The Surprising Test That Reveals More Than You Think

Did you know there’s a simple trick that takes only seconds to perform, yet holds the key to predicting your longevity. It's not some obscure medical procedure or a complicated fitness regimen - its the humble act of sitting and standing. Intrigued? You should be…

You must be thinking I’m on a wind up. But genuinely, it’s been proposed that your ability to get up and down off the floor may provide an insight into how long you’ll live.

In a study published in the European Journal of Cardiology by Brazilian physician Claudio Gil Araujo. Of which 2002 men and women, aged 50-80 years old were given the Sitting-Rising Test to perform, and then reassessed 6 years later. In that six-year span, 179 (~8 percent) of the subjects had died. Araujo found that those who scored fewer than eight points on the test were twice as likely to die within the next six years compared with those who scored higher; those who scored three or fewer points were more than five times as likely to die within the same period compared with those who scored more than eight points.

Enter the sitting-rising test! This test isn't about fear mongering or making anyone feel like a failure. It's a simple baseline that takes just five seconds and requires zero equipment. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of how it works:

1. Find Support (If Needed):

   Stand next to something sturdy, like a wall or a chair, if you think you might require assistance.

2. Cross Your Feet:

   Cross one foot over the other and prepare to amaze yourself.

3. Sit Down Gracefully:

   Lower yourself to the floor, assuming a comfortable cross-legged position. No need to hold on to anything unless you feel unsteady. Think of it as a graceful descent into a zen-like state.

4. Rise Up with Finesse:

   Now, the real challenge begins. From the same cross-legged position, rise back up without using your hands or knees for support. Keep your balance by leaning forward with your hands stretched out in front of you.

To determine your score, start by giving yourself a score of 10, then subtract one point for each of the following assists or problems: