Workers Growing Older Than Their Years – Study

Martin Johnston reports:

Old age may be approaching faster than many of us think, with a survey suggesting many adults have the health of an older person.

About 70 per cent of those who took part in the January survey of workers, commissioned by health insurer Southern Cross, were found to have a worse state of health than expected for their age.

Based on factors like obesity, job stress and alcohol intake, the study calculated 53 per cent had a health rating of bodies one to nine years older than their actual age. And 18 per cent gained at least 10 "penalty years" – meaning they would be expected to have the "range and frequency" of health problems associated with someone at least 10 years older.

You'll want to read this one.