This quick, but not so easy, test can predict how long you'll live, study suggests
A simple, though not necessarily easy, test may help predict how many years a person has left, according to exercise researchers who have been tracking thousands of middle-aged and older people for more than a decade.
The sitting-to-rising test requires enough balance, muscle strength and flexibility to be able to sit down on the floor without using arms, hands or knees and then to stand up again just as unaided. The movement is a way to determine non-aerobic fitness and reveals potential problems that might be otherwise missed, according to the report published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology on Wednesday.
The team at the Exercise Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro recruited 4,282 adults, mostly men, ages 46 to 75. After evaluating the participants' health, the researchers presented them with the test.
Using a zero to five point system, participants got a perfect score if they were able to go from standing upright to sitting on the floor without touching anything on the way down.
Each body part, say a hand or an elbow or a knee, that was used to guide or help balance resulted in a subtraction of one point from the total. People also lost half a point for being wobbly. On the way back up, points were subtracted if extremities touched anything.
Twelve years later, the researchers followed up with the participants. By that time, there had been 665 deaths overall due to 'natural causes,' the researchers found.
The vast majority of perfect scorers were still alive at follow-up, as compared to a little more than 9 in 10 of those who had lost two points and, dramatically, just under half of those with scores between 0 and 4.
Among participants initially diagnosed with heart disease, those with low scores on the test were more likely to have died by the 12-year mark.
Aerobic fitness is important but muscle strength, a healthy body mass index, or BMI, balance and flexibility are also vital for healthy aging, said Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo, director of research and education at the clinic and the study's lead author. People can improve on their deficits and then score better on the test.
While the study doesn't directly link a perfect score to longevity, 'it is quite reasonable to expect this,' Araújo said.
The new findings are part of a growing field of longevity. Other recent research includes a balance test: People who couldn't stand for 10 seconds on one foot were nearly twice as likely to die within the following 10 years as those who could manage the balance.
Keith Diaz, a professor of behavioral medicine at the Columbia University Medical Center, said the new test can be a conversation starter for doctors to get patients thinking about what it takes for healthy aging.
If someone scores poorly, 'you might be able to get them to start working on their flexibility and balance,' Diaz said. 'If the patient is struggling to get off the floor, it could be a red flag for their overall health.'
Dr. Joseph Herrera, chair of the department of rehabilitation and human performance for the Mount Sinai Health System, cautioned that for someone who can't successfully stand up and sit down without help, there are ways to improve.
Weight training, balance training and improving flexibility can help.
Other tests that have become popular, Herrera said, include the six-minute walk, where the point is to see how far the person can travel in six minutes; and the sit-to-stand-sit test, in which the patient is asked to sit in a chair, then rise out of a chair and then sit down again five times in 30 seconds.
'We should be looking at the results of these tests as pieces of a puzzle,' he said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Groundbreaking Vera Rubin Observatory reveals first images
The team behind the long-awaited Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile published their first images on Monday, revealing breathtaking views of star-forming regions as well as distant galaxies. More than two decades in the making, the giant US-funded telescope sits perched at the summit of Cerro Pachon in central Chile, where dark skies and dry air provide ideal conditions for observing the cosmos. One of the debut images is a composite of 678 exposures taken over just seven hours, capturing the Trifid Nebula and the Lagoon Nebula -- both several thousand light-years from Earth -- glowing in vivid pinks against orange-red backdrops. The image reveals these stellar nurseries within our Milky Way in unprecedented detail, with previously faint or invisible features now clearly visible. Another image offers a sweeping view of the Virgo Cluster of galaxies. The team also released a video dubbed the "cosmic treasure chest," which begins with a close-up of two galaxies before zooming out to reveal approximately 10 million more. "The Rubin Observatory is an investment in our future, which will lay down a cornerstone of knowledge today on which our children will proudly build tomorrow," said Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Equipped with an advanced 8.4-meter telescope and the largest digital camera ever built, the Rubin Observatory is supported by a powerful data-processing system. Later this year, it will begin its flagship project, the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). Over the next decade, it will scan the night sky nightly, capturing even the subtlest visible changes with unmatched precision. The observatory is named after pioneering American astronomer Vera C. Rubin, whose research provided the first conclusive evidence for the existence of dark matter -- a mysterious substance that does not emit light but exerts gravitational influence on galaxies. Dark energy refers to the equally mysterious and immensely powerful force believed to be driving the accelerating expansion of the universe. Together, dark matter and dark energy are thought to make up 95 percent of the cosmos, yet their true nature remains unknown. The observatory, a joint initiative of the US National Science Foundation and Department of Energy, has also been hailed as one of the most powerful tools ever built for tracking asteroids. In just 10 hours of observations, the Rubin Observatory discovered 2,104 previously undetected asteroids in our solar system, including seven near-Earth objects -- all of which pose no threat. For comparison, all other ground- and space-based observatories combined discover about 20,000 new asteroids per year. Rubin is also set to be the most effective observatory at spotting interstellar objects passing through the solar system. More images from the observatory are expected to be released later Monday morning. ia/des
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Best Time to Eat Blueberries for Maximum Antioxidant Absorption, According to Dietitians
Reviewed by Dietitian Maria Laura Haddad-GarciaBlueberries are rich in antioxidants that fight disease-causing free radicals. Eating blueberries regularly matters more than the specific time of day. Pair blueberries with fats or protein to boost antioxidant have long been celebrated as one of nature's most nutrient-rich fruits. These tiny yet mighty berries are particularly rich in antioxidants, which play a crucial role in protecting our cells from stress. But not just any kind of stress—oxidative stress. The kind that arises when our bodies are bombarded by too many destructive molecules called free radicals. Fortunately, antioxidants, like the ones in blueberries, help ward off and neutralize these harmful substances. In doing so, antioxidants help protect our bodies from chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. As promising as these benefits may be, does timing your berry intake matter when it comes to unlocking their full potential? Better yet, could what you pair them with affect how well your body absorbs their disease-fighting antioxidants? We spoke with two dietitians to answer these questions and provide additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your bowl of blueberries. Blueberries are bursting with several key compounds and nutrients that have powerful antioxidant properties. These include: Anthocyanins: These plant pigments give blueberries their deep blue-purple color and are the most abundant antioxidants in the fruit. They are linked to improved heart health, brain function, reduced inflammation and protection against oxidative stress. Quercetin: A plant compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting benefits. Vitamin C: A water-soluble vitamin found in small amounts in blueberries that helps to support immunity and combat cell-damaging free radicals. Resveratrol: While most commonly associated with red grapes, this natural compound is also present in blueberries. It's renowned for its antioxidant, heart-protective and anti-inflammatory benefits. Chlorogenic Acid: A potent polyphenol that helps to protect cells, lower inflammation and support healthy blood sugar levels. Bannan highlights that while each antioxidant has its own unique properties, they all work together to neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals and promote overall cellular health. While there is no scientifically-proven 'best' time of day to eat blueberries for maximum antioxidant absorption, Patricia Bannan, M.S., RDN, emphasizes that consuming them consistently—whether with breakfast, as a midday snack or even as an evening dessert—can help ensure that you're regularly benefiting from their protective nutrients. 'What's more important than timing is pairing them with other nutrient-dense foods to support absorption and making them a regular part of your routine,' she explains. Maggie Moon, M.S., RDN, adds that right after eating blueberries, anthocyanin levels typically rise for a few hours before returning to baseline. But that's not all. 'Their beneficial byproducts circulate for up to two days, which is why I recommend eating berries like blueberries at least a couple times a week for brain health and overall well-being,' says Moon. Therefore, both dietitians agree that eating blueberries regularly outweighs optimal timing when it comes to reaping the antioxidant benefits. If you want to get the most benefit out of blueberries, Bannan and Moon share a few additional tips to help you maximize their antioxidant potential: Pair them with healthy fats: Pairing blueberries with healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado or nut butter may help your body absorb and use their antioxidants more effectively. Eat them with protein-rich foods: Some research suggests that protein binds to anthocyanins, enhancing their absorption in the body. Opt for fresh or frozen blueberries: These options retain and preserve most of their antioxidant content. Blend them up: Blending them can also improve bioavailability by breaking down the fruit's cell walls. Minimize cooking time: Prolonged cooking can diminish antioxidant levels. But overall, incorporating them into any form, whether lightly cooked, fresh or frozen, is still important to reap the benefits. Take care of your digestive health: Digestive problems, such as low stomach acid or gut imbalances, can also affect how well antioxidants are absorbed and utilized, particularly vitamin C. For delicious ways to make blueberries a regular part of your diet, Moon and Bannan suggest: Enjoying them as a snack: Grab a cup of fresh blueberries to enjoy between meals. Eating them with other antioxidant-rich foods: Pair them with dates, prunes, arugula, tomatoes, watermelon, cantaloupe or other berries for an extra antioxidant boost. Blending them into smoothies: Add frozen blueberries into your morning smoothie with a splash of plant milk or citrus juice. Using them as a topper: Blueberries are a delicious way to elevate your chia pudding or oatmeal. Whisking them into a vinaigrette: Mix together blueberry juice, balsamic vinegar, oil and a touch of honey for a tasty vinaigrette to pour over salads. Making fruit-infused water: Infuse a pitcher of cold water with blueberries and cucumbers for a refreshing drink. Elevating your drinks: Freeze blueberries and lemonade together in an ice cube tray for a fun and festive way to cool down your drinks. It turns out that timing doesn't matter as much as consistency when it comes to maximizing the antioxidant absorption from blueberries. Instead, experts agree that it's best to pair your blueberries with a meal or snack containing dietary fat, and opt for fresh or frozen blueberries when possible. Whether you like your berries blended into a smoothie, sprinkled on top of your oatmeal or on their own as a snack, eating them regularly is the best way to reap their antioxidant benefits. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Geek Wire
4 hours ago
- Geek Wire
Get a sneak peek at the Rubin Observatory's gems
The team behind the Vera C. Rubin Observatory just couldn't wait until Monday morning's big reveal to start sharing views from the world's newest eye on the sky, so they're providing an advance peek at three pictures and a video. The images include a colorful wide-angle view of the Trifid and Lagoon nebulas in the constellation Sagittarius, a couple of galactic closeups gleaned from the observatory's survey of the Virgo Cluster, and a zooming video scan of millions of galaxies in the same region of the sky. All this imagery, gleaned during just 10 hours of test observations, is merely a teaser for the main event: a 'First Look' unveiling that will be presented in Washington, D.C., starting at 8 a.m. PT Monday. The presentation will be livestreamed over the internet and at hundreds of in-person watch parties around the globe. The Rubin Observatory, which is named after the late astronomer Vera Rubin, is just beginning a 10-year campaign to survey the heavens after more than two decades of planning and construction. The summit of Cerro Pachón in the Chilean Andes was chosen as the site for the observatory in the early 2000s, to take advantage of the region's dry air and dark skies. The National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy provided hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for the project. The observatory has also benefited from tens of millions of dollars in contributions from private donations, including from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and software pioneer Charles Simonyi. The facility's 8.4-meter (28-foot) telescope has been named the Simonyi Survey Telescope in recognition of Simonyi's $20 million contribution. Michael Kratsios, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, said the observatory 'demonstrates that the United States remains at the forefront of international basic science and highlights the remarkable achievements we get when the many parts of the national research enterprise work together.' 'The Rubin Observatory is an investment in our future, which will lay down a cornerstone of knowledge today on which our children will proudly build tomorrow,' Kratsios said in a news release. The observatory is equipped with the world's largest digital camera, capable of capturing 3,200-megapixel images. About 20 trillion bytes of astronomical data are expected to be produced on a nightly basis. Over the course of the 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time, Rubin's images will cover the full stretch of sky visible from the Southern Hemisphere every three or four nights, creating time-lapse movies of the changing cosmos. Scientists expect the observatory to focus on a wide range of astronomical phenomena, including the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. Computer modeling suggests that the telescope will spot millions of previously unseen celestial bodies in the solar system, perhaps including a distant hypothetical world that's been dubbed Planet Nine. Rubin will also serve as an early warning system for transient cosmic events such as supernova explosions and gamma-ray bursts. Brian Stone, who is performing the duties of the National Science Foundation's director, noted that Rubin 'will capture more information about our universe than all optical telescopes throughout history combined.' And Harriet Kung, acting director of the Department of Energy's Office of Science, linked the telescope's opening to 'a golden age of American science.' Feast your eyes on the images below, and tune in to the Rubin Observatory's 'First Look' webcast at 8 a.m. PT Monday. The University of Washington, which was one of the original partners in the project, is also planning a presentation about the Rubin Observatory at 7 p.m. PT Thursday at Kane Hall on the Seattle campus. Check out UW's website for further information and to register. This view combines 678 separate images taken by the Rubin Observatory in just over seven hours of observing time. Combining many images in this way clearly reveals otherwise faint or invisible details, such as the clouds of gas and dust that comprise the Trifid Nebula (top right) and the Lagoon Nebula. Click on the image for a larger version. (Credit: NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory)
