Resting Heart Rate for 60-Year-Old Males

Average and Typical Range
  • Average: ~70 bpm
  • Typical Range: 54–91 bpm (covers ~90% of individuals)
Fitness Level Categories
Fitness Level Resting Heart Rate (bpm)
Athlete51–56
Excellent57–61
Good62–67
Average72–75
PoorOver 82
Distribution Curve

The Hunt Fitness Study and Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax)

Understanding a significant piece of research on accurately estimating maximum heart rate.

The Hunt Fitness Study was conducted by the Cardiac Exercise Research Group (CERG) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). A primary goal was to develop a more precise age-based formula for predicting maximum heart rate (HRmax) due to known limitations of the traditional "220 - age" formula.

Researchers recognized that the "220 - age" formula could significantly underestimate HRmax, especially in older adults (by up to 40 beats per minute) and showed inaccuracies even for individuals in their 30s and 40s. Accurate HRmax estimation is crucial for effective exercise prescription, interpreting stress tests, and guiding training intensity.

The study involved a large cohort of 3,320 healthy adults (both men and women) across a broad age range from 19 to 89 years.

A key aspect of its robust methodology was the direct measurement of HRmax. Participants underwent maximal-effort exercise tests on treadmills, during which their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) was also measured to confirm they had reached true maximal exertion.

Based on the data collected, the Hunt Fitness Study proposed the following formula:

HRmax = 211 - (0.64 × age)

  • Age: Remains the primary determinant, with HRmax generally decreasing as individuals get older.
  • Gender: The study found no significant interaction between gender and the age-related decline in HRmax. The formula is applicable to both men and women, with only minor age-adjusted differences observed.
  • BMI and Physical Activity: Body Mass Index (BMI) and an individual's physical activity status did not show a significant interaction with HRmax prediction based on age in this study.
  • Higher HRmax in Older Adults and Women: The measured HRmax in healthy older individuals and women was generally higher than what traditional formulas predicted.
  • Genes: Research from NTNU also highlights that genetics play a significant role in determining an individual's HRmax.
  • Fitness Level: While physical fitness enhances cardiovascular health (e.g., by increasing stroke volume), it typically doesn't alter a person's actual maximum heart rate. A fit heart is more efficient but doesn't necessarily beat faster at its peak.

The Hunt Fitness Study provided a scientifically robust, evidence-based formula for estimating maximum heart rate. It highlighted inaccuracies in the older "220 - age" formula and offered a more reliable alternative for general use, while also emphasizing that individual testing yields the most precise HRmax values.