A strong grip
“Stronger grip strength correlates with better muscle mass, cardiovascular health and longevity,” Ghen says.
This can be measured at a doctor’s office by squeezing the handle of a dynamometer with maximum effort for a few seconds. You can also gauge your strength at home by clenching a tennis ball or wringing out a wet towel.
It’s just one measure of a healthy and strong muscular system — good flexibility and consistent energy are also indicators.
Joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness and sarcopenia (muscle loss that occurs with aging) are key warning signs your muscular system may be in trouble.
Movement with ease
The benefits of regular exercise are endless — it strengthens bones and muscles, increases flexibility and balance, helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts cognitive function, reduces stress and anxiety and enhances mood and sleep.
Experts recommend doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise and spending two or more days each week working all the major muscle groups.
If you find yourself dizzy, out of breath or fatigued with minimal activity, or notice an irregular heartbeat or swelling, your heart may be having trouble pumping blood effectively.
Quick recovery from viruses and infections
Prolonged illnesses and frequent infections are common red flags of a distressed immune system. You should be able to recover from most viruses within 10 days, Ghen said.
Acute inflammation is the immune system’s natural and healthy response to injury or infection. But chronic low-grade inflammation can last months or even years — long after the initial threat has passed. This persistent inflammation may be visible in your mouth.
“Check your gums — they should not bleed or be inflamed with regular flossing or brushing,” said Ghen, who recommends reducing inflammation with the natural compounds curcumin (found in turmeric) and EGCG (found in green tea).
Good mood and libido
Our hormone levels naturally decline as we get older. Hormonal changes may manifest as mood swings, mental fogginess, low libido, hot flashes, hair loss and sleep problems.
Testosterone therapy can benefit men with low libido and fatigue and women experiencing menopause symptoms, , particularly when combined with estrogen and progesterone. Pregnenolone and DHEA supplements may help “keep hormones at youthful levels,” Ghen said.
A sharp mind
Increased forgetfulness, confusion, poor concentration and personality changes may signal significant brain function declines.
The brain is like a muscle — you should keep strengthening it by learning new things.
Exercises, like stating as many words as you can think of that start with the letter “F,” challenge your brain as you age and help maintain cognitive function.
And don’t forget about sleep, which is crucial for brain health. For optimal ZZZs, Ghen recommends steering clear of sleep meds, keeping your bedroom dark, leaving your cell phone outside and shutting off Wi-Fi until the next morning.
For simple aging tests you can try at home, read the full article here.
It has been said, “Age is just a number.” But the fact is, your body is not the same at 60 as it was at 30. And while we may not all age in the same way, there are things we can all do to help keep our body functioning at its best during every stage of life.