You probably know how many years you’ve been alive, but some doctors are now more interested in “biological aging,” which is the physical decline that comes with age. It is a process that actually happens at different rate in different parts of the body in different people. To a certain extent it’s under our control through lifestyle choices.
Private clinics offer tests—typically at a cost of several hundred dollars—that build an overall picture using a battery of measurements. Many can’t be taken at home, including grip strength, breathing and DNA analysis. But to give you a taster, here are some tests we can all try. Don’t panic if you get an alarming score because the tests aren’t conclusive in isolation.
BALANCE Stand on your left leg with your right leg bent behind you, your hands on your hips and your eyes closed. Time how long you last before losing your balance. Use your score of three. 70 plus seconds=biological age in the 20s; 60--69 sec=30s; 50—59 sec= 40s; 40—49 sec= 50s; 30—39 sec= 60s; 20—29 sec= 70s; under 20 sec—80s.
REACTION Ask a friend to hold a ruler 45cm above the thumb and forefinger of your writing hand. When he drops it, measure how far it falls before you catch it. Under 15cm=age in the 20s; 15—24cm= 30s; 25—29cm= 40s; 30—35cm=50s; over 40cm 60s.
SKIN ELASTICITY Pinch up as much skin on the back of your hand as you can. Then release it and time how long it takes to lie flat again. Under 1 second=age in the 20s; 1—2 sec=30s; 3—4 sec=40s; 5—10 sec=50s; 11—30 sec=60s; 30—45 sec=70s; 46 plus sec=80s.
CHOLESTEROL Look in the mirror at your eyes. Is there a white arc around the edge of your cornea? It is caused by fatty deposits and the longer and more complete the line, the more it indicates a prolonged fatty diet. An unbroken ring is a cause for concern in middle age.
MENTAL AGILITY Count backwards from 100 in sevens: 100, 93, 86, etc. Time how long it takes to get down to zero. If you’re under 40 you should manage it in less than 20 seconds, 40—60 under 25seconds. Now think of as many fruit and vegetables as you can in a minute. If you’re under 60 you should get at least 15. If you struggle with either you need to do cognitive exercises. Live long and prosper.
|
