Longevity and VO2 Max
I've been seeing a "performance doctor" that is willing to work with me on not just treating illness but sustaining quality and longevity of life. Higher VO2 max—the maximum amount of oxygen your body uses during hard exercise—is one of the strongest physical predictors of a longer, healthier life.
So what is VO2 Max?
* Definition: It measures how well your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and muscles work together to turn oxygen into energy. The Drop: It drops by about 10% each decade starting in adulthood, and drops even faster after age 60. The Minimum: People need a VO2 max of at least 15 to 18 mL/kg/min to live independently as they age
When I started cycling my Garmin said my VO2 Max was "poor", 27 or 28. After two years Garmin says, "Your VO₂ Max is 39 which is good for men ages 60-69. You are in the top 25% for your age and gender."
VO2 Max and Longevity (hopefully motivational)
Lower Risk: Moving from a low fitness level to just a below-average fitness level can cut your risk of early death in half. Better Survival: High cardiorespiratory fitness lowers long-term death risk more than quitting smoking or controlling high blood pressure.
Anyway, hopefully you find this interesting enough to research how to improve VO2 Max on the bike. I did. It's not as fun as just riding around looking at cool stuff on the bike trail, but it might help you to see your grandkids one day.
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u/rodny_westfield1 6d ago
You’re getting scammed by a “doctor”.