The Longevity Test
Of course no one can tell you exactly how long you will live, but over the years physicians have discovered several factors that significantly affect life span. Think of this test as more of an educational experience than an empirical, scientific analysis. Most of the questions are about changeable behavior, so a few simple modifications in lifestyle can alter the score–and possibly add a few years to your future.
The test below is a modified version of an extensive questionnaire developed by Ronald Klatz and Robert Goldman. To take their more complete version of the longevity test, check out their new book, “Stopping the Clock,” or visit the World Health Network website.
What is your gender?
Male
Female
Has either of your parents had a stroke or heart attack before age 50?
Yes
No
Has either parent suffered from any of the following before age 65:
Hypertension
Cancer
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Other genetic disorders
What is your annual family income?
0-$9,000
$10,000-$18,000
$19,000-$30,000
$31,000-$75,000
$76,000-$150,000
Greater than $150,000
Health Status:
How would you describe your present overall health?
Excellent–almost never ill.
Good–sick 10 days or less each year.
Fair–sick 11-20 days each year.
Poor–sick 21 days or more each year.
What is your blood pressure?
Normal–below 140/90 mmHg
Borderline–between 140/90 and 160/95
High–above 160/95 Don’t know.
What is your cholesterol count?
Low–under 200
Moderate–200-240
High –over 240
Don’t know.
How much tobacco do you use?
Never smoked
Quit smoking
Smoke up to one pack a day
Smoke one to two packs a day
Over two packs a day
What is your daily consumption of alcohol? (1 beer or 1 glass of wine = 1.25 oz.)
No alcohol
1.25 oz./day or less
1.25-2.5 oz./day
More than 2.5 oz./day
How often do you do exercise aerobically for 20 minutes or more?
5 or more times a week
4 times a week
3 times a week
2 times a week
1 time a week
No regular aerobic exercise
Does your work requires regular physical exertion?
Yes
No
What is your weight?
Ideal weight
5-10 pounds over ideal weight
11-20 pounds over ideal weight
21-30 pounds over ideal weight
More than 30 pounds over ideal weight
5-10 pounds under ideal weight
More than 11 lbs. under ideal
Do you eat a well-balanced diet?
Yes
No
Do you regularly eat meals at a consistent time?
Yes
No
Do you snack or eat meals late at night?
Yes
No
Do you eat fish or poultry as primary protein source?
Yes
No
Do you eat at least 5 servings of vegetables a week?
Yes
No
Do you try to avoid fats?
Yes
No
Do at least half of all your meals consist of take-out foods, prepackaged or precooked foods?
Yes
No
Do you eat some food every day that is high in fiber?
Yes
No
Do you take a daily multivitamin or mineral supplement?
Yes
No
Are you married or in long-term committed relationship?
Yes
No
Do you have a pet?
Yes
No
How many hours do you sleep a night?
8-10
5-8
less than 5
Do you have a regular work routine?
Yes
No
Here are some of the key factors that have a major effect on the score:
Cutting down to one beer or glass of wine/day could be beneficial to your health You could add an estimated 4.0 years to your life.
The optimum amount of moderate aerobic exercise for longevity is 4 times per week. You could actually exercise less and benefit more.
You should stop eating meals or snacks late at night. You could add an estimated 2.7 years to your life.
You should eat at least 5 servings of fresh fruit or juice a day. You could add an estimated 2.0 years to your life.
Smoking–especially if over 2 packs a day–reduces the lifespan by several years.
Staying close to your ideal weight is a major determinant in your score.
Studies have shown that married people, or people in long-term relationships actually live longer than single people.
Owning a pet has proven to be beneficial to your health.
