What’s your biological age?

Are you biologically younger, older, or the same age as your calendar age?

Sometimes – usually about three-quarters of the way through a long run – this question pops into my mind.  It’s usually followed by questions like “Is this making a difference?” and “Is it really worth it?”

So, while I’m normally pretty sceptical of online quizzes concerning your health, I’m very curious to know whether you can put a figure (in this case, years) against the total effect of maintaining a good diet, getting enough exercise, and generally looking after yourself.

I came across Real Age’s online test today, and with 15 minutes to kill it was a lure I couldn’t resist.  Not only is it free, but you’ll get a list of what’s making you younger or older so that you can start making changes today.  The range of questions is comprehensive – they cover general health and illnesses, dental care, diet, exercise and lifestyle choices in detail – which is possibly why this test feels more credible.  Like most things though, what you put in will affect what you get back, so be as honest about your answers as possible!

It turns out that my biological age is 3.2 years younger than my calendar age (hooray!), which is something I’ll be reminding myself of next time “healthy living” feels like a chore.  And how can I help make my biological age younger?  Well, here’s my slightly surprising personal To-Do list:

Floss more – flossing breaks up the bacteria between your teeth, so it’s one of the most important things you can do to prevent periodontal disease and needless aging.

Boost my vitamin E intake – vitamin E is an antioxidant that acts as an anti-aging agent.

Get my blood pressure and cholesterol level tested – monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly means you can keep track of any fluctuations.

Get a dog – yep, you read right!  For many people, having a dog reduces stress, and it’s also a great way to increases your physical activity levels.

If you’re remotely interested in your health, fitness and general wellbeing, I challenge you not to be interested! Find your own biological age here, courtesy of RealAge.  Let me know how you go!