The Day I Am Going To Die
For a while now I have said I want to live to the age of 100. My chances of reaching this goal is less than 1%. I will enjoy the challenge.
My age goal along with my research and reading on the topics of aging has provided the opportunity to discover many so called “Age Quizzes”. Each quiz will ask 10-20 questions and then provide an expected age of when I will leave this world and meet my maker. OK, this type of quiz is not for everyone.
One of the quizzes went as far as to predict the date of my demise. The app then conveniently provides a running clock with a count down. You can watch the seconds of your life pass before your very eyes. Nice…?
As unscientific as these clocks are, the questions asked do provide some clues as to what the experts feel is important to prolonging life and longevity. For those of you who are interested, I have provided a list of the most common questions. I promise I will not be predicting your exit date. However, I will share mine (cue ominous sound in the background).
Age-They need a baseline.
Sex-Women live longer than men. We need to talk about this someday.
Weight/Height-A key biomarker for metabolic health.
Chronic conditions-An obvious question.
Age of parents/ grandparents when they passed-Yes, there is a genetic component to aging.
Sleep pattern-Hint, 8+ hours is the correct answer.
Nutritional questions-Usually in the form of fruit and vegetable consumption. Other questions about processed food and sugar may be included for extra credit.
Driving habits-Seat belt use or number of tickets(does not include parking tickets).
Marriage status-Men usually live longer if they are married. The same effect does not apply to women. Another topic we should talk about.
Anxiety and stress levels-This one is easy to lie about.
Race-It matters.
Exercise-This should be toward the top of the list. Cardio and strength. Any movement helps.
Sitting-53% of Americans sit more than 8 hours a day. Yikes. Please see #12.
Social habits-Another big one. Support and spending time with others is huge.
Smoking-You do know this will kill you, right? It is right on the package.
Alcohol-Not on the package but still has an affect.
Certain biomarkers-Cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose, and more.
How often do you see a doctor-See #17
Attitude toward aging-The actual question asks how you feel about the last 10 years of your life. This one can be somewhat self full-filling.
There you have it. The top 19 questions asked to determine the day of our death. Why not list 20 you may be thinking. Well, maybe subconciouly I did not want to complete the assignment.
Enjoy your day,
Just a little extra-
So…the big announcement- What day am I going to die? According to the app appropriately called “Death Clock” (yes it is still on my phone) I am scheduled to die on Friday April 21, 2045 at the age of 90. On a Friday? Can’t I just enjoy the weekend? The app clearly did not get the memo that I plan to live to 100.
References
Silly “Age Quizzes” including Death Clock.