The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has created a calculator, which calculates your "fitness" age rather than your numerical age. Utilizing information including your age, weight, gender, location, and how much you exercise, the calculator figures out what your VO2 max is. Your VO2 max shows how much oxygen one can take in, and is greatly influenced by your exercise levels.
The study that the researchers at the Norwegian University found that with every decade that people aged (men or women), their maximal oxygen uptake decreased by about 7%.
About 28% of people in the US are obese and about 35.6% are overweight. This means that most Americans who take the fitness age test using this calculator will have a fitness age that is higher than their actual ages. It was found that "fit people were relatively younger than were people who were out of shape." (NYTimes)
If your fitness age is higher than your actual age, start exercising or increase your activity. It's never too late to start! Exercise can help reduce diseases or even prevent certain types of cancers. Dr. Ronan Factora calls exercise "the best medicine no one wants to do" (Washington Post). (Just remember to consult a doctor if you're starting a new exercise regime). If your fitness age is lower, keep up the good work.
I tested out the calculator on myself. I am 32 and exercise about 5 days a week (back training for a marathon!). I plugged in all of my info and found out that I have the fitness of under an average 20 year old! This is despite being a tad heavier than I would like. My actual fitness level is 45 VO2 Max. This means that my "heart's capacity to transport oxygen is good, which decreases my risk of dying prematurely from lifestyle related diseases.
