Lifecurve: Going up or
New app shows how you are aging and what you can do to mitigate it
Can you cut your toenails? It’s one of the questions the Bay of Plenty District Health Board asks users of its new app, Lifecurve, launching today. Your answer will provide a clue to how you are ageing, with difficulty positioning your foot to your hand being one of the first signs a person could be slowly losing the ability to complete everyday tasks.
It’s less about the act of cutting the nail than it is about balance, strength and dexterity, said DHB allied health executive director Sarah Mitchell.
Aging is only 25 per cent genetic, and the app draws on research by Newcastle University into functional decline that has been in use in the United Kingdom since 2018.
Users are asked 19 questions about their ability to perform tasks.
Based on their answers, they are shown their position on the “Lifecurve” and given advice on ways to improve their position, including pointers to services or activities.
Mitchell said the research showed people generally lose the ability to do tasks in a set order, and helping people understand that journey was part of the concept for the app.
“It’s a tool for people to identify how they are ageing and what things they can do to age well.
“From not being able to cut your toenails to not be able to eat independently — this shows how you could have a very positive life curve, or not so.”
According to the Ministry of Health, 27.1 per cent of the DHB’S population is aged 60 and above.
This was one of the reasons the DHB wanted to support people to age well, Mitchell said.
The Lakes DHB area has 23.3 per cent of the population aged 60 and above.
Both DHBS are above the national average in this metric.
Mitchell said losing the ability to walk 400 metres — about the distance between bus stops —
WANT TO SEE MORE?
Go to bayofplentytimes.co.nz to watch the video.
As we age it may feel like our bodies are slowing down. But research shows we can make a difference to how we age, and getting older does not have to mean losing independence. Kathy Everitt
happened when people were becoming significantly frail. “Studies have shown if people do physical activity, strength and balance training, you can maintain the ability to walk that 400m 21⁄2 years longer than if you just don’t do anything.
“But there is a financial burden that is quite significant as well as the personal burden when you go down the life curve.” There was no age bracket for using the app but as it featured pre markers for ageing, Mitchell suggested downloading it sooner rather than later.
DHB Lifecurve project lead Kathy Everitt said the app could help people add years to their lives.
“As we age it may feel like our bodies are slowing down. But research shows we can make a difference to how we age, and getting older does not have to mean losing independence.
“No matter what age we are, small changes like adding more movement into our lives can make a big difference.”
The app was the result of ongoing work between the DHB, ADL Smartcare Ltd and the University of Auckland.
Professor Ngaire Kerse, chair in Ageing Well at the university, said she
was excited to partner with the “forwardthinking” DHB. “It’s about prevention, independence and empowerment. “This app can help prevent decline and support healthier lifestyles, enabling people to remain stronger for longer.”
The app is available nationwide. People can find the app in the Apple or Android (Google) app stores by searching for ‘Lifecurve’. Alternatively, go to the Lifecurve website.
Anyone having trouble accessing the app was encouraged to sk a family member, friend, or health provider for help.