A quick and straightforward test might reveal whether you are at risk of an early death.
With Christmas approaching, reflections on mortality are not uncommon.
The mystery of when death will occur looms over us, a constant presence akin to the Sword of Damocles—something to ponder as you enjoy your holiday meal.
Research has now provided some clues regarding an individual’s potential lifespan.
Various elements influence longevity, such as hereditary factors and personal habits. Of course, chance also plays a role; even the healthiest individual cannot avoid an unforeseen incident.
Excluding unforeseen events, this test has emerged as an easy method to gauge your remaining years.
The method in question is the sitting and standing test, which can be completed in moments.
Professor Janet Lord detailed the process: it begins by standing barefoot with legs crossed, before gently lowering oneself to the ground.
There’s a stipulation—you must not use your hands or allow your knees to touch the ground.
That’s only the beginning; after descending, you need to rise again under the same conditions, meaning no hands.
“You’re demonstrating muscle strength, and maintaining stability indicates good balance,” explained Prof Lord.
The simplicity of the task is then evaluated using a scoring system.
The test begins with 10 points, and deductions occur for each instance of using a hand or knee during the sitting and standing phases, with a half-point lost for any wobbling.
A Brazilian study involving more than 2,000 participants, aged 50 to 80, found a correlation between the scores and the participants’ subsequent health status.
Achieving a score between eight and ten is optimal, suggesting a likely long and healthy life.
Scores between six and 7.5 indicate a doubled likelihood of a shorter lifespan compared to the highest group.
A score of 3.5 to 5.5 associates with a three-and-a-half times greater risk of reduced longevity, but there’s a silver lining—improvement through exercise can enhance your score and potentially your life expectancy.
This is because the test reflects not only muscular strength but also overall fitness and heart health.