A simple physical test may help predict longevity, according to a large study published in June 2024 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
The sitting-rising test measures whether an adult can sit down on the floor and stand back up using little or no support. Researchers followed adults aged 46 to 75 and found strong links between test performance and survival over the next decade.
Those with the highest scores were about six times less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and four times less likely to die from any cause compared with those who struggled most. Lead author Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo said the test is effective because it reflects multiple aspects of fitness, including strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.
Doctors not involved in the study called the test a powerful predictor of longevity, noting that getting up from the floor challenges more parts of the body than traditional chair-based tests.
The test is scored out of 10 points, with deductions for using hands, knees, or other support. Scores of eight to 10 are linked to the best long-term health, while lower scores are associated with higher mortality risk.
Experts stress that results can improve with regular exercise, making the sitting-rising test a simple yet valuable way to assess how well the body is aging.