Can you cut your toenails? The answer is a clue to how you're ageing

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, launched today and available nationwide.

Your answer will provide a clue how you are ageing, with difficulty contorting your food 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 than it is about balance, strength and dexterity, said DHB allied health executive director Sarah Mitchell.

The LifeCurve app will look similar to this. Image / Supplied

Ageing 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.

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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 relevant services or activities.

The research showed people generally lose the ability to do tasks in a set order, and Mitchell said 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 health board'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.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board have released an app to help people on their ageing journey. Photo / Getty Images

Mitchell said losing the ability to walk 400 metres - about the distance between bus stops - 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 2-1/2 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.

BOPDHB Introduction to the LifeCurve™ from BOPDHB on Vimeo.

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 Limited and the University of Auckland.

Professor Ngaire Kerse, chair in Ageing Well at the university, said she was excited to partner with the "forward-thinking" 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."

LifeCurve requires you to answer 19 questions about your ability to do some everyday activities. Photo / Supplied

How does it work?

Find and download the app in the Apple or Android (Google) app stores by searching for 'LifeCurve'.

Alternatively you can go to the LifeCurve website.

Having trouble? Ask a family member, friend, or health provider for help accessing the app.