Can you ace this test? (A simple longevity clue!)

You know how much I love exercise.

The benefits of regular physical activity truly can’t be overstated.

That said, I know you might struggle with mobility as you age. You might find it harder to enjoy the exercises you once loved.

But don’t throw in the towel just yet—because I think you’ll be excited to learn about this major longevity clue…

It turns out, a simple activity could help keep you healthy and upright well into your golden years.

Sit, stand, repeat

For a new study, researchers followed over 2,000 older adults between the ages of 51 and 80 years.

Subjects performed a sitting-rising test (SRT) to measure their ability to sit and rise from the floor. Then, they were scored on a scale of 0 to 5.

A perfect score of 5 meant they were able to rise without support. Meanwhile, one point was deducted from five any time support was needed, like when placing their hand on a knee.

In other words, the test measured musculoskeletal fitness. And they found that a simple SRT is a “significant predictor” or longevity.

In fact, for each increase in SRT score, researchers noted an improved 21 percent survival rate over the 6.2-year median follow-up period.

Never feel discouraged

You might be wondering: How can I improve my musculoskeletal fitness?

It all boils down to muscle strength and flexibility. After all, this is what keeps you balanced.

Here’s a simple way you can engage your core muscles—and improve flexibility—in the comfort of your own home:

• Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. Practice keeping your balance back and forth, alternating legs, until you’re done brushing.
• Walk a “tightrope.” Once daily, practice walking an imaginary tightrope on the floor of your home. Just walk heel to tow very slowly, with your arms extended out from your sides, for about 10 feet. Then, turn around and go back.
• Sit without “flopping.” I know it’s easy to “flop” into your favorite chair, but this habit doesn’t engage your core muscles. Try easing in to—and standing from—the seated position instead.

Even if you’re quite wobbly, I encourage you to keep practicing. You might even consider seeking help from a physical therapist to further improve your balance, strength, flexibility—and ultimately, your longevity.

P.S. Eager to learn more ways to “age younger” and feel better every day of your long, healthy life? Check out my Ultimate Anti-Aging Protocol. Click here now!

Source:

“Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality.” European journal of preventive cardiology, 21(7), 892–898. (doi.org/10.1177/2047487312471759)