Can you predict your lifespan by simply standing up? New study says this 10-second test might hold the answer

Jogging has long been the go‑to sign of fitness, but a new study suggests something far simpler and more revealing. Researchers from Rio de Janeiro’s exercise‑medicine clinic asked 4,282 adults aged 46 to 75 if they could move from standing to sitting on the floor—and back—without help. The results, tracked for 12 years, were startling.

Those who completed the move unassisted were six times less likely to die from heart disease over the next decade. Each point lost in that test increased the risk of death from cardiovascular issues or natural causes like cancer by a significant margin. The findings were reported in The Washington Post, where lead author Dr. Claudio Gil Araujo emphasized this test’s power in predicting longevity across multiple health domains.

One-Point Drop Means 31% More Risk: The Fallout of Losing Mobility
Scores combined sitting and standing performance, totaling up to ten. If your total landed between zero and four, your odds of dying from heart disease were a dramatic six times higher than those who scored a perfect ten. Even middle-range scores of 4.5 to 7.5 doubled or tripled your mortality risk over ten years.

Half of those scoring zero didn’t make it through follow-up, compared to just four percent of those scoring ten—a jaw-dropping 11-fold difference. “What makes this test special,” Araujo noted in The Washington Post, “is that it looks at all of them at once—muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and body composition—making it a powerful predictor.”

Mobility Over Muscle Mass: Why This Simple Test Is a Health Goldmine
Beyond cardio, this floor test evaluates critical health indicators: flexibility, muscle power, and even inflammation—factors that influence blood pressure and overall heart health. Dr. Araujo attributes its effectiveness to its holistic nature, capturing diverse elements of physical wellness in one quick motion.

Despite impressive data, the study has limitations. Participants were drawn from a private clinic, which may not reflect broader populations. There was also no information on smoking—a major risk factor in cardiovascular and lung disease.

Try It at Home
Dr. Araujo recommends this test for personal insight—but with caution. Find a partner to supervise, ensure clear floor space, and consider a wall or chair nearby. Start with feet slightly apart, cross one over the other, then sit down and stand back up without using your hands or support. Those with joint pain should skip it entirely.

While not a medical diagnosis, this test highlights a strong link between basic mobility and long-term health. If you find yourself struggling, it may be time to rethink exercise routines, strength training, or professional check-ups. Simple as it seems, this 10-second move could be a silent alarm—or your ticket to living longer with strength.