This eye-opening quiz will calculate your “body age” – based on how well your body can cope with everyday activities, such as sleeping or long-distance car journeys.
The test will ask you your real age, and then pose a series of questions about what activities your body struggles with – including standing for long periods of time, and even being able to socialise at events.
It will then give you an age for how old your body is, based on how much physical discomfort it experiences from these activities.
It comes as a poll of 2,000 adults found that over half (52%) frequently experience physical pain, such as skin conditions or arthritis.
And this holds them back from activities such as exercise (35%), walking up the stairs (23%), and even getting a full night's sleep (30%).
Other things that feel like a major feat include taking long car journeys, being away from home for long periods of time – or movement in general.
Gareth Lucy, spokesman for hygiene and health company Essity, which commissioned the research, said: “It is staggering how many people feel unable to do everyday tasks, such as climbing the stairs or even walking, due to the pain they are experiencing.
“Our research revealed 18 different kinds of activities – some relatively stationary, such as reading or watching TV – which can be difficult for some.
“We were keen to highlight these issues to help raise awareness, and develop a level of understanding from those that might not realise what others are going through.”
The research found 44% of those with a condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, or peri-menopause, are affected daily, and the “average” sufferer loses up to three nights’ sleep every week.
Other tasks considered a real challenge for some include driving, eating, talking to others, and socialising.
And 56% admit they would rather not talk to others about their physical condition – with a fifth of those in employment refusing to let on to the boss or colleagues.
Saying “I’m fine” to others, even when the opposite might be true, is a common occurrence for 86% of sufferers.
Key reasons for remaining tight-lipped include wanting to forget about things as much as possible (45%), being thought of as incapable (41%), and being treated differently (38%).
But others simply don’t want to be thought of as old (34%), or be judged (32%).
Gareth Lucy, for Essity, added: “Everybody has a part to play. Those struggling with painful or debilitating conditions should know that help is out there, and they should feel confident enough to speak to a healthcare professional who can advise them on the right products and treatment.
“And for those fortunate enough not to live with a condition like this, we need to work to ensure places of work are equitable and inclusive, where there is understanding and support for those that need it.”
TOP 18 ACTIVITIES THOSE WITH A PHYSICAL CONDITION STRUGGLE TO DO:
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Long journeys
- Sit on the floor
- Walk up the stairs
- Movement in general
- Get up off the sofa
- Be away from home for long periods of time
- Attend long meetings
- Have a bath
- Ride a bike
- Socialise
- Go to work
- Drive
- Talk to others
- Eat
- Watch TV
- Read
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