Sitting-rising test can determine longevity, says expert

The simple act of sitting down and standing up can help determine life-expectancy, according to one study. A group of researchers in Brazil found a direct link between the results of a sitting-rising test and mortality rates among participants.

"Over the years scientists have discovered that some very simple actions are actually pretty decent indicators of whether a person is more or less likely to die within a given time frame," longevity columnist Sharon Basaraba told North by Northwest's Sheryl MacKay.

• Life expectancy grew six years since 1990, global study finds
• Teen health levels linked to income inequality

"It's a type of risk analysis that's not perfect but it's a probability based on statistics gathered from many subjects."

Basaraba explains the sitting-rising test counts how many supports a person needs (for example using their hands or arms) to stand up from a sitting position.  According to researchers, a separate study conducted on adults between the ages of 51 — 80 years showed that the more supports the subject needed, the more likely they were to die over the six year follow up.

"It's things like muscle strength, flexibility, and postural stability that these tests are measuring and all are related to longevity," Basaraba explains.

She says it's a good exercise to practice to measure one's level of health, but adds that a poor result shouldn't cause someone to immediately start worrying.

"It's a statistical probability. If you have trouble sitting and getting back up it doesn't mean that the grim reaper is around the corner. It just indicates that things are going awry with your physical health and to start paying attention."

To hear more, click the audio labelled "Sit-rise test"