Running head: REALAGE TEST

RealAge Test; Indications and Results

Kelsey Dysinger
NUR 310

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Abstract
Recognizing health issues is the first step to take in order to lead a healthier life. Small daily
changes can actually add years and quality in the lives of people. Using an internet source that
conducts a real age according to lifestyle habits and feelings about oneself, a client has
provided their results in hopes of finding something to change to add years to their life. The
negative and positive findings have been assesses, goals set, and interventions made in order to
achieve those goals. After two months, the client made life changes that lowered their blood
pressure, prolonged their life, and gave them more positive feelings. Effective interventions and
readiness to change were key factors in this lifestyle change. Theories and resources are used to
understand the importance of proposed health issues.

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Realage Test; Indications and Results

There is a relationship between actions and age. Healthy actions can prolong life. In just
2 months a life was prolonged by 1.5 years according to the RealAge test. A RealAge test is an
internet source that predicts the actual age of a person according to their lifestyle habits. Using a
24 year old male as a client, the results concluded that his age was 21.8 based on how the
questions were answered. The questions were related to all aspects of health including diet,
exercise, social, and mental aspects. Based on these results, goals and interventions were made
that had great effectiveness.
Assessment
Positive Findings
The positive findings of the RealAge Test include factors and behaviors that decrease the
chronological age of the clients. Factors that were identified in this study included: sleep, sex,
friends, stress, positive attitude, sense of purpose, eating nuts, staying away from junk food,
eating fish, having a diverse diet, flexibility, movement, and workouts. All of these factors were
considered positive activities and lifestyle choices that help to decrease the clients chronological
age. Not only did this client lower their chronological age by diet and exercise that is known to
prevent disease, but they also had social and mental aspects involved that the RealAge test states,
Strong ties with other people may keep you younger and healthier by acting as a cushion against
stress, taming inflammation, making your blood less likely to clot when you're tense, and
lowering your risk of a heart attack (2014). However, some of the same findings, such as diet
and exercise, also showed up as negative findings.

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Negative Findings
Negative findings of RealAge Test increase the chronological age of the client. Findings
included: blood pressure, weight, financial worries, skipping breakfast, not getting enough
grains, fruits or vegetables, too much red meat, lacking vitamin D, and needing more cardio and
strengthening exercise. Of the most important factors in preventing disease, this test found the
blood pressure to be slightly elevated and needing more cardio vascular exercise.
Gray, Lee, Sesso, and Batty (2011) found that Higher blood pressure in early adulthood
was associated with elevated risk of all-cause mortality, CVD, and CHD, but not stroke, several
decades later (Abstract). Because of this risk factor, lowering blood pressure is a key factor in
preventing health issues in the future and provides several benefits. Sever, Poulter,
Mastorantonakis, Chang, Dahlof, Wedel (2009) conducted a study and found CHD benefits
associated with BP and lipid lowering were larger than predicted by previous observational and
trial data (abstract).
Blood pressure can be controlled with diet, exercise, and medication. According to Mayo
Clinic Staff (2012) some changes that would be effective in reducing blood pressure for this
client would be lose extra pounds and watch your waisttline, Exercise regularly, Eat a
healthy diet, and reduce sodium. These will be the area of focus for change, if the client is
ready for change.
Readiness for Change
Before a client is ready to change a lifestyle behavior, they must assess the meaning of
the change and be committed to it. According to Pender, Murdaugh, and Parson, (2011)
Individuals have tremendous potential for self-directed change due to their capacity for selfknowledge, self-regulation, decision making, and creative problem solving (p. 37). The health

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believe model, described by Pender, Murdaugh, and Parson (2011) point out how Evidence has
shown that individuals will take action if two conditions are present: (1) a perceived threat to
personal health and (2) the conviction that the benefits of taking the action to protect health
outweigh the barriers that will be encountered (p. 38). In this situation, there is a perceived
threat to health recognized by the increase in blood pressure, weight, and diet issue. The client
recognized this as an issue and believes that change will be more beneficial to health than
perceived barriers that will be encountered.
The theory of reasoned action is applicable the change in this client. Pender, Murdaugh,
and Parson (2011) explain that, In the theory of reasoned action (TRA), a persons intention to
perform a behavior is the most immediate determinant and best predictor of that behavior (p.
40). They continue to explain Attitudes and subjective norms, intrapersonal factors, constitute
the fundamental building blocks of the theory (p. 40).
The preparation stage of the transtheoretical model of change defined as the stage in
which people are intending to take action in the immediate future, usually measured as the next
month (Cancer Prevention and Research Center, para 8). The Cancer Prevention and Research
Center adds that, These individuals have a plan of action (para 8). This client is in the
preparation stage due to readiness to change and formulating a plan of action to take in the next
month.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis 1
The first diagnosis for this client is health-seeking behaviors R/T absence of aerobic
exercise as a risk for CAD. This diagnosis fits as the client recognizes the risk for CAD and is
seeking ways to exercise more and fit aerobic exercise into their daily lifestyle.

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Diagnosis 2
The second diagnosis for this client is readiness for enhanced self-care. This diagnosis is
defined as A pattern of performing activities for oneself that helps to meet health-related goals
and can be strengthened (Sparks & Taylor, 2011, p. 768). The client meets the defining
characteristics of expresses desire to enhance independence in maintaining health and
expresses desire to enhance independence in maintaining life (Sparks & Taylor, 2011, p. 796).
Planning & Intervention
By helping the client set obtainable goals, intervening with education and support, the
client will be on track for a healthier lifestyle. The goals include: (1) a decrease in age by at least
1year determined by the RealAge test within two months. (2) a decrease in blood pressure to be
less than 140 systolic or 90 diastolic in 2 months with 2 separate readings, and (3) 2 positive
comments will be made about oneself in relation to health status changes in 1 month.
To achieve these goals, interventions must be made. The first intervention is: Support
patients implementation of a program to sustain health-seeking behavior to promote patient
autonomy in self-care (Sparks & Taylor, 2011, p. 796). Support will be provided by written
feedback, verbal encouragement, and companionship in eating healthy and exercising. According
to the American Psychological Association, it is recommended to have some support when
making a lifestyle change (2014).
The second intervention is: Assist patient to develop plan to promote autonomous
decision-making to increase patients responsibility for facilitating care (p. 769). Together a plan
was made that included physical activity of at least 10,000 steps per day, cardio exercise of 7
miles a week, and an overall goal of eating healthier by making smart decisions. Smart decisions
on eating were complemented to enforce autonomous decision making. Serving sizes where

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pointed out, sugar and sodium content was discussed before choosing meals and in the grocery
stores.
Evaluation
Evaluation is first made by whether or not the client reached his goals. According to the
updated RealAge test, the goal was met because the RealAge is now 20.3 (1.5 years lower than
the first test). Blood pressure readings were 136/72 and 128/70. This is significantly lower than
the first blood pressure of 142/76, and qualifies for success on this goal as well. Lastly,
documentation of text messages reveals positive responses about oneself. The client stated,
today at work I ran up 4 flights of stairs easy and it used to be really hard and its nice to see
my abbs. All three goals have been obtained and the client is in a new stage of change.
According to the transtheoretical model of change, this client is in the action stage.
People must attain a criterion that scientists and professionals agree is sufficient to reduce risks
for disease (Cancer Prevention Research Center ,para 9). Because of the client reaching the
normal range of blood pressure, he is now considered at a lower risk for developing certain
diseases.
Simple changes in diet and exercise have improved the quantity as well and quality of life
in this clienttaking only 2 short months to make significant changes. The first step towards
change is recognition and readiness. One must be aware of the risks and weight them against
perceived benefits in order to be able to conduct the change. In the end, it is work taking a look
at.

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References
American Psychological Association. (2014). Making lifestyle changes that last. Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/lifestyle-changes.aspx
Cancer Prevention Research Center. (n.d.). Transtheoretical model. Retrieved from
http://www.uri.edu/research/cprc/TTM/detailedoverview.htm
Gray, L., Lee, M., Sesso, H. D., & Batty, G.D. (2011). Blood pressure in early adulthood,
hypertension in middle age, and future cardiovascular disease mortality. [Abstract].
Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 58(23). doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2011.07.045
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2012). 10 ways to control high blood pressure without medication. Retrieved
from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/highblood-pressure/art-20046974
Pender, N., Murdaugh, C. & Parsons, M. A. (2011). Health promotion in nursing practice. (6th
Ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education Inc.
RealAge Test. (2014). Retrieved from https://www.sharecare.com/user/steven-spranger
Sever, P. S., Poulter, N. R., Mastorantonakis, S., Chang C. L., Dahlof, B., & Wedel, H. (2009).
Coronary heart disease benefits from blood pressure and lipid-lowering. [Abstract].
International Journal of Cardiology, 135, 218222.

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Appendix
Steven,
You have been doing so great! In two months you have lost 20 pounds! That is amazing
in itself, but even better, you have reached your blood pressure goal, your RealAge goal, and
have been stating positive things about yourself. Specifically, your blood pressure is now
considered normal and not at risk for developing heard disease. Your RealAge test is now
younger than you expected. In just two months you have elongated your life by 1.5 years,
according to the RealAge test. Some examples of things you have stated about yourself are,
today at work I ran up 4 flights of stairs easy and it used to be really hard and its nice to see
my abbs with a big smile on your face.
All your hard work is paying off and you are on track for keeping your lifestyle change! This is
great! I am beyond thrilled of all your hard work you have put in and admire your ability to stay
focused, your self-control, and recognition of need for change. Keep up the good work. It is
paying off more than just looking good. You are elongating your life and the quality of it.

Sincerely,

Kelsey Dysinger