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 Updated: 8/27/2007 |
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What is Body Age?
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BodyAge is a software tool that helps measure and track personal fitness in the four major areas of fitness - Cardiovascular, Body Composition, Flexibility, and Strength. The outcomes of these tests are calculated to produce an overall Body Age.
The BodyAge score can be calculated using up to 26 validated health and fitness assessments. Assessments like heart disease and nutrition risk appraisals are included in the system. In the Polar OwnTest System the calculation is based on a maximum of seven different assessments. These are blood pressure, body fat, aerobic fitness, upper, lower and trunk muscle strength and flexibility. A minimum four assessments are needed for the calculation. Each assessment has a ranking that is based on scientific publications. A person in the “healthy” or “average” classification for all assessments will have a BodyAge score equal to their biological age. A person “lower” in categories for any of the assessments will have years added to their BodyAge score accordingly. The same works for the person in the “good” or “excellent” categories. Years will be taken off the BodyAge score. Assessments that affect life expectancy are weighted more heavily, such as cardiovascular fitness, body fat and blood pressure. Assessments that affect quality of life rather than life expectancy are weighted slightly less, such as strength and flexibility.
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Chronological Age vs. Body Age
Everyone has a chronological age as well as a current Body Age. A 45 year old can have a body age of 70 or 20, depending on how well they have looked after themselves. For example, if a 45 year old had neglected their health and fitness and their body or fitness age is 75, this means they are performing at the same level as the average 75 year old.
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Contact:Healthy Worksites
What is Body Age? 