These simple, at-home tests can reveal how to boost your longevity
WORDS: SAMANTHA WOOD, ROSE GOODMAN. PHOTOS: GETTY. *WORKING AT LONDON GENERAL PRACTICE
Eating your five a day? Getting your recommended 150 minutes of exercise a week? If yes, then you probably consider yourself a ‘healthy person’, but there can still be hidden signs that you need to take extra care of yourself. Try our quick tests to see the areas you might need to focus on and easy ways to stay healthy for many years to come.
Balance
Can you stand on one leg for 60 seconds?
Yes No WHY IT MATTERS Balance deteriorates as a result of a decline in our sensory system – each year, around 30% of people aged 65 and over have a fall, which can result in serious injuries, such as hip fractures. ‘Maintaining and improving the ability to balance is crucial in reducing these risks,’ says lifestyle coach Claire Davis (thirtyeightdegreesnorth.com). ‘You’re more likely to live independently for longer, too.’
✱ Try this Think about your overall health and fitness. ‘Decreased balance can be a sign of other things, such as vertigo and low blood pressure, so see your GP,’ says Claire. ‘Plus, get into the habit of practising standing on one leg when you brush your teeth.’ You’ll soon build up the time.
Sleep
Does it consistently take you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night?
Yes No WHY IT MATTERS If you find yourself lying awake for over half an hour for three or more nights a week, you might have insomnia. ‘This could be due to stress or anxiety making it difficult to switch off, or your body isn’t producing the sleep hormone, melatonin, early enough,’ says sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning (troublesleeping.co.uk). Poor sleep can increase the risk of developing dementia or heart disease, or having a stroke.
✱ Try this Do something calming before bed to help you relax – whether that’s having a bubble bath or reading a book. Dr Browning also recommends sticking to the same bedtime so your body knows when to release melatonin – but don’t get into bed and scroll on your devices, as blue light can suppress its production. Ditch them at least 30 minutes beforehand.
Immunity
Do you get more than five colds a year?
Yes No WHY IT MATTERS Repeatedly getting colds could be due to a variety of factors, including reduced immunity, poor hygiene practices and nutritional deficiencies. Frequ
