in the spoken language and symbolic expressions. Similarly, other cultures may be past or future oriented. Time also plays an important part in religious and cultural events. Time and its relation to customs, festivals, taboos and spiritual significance can be perceived in certain religions and cultures more than others.

In Islam, for example, the timing of sunrise and sunset is of particular importance in relation to prayers. The lunar calendar guides such decisions. This approach becomes particularly significant in deciding the actual day on which Ramadan (when the world over Islamic people fast) begins and ends. Since it is governed by lunar cycles, there is not a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar for the beginning and end of Ramadan. It may be different every year.

The lifespan approach can inform health profiles of individuals and assist the integration of cultural knowledge about people from diverse backgrounds.