Do you know how long you’re going to live? What if we said there was a simple test you can do to determine your vitality? Well, there is!
A study published in the European Journal of Cardiology shows that being able to get down and get up off the floor efficiently can be an effective predictor of longevity. There’s a simple test you can do to score your efficiency.
Read the full article and see illustrations on how to score your test here: https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/simple-sitting-test-predicts-how-long-youll-live
The better you score on the test, the longer you’re likely to live. Essentially, here is how the test works:
- Start with a score of 10 points.
- First, go from a standing position to sitting on the floor. Avoid using your hands, elbows, or knees to balance. You must also be able to control the descent. Simply falling doesn’t count. Likely, you’ll need to cross one foot in front of another. Lower slowly with the balance of your body over your feet. For each ‘support’ you need (hand, knee, elbow), you deduct a point from your score.
- After you’re seated, stand up, again without the aid of your hands, elbows, or knees. Deduct a point again for each limb you use to aid your attempt to stand.
- You also lose half a point if you lose your balance and you need to step forward, backward, or to the side to avoid falling.
- Deduct all penalty points from 10 to calculate your final score.
The Results
Overall, the simple test measures both your balance, flexibility, and strength – strong indicators of vitality. People who are 51 to 80 years old who score lower than an 8, according to the article, are twice as likely to die in the next six years. People of the same age who scored 3 or lower were 5 times more likely to die in the next six years.
How Did You Score?
Certainly, if you don’t score well, you likely have some work to do on balance, flexibility, and strength. At Great Moves Physical Therapy, we have the physical therapy specialists to help you improve balance and strength safely and effectively. That’s what we do best – it’s in our name to help you with your ‘great moves’ and get better every day! Just give us a call to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to meet you in person to discuss your long-term health goals.