Age may be inevitable, but did you know that there’s an even more accurate predictor of your longevity than the number of candles on your birthday cake? It’s called your physiological age, and it can act as a wake-up call for those of us who may be just a little out of shape. But the good news is that you can take steps to dial back the clock and give yourself a better chance of living a longer and healthier life.
The A-BEST Method
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic have developed an equation called A-BEST (Age Based on Exercise Stress Testing) that can help you calculate your physiological age. The formula takes into account factors such as how well your heart responds to exercise and how quickly your heart rate recovers post-exercise.
In a study of over 126,000 participants, the researchers found that A-BEST scores were a better predictor of who passed away during the 9-year follow-up period than the participants’ chronological ages.
Figuring Out Your Physiological Age
You can calculate your physiological age using the World Fitness Level website. This site takes you through a series of questions related to your cardiovascular health and exercise habits to give you an idea of where you stand.
If you find that your physiological age is higher than your chronological age, don’t despair! There are steps you can take to improve your exercise stamina and, in turn, help dial back the clock on your body.
Exercise and Diet: The Key to Longevity
First and foremost, start by exercising daily. Even a brisk 30-minute walk can make a difference in how well your heart responds to exercise, and as you build your stamina, you can try more challenging workouts.
Additionally, take a look at your diet. There’s no shortage of scientifically-proven traditional diets that contribute to better health outcomes and increased longevity. Adopting heart-healthy eating habits is not only beneficial for your overall wellbeing, but it can also play a significant role in improving your exercise stamina.
The Bottom Line
While we can’t change our chronological age, we do have control over our physiological age. By focusing on improving our exercise performance and adopting a healthier lifestyle, we can carve out a better future for ourselves and increase our chances of living a longer and more fulfilling life.
