The lifespan metric that matters most: VO2 max #shorts
60 Minutes·2025-10-28 22:05

Health & Longevity - VO2 max is more strongly correlated with lifespan than other metrics [1] - Muscle mass, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness have a higher correlation with all-cause mortality than blood pressure, cholesterol, or smoking [1] - VO2 max measures how much oxygen the body and muscles use to create energy, correlating with longevity [2] VO2 Max Assessment - Individuals can estimate VO2 max using the Cooper test: run for 12 minutes, measure the distance, and use a calculator [3] - Wearable devices can estimate VO2 max, though the number may vary slightly from treadmill tests [3][4] VO2 Max Improvement - Regular running, jogging, or cycling is beneficial, but intense exercise at least once a week is crucial for improving VO2 max [5] - Aim for an "elite" VO2 max category, which is typical for someone two decades younger [4]