Curious about the state of your health as you age? Ever found yourself wondering if there’s a quick way to spot-check your longevity prospects (without an appointment or an MRI)? Meet the standing up test: a surprisingly simple physical challenge that might just say more about your future than your horoscope ever could!
How Healthy Ageing Looks—And Why It Matters
In France, according to a 2023 report from the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation, and Statistics (Drees), women can expect to live 64.2 years without any incapacity and men an average of 63.6 years. But living long—and living well—are not always the same thing. Healthy ageing isn’t about finding a magic elixir, but about shifting daily habits. If you want to stack the odds in favor of a vibrant, active mature life, there are cornerstones you’re likely already familiar with:
- Combatting sedentary behavior
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating a balanced diet
- Maintaining social connections
All these good habits can help increase your healthy lifespan. But ageing, alas, isn’t reversible. While we can’t turn back the clock, we can certainly try to slow its tick—at least, just a little!
Testing Your Health: Spotlight on the Standing Up Test
So, how do you check where you stand (pun intended) on the spectrum of healthy ageing? Among the many fitness assessments out there, experts have devised one that’s gaining traction: the standing up test, or “test debout.” As reported in the Daily Mail, this test aims to gauge your ability to rise from a seated to a standing position with your arms crossed—a move that can reveal whether your body has started aging on the inside, even if you don’t see it in the mirror.
Here’s how it works:
- Cross your arms in front of you.
- Kneel down, then sit on the ground with your legs stretched out in front.
- From this position, stand back up—again, with your arms crossed.
This deceptively simple exercise isn’t just about showing off at yoga class. By keeping your arms crossed, you’re relying on the strength of your core and legs—no cheating by using your hands for support! If you’re beginning to picture yourself wobbling, you’re not alone.
The Science Behind the Stand—Does It Really Predict Longevity?
But is there any scientific heft behind this test? According to the British media outlet, one 2012 study published in the European Journal of Preventative Cardiology found that the so-called “sitting-rising test” could be a significant predictor of mortality for individuals aged 51 to 80. The staggering result: people unable to complete the test were seven times more likely to die within the following six years. Authors note that success in this test is associated with robust cardiovascular health, balance, flexibility, and a solid trunk and leg musculature. In short, your ability to stand up without assistance might just be a window into your biological age.
Other Quick Checks: One-Leg Balance and the Fast-Track Stair Test
The standing up test isn’t the only quick challenge in the anti-ageing toolkit. There’s also the one-leg balance test, where you see how long you can stand on one leg with the other lifted. According to a 2022 study, the inability to remain balanced on one leg for 10 seconds in mid- to late-life was linked to an almost doubled risk of dying from any cause over the next ten years. (So, your best flamingo impression just got a lot more important!)
And if you’re still ready to assess your physical form, the “stair test” offers another snapshot of your fitness in just 60 seconds—because if you’re rushing to catch a train, you’re basically already there!
- The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages adults to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of intense activity per week to maintain good health.
Bringing It All Together—And Getting Off the Couch
While none of these tests will grant you immortality, they can offer invaluable insights into your balance, flexibility, and muscle health—all major players in the game of staying independent and active as you age. Remember: simple movements can reveal a lot, and keeping physically active is one of the best gifts you can give your future self. So, next time you get up from the floor with arms crossed, give yourself a pat on the back (once you uncross them). Your body—and your future—will thank you!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
