Sort of….. there are longevity prediction tests that measure health span and mortality risk through functional fitness, metabolic biomarkers and also emerging, “biological age” technology. While no single test can provide a definitive expiration date, they offer insights into how your body is aging compared to your chronological age. We have focussed on the functional, physical tests that are ‘easy’ to complete.

• Sit to stand : Start standing, lower yourself to a cross-legged seated position on the floor, and stand back up with minimal support. Using hands or knees for balance reduces your score. Scores below 8 are associated with higher mortality risks.

• Single leg stand : Stand on one leg with hands on your hips. Inability to hold this for 10 seconds (for those over 50) is linked to a significantly higher risk of death within the next decade.

• Walking speed : How fast you naturally walk over a short distance (e.g., 6 meters). Slower walking speeds are predictive of various age-related health declines.

• Grip strength : Measured with a handheld dynamometer, grip strength is a reliable proxy for overall muscle mass and vitality.

• Push up test : Measured by how many total press ups you can do from a high plank position for men (or modified from the knees for women if needed) to 2-3 inches from the floor until exhaustion or loss of form causes cessation.

These tests are validated and used to test for mortality and falls risks.

For those that have or haven’t been watching Plym Physio on FB and Insta, we have been doing these and other longevity tests to see how the team compares – and because Nic is determined not to be the ‘oldest’ all the time!! Here are some videos of our efforts….

Healthy aging is so important and there is so much more information around now to educate and inform how to maintain good health in later life that it makes sense to take some on board.

We do practice what we preach (most of the time) and have implemented this knowledge into the clinic. Once patients are out of their acute phase we have a selection of classes available to develop protective strength, balance and efficiency whatever your age or ability, whether you’re 18 or 80. Once you have got the absolute ‘need to have’ lets get the ideal ‘great to have’.

Usual phone number for getting in touch, 656340 or email hello@plymphysio.co.uk or use the contact us page https://www.plymphysio.co.uk/contact-us/