Your lifestyle can affect the way you age. Take this quiz to find out whether your biological age actually reflects your true age
Your lifestyle can affect the way you age. Take this quiz to find out whether your biological age actually reflects your true age
FILL IN YOUR REAL AGE:
1 If you exercise between two to six hours a week, minus 5 years
Experts have found out that telomeres, the markers of ageing within our cells, are the longest in those who do moderate amounts of exercise. As we age, telomeres usually shorten, so the longer they are, the younger we are biologically. Strenuous exercise done over a long period of time might stimulate negative responses in cells and require longer repair and recovery time. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day.
2 If people say you look young for your age, minus 2 years
The Journal of Gerontology has discovered that people who looked at least two years younger than their true age also have lower risk of high blood pressure.
3 If you have high blood pressure (over 140/90), add 5 years
Higher blood pressure means that your body works harder to pump oxygen and blood, if it's over 140/90, it increases your biological age by more than five years. Every one over 40 years old should get their blood pressure checked every six to 12 months.
4 If you have high cholesterol, add 3 years
According to the National Health Survey conducted in 2010, about 17.4 per cent of Singaporean adults aged between 18 and 69 have high cholesterol. A highsugar and high-fat diet usually contribute to high cholesterol, which can lead to cardiovascular diseases or even stroke.
5 If you are not good at controlling stress, add 5 years
When it comes to stress and its relation to premature ageing, it’s not so much of how much stress we have to handle, but how much it gets to us. A study by the University of California found that those who had the highest levels of perceived stress were 10 years older biologically.
6 If you used to smoke, add 5 years; if you are still smoking, add 10 years
We all know smoking damages various parts of the body, but don’t despair just yet. Quitting the habit actually allows you to add years back to your lifespan. The benefits of quitting is seen in as little as 20 minutes, when the heart rate drops to a normal level.
7 If you consume sugary drinks every day, add 5 years
A high-sugar diet causes cellular ageing and consuming 560 mls (one canned drink is about 330 ml) daily makes you about five years older than someone who quenches her thirst with water.
8 If you eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, minus 3 years
Those who consume fruits and vegetables daily have a reduced risk of health diseases and stroke. These have been shown to also help protect against certain types of cancer.
YOUR BIOLOGICAL AGE:
Congratulations if your biological age is younger than your actual age! But if you’re older than your physiological age, it's time to take control of your body and health. This booklet, filled with expert advice, aims to help you delay ageing so you can live more youthful, healthy years!
