Test for long life: The sit-down-stand-up exercise that could predict your longevity - Express

Sit on the floor from a standing position without using your hands, arms, or knees to slow your descent.

Then stand back up without using your hands, arms, or knees to help if possible.

This was because their musculoskeletal fitness, as measured by the test, was “lacking”.

Speaking in the journal, one of the researchers - Dr Claudio Gil Araújo - said: “It is well known that aerobic fitness is strongly related to survival, but our study also shows that maintaining high levels of body flexibility, muscle strength, power-to-body weight ratio and coordination are not only good for performing daily activities but have a favourable influence on life expectancy

“When compared to other approaches to functional testing, the sitting-rising test does not require specific equipment and is safe, easy to apply in a short time period (less than two minutes), and reliably scored

Dr Araújo added: “If a middle-aged or older man or woman can sit and rise from the floor using just one hand - or even better without the help of a hand - they are not only in the higher quartile of musculoskeletal fitness but their survival prognosis is probably better than that of those unable to do so.”