People used to say you could learn about someone’s character by the firmness of a handshake.
Now, research tells us that grip strength can also be an indicator of how long you might live.
And it’s not the only everyday way to get a glimpse into longevity. Studies also say we can learn about our future health by measuring:
- Pushups
- Standing up from sitting on the floor
- Walking speed
It’s fun to test yourself and think about it like this. It’s also a great reminder of how absolutely crucial it is to have strength, endurance, and agility to maintain quality of life and independence.
First, Grip Strength
Grip strength is a “reliable measurement of overall health,” says WebMD, “even as an indicator of the potential health of you heart and blood vessels.”
It can tell doctors about muscular endurance, power and bone health, and about all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. “As surprising as it may be, research shows a link between grip strength and how well and long you may live.”
Weak hands can mean weakness throughout the body, which indicates poor cardiovascular health – which are all major reasons why you should be exercising regularly.
A separate review of studies showed that for people over 60, grip strength can predict “decline in cognition, mobility, functional status and mortality.”
How Many Push-ups Can You Do?
The answer could be helpful to keeping your heart healthy, according to a study by Harvard and other institutions published by the American Medical Association.
Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer worldwide. Contributing factors include diet, smoking, drink – and exercise. But predicting an individual’s likelihood to develop heart disease has been problematic. This survey seems to say that a quick test can act as a simple, no-cost and generally effective crystal ball.
The researchers studied the health of hundreds of men over several years. They didn’t set out to examine push-ups. But the data revealed that men who could complete 11 or more went on to have lower risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems later in life.
Men who could do 40 push-ups were 96 percent less likely to develop problems than those who couldn’t manage more than 10.
Other Measures, Too
Now, before we put too much weight behind any single study or specific point, it’s worth noting other predictors of longevity – especially now, when the topic is so hot. Everyone wants to not only live longer, but also better.
Another study found predictive value in measuring how easily someone over 50 can stand from a seated position on the floor.
And researchers have used walking speed as another way to analyze how long an older person might live.
These all come together to make an undeniable case: If you’re physically capable of performing common tasks as you age, then you’re likely to enjoy a longer, better life.
You can’t argue with that! So, call us today and let’s get moving in the right direction.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.