Have you ever wondered if your body feels older or younger than your actual age? Many of us have, and there’s a way to find out. It’s called calculating your body’s true age, and it can give you interesting insights into your health and lifestyle.
Dr. Jalpa Sheth, a wellness expert, explains, “Your body age isn’t just about the years you’ve lived. It’s about how well your body is working and how healthy your lifestyle is.”
Let’s explore some easy ways to figure out your body age and maybe even lower it!
Check your heart health
Your heart is like the engine of your body. A simple way to see how it’s doing is to check your pulse. Here’s how:
• Put two fingers on the inside of your wrist, just below your thumb.
• Count how many times your heart beats in 15 seconds.
• Multiply that number by 4.
This gives you your heart rate per minute. According to Dr. Sheth, “A normal heart usually beats between 60-100 times per minute when you’re resting. If it’s higher, it might mean your heart is working harder than it needs to.”
Test your flexibility
Can you still touch your toes? As we get older, we often become less flexible. Try this simple test:
• Sit on the floor with your legs straight in front of you.
• Reach forward and see how far you can go.
“If you can reach more than 10 inches past your toes, that’s a sign your body might be younger than your actual age,” says Dr. Sheth.
Check your strength
As we age, we tend to lose muscle. But staying strong can keep us feeling young. Try doing as many push-ups as you can. If you can do more than 20, that’s a great sign!
Look at your body shape
Where your body stores fat can tell you a lot about your health. Measure your waist and hips and divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. Dr. Sheth advises, “For women, this number should be less than 0.85. For men, it should be less than 1.0.”
Get enough sleep
Sleep is when your body repairs itself. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. According to sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, “Getting enough quality sleep can make you feel years younger and protect your health.”
Watch what you eat and drink
Eating well and not drinking too much alcohol can keep your body young. Dr. Walter Willett, a nutrition expert from Harvard University, suggests, “Aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and limit processed foods and sugary drinks.”
For alcohol, stick to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
Say no to smoking
If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Dr. Sheth emphasizes, “People who quit smoking often say they feel years younger almost right away.”
Stay active
Regular exercise is like a fountain of youth. Try to move for at least 30 minutes most days. “It doesn’t have to be intense,” says fitness expert Jillian Michaels. “Even a brisk walk can make a big difference.”
Remember, these tests and tips aren’t meant to replace advice from your doctor. They’re just simple ways to get an idea of how healthy your lifestyle is.
Dr. Sheth concludes, “The great thing about body age is that you can often lower it by making small, positive changes to your lifestyle. It’s never too late to start feeling younger and healthier!”
So, why not give these simple tests a try? You might be surprised to find out how young your body really is. And if your body age is higher than you’d like, now you know some easy ways to start bringing it down.
Here’s to a healthier, younger-feeling you!
