How you sit down and get up can predict mortality risk.

The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT), developed by Brazilian researchers, was used on middle-aged and elderly adults to predict longevity. The test involved sitting on the floor and then getting up again, without using your hands, knees or other body parts. Scores of 0-5 for sitting down and then standing up were combined to give a maximum total of 10. For example of you put one hand on the floor to stop you falling over when you sat down and then used one knee to help you get up, you lost 2 points which gave you a combined score of 8. Any wobbling lost you 0.5 of a point.

The researchers found the following:

  • Participants scoring 0-3 points were 6.5 times more likely to die during the 6 years the study lasted than those who scored 8-10.
  • Those who scored 3.5 to 5.5 were 3.8 times more likely to die.
  • Those who scored 6 to 7.5 were 1.8 times more likely to die.

The researchers concluded that the ideal score for increased longevity was 8-10. I think a certain amount of strength, mobility, flexibility and balance is needed in order to perform well in this test. Therefore could it be that physical fitness plays an important role in maintaining health and increasing longevity?

If you found the SRT difficult, now might be the time to revamp your fitness regime to include exercises that develop strength, flexibility and balance. To see how to perform the SRT, watch the video showing my attempt. What do you think my score would be?

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Sign up for your FREE checksheet to fall in love with your body and life during your perimenopausal years and beyond.