Curious about Projecting Longevity? Try This
People used to say you could learn about someone’s character by the firmness of a handshake.
Now, research tells us that grip strength can also be an indicator of how long you might live.
And it’s not the only everyday way to get a glimpse into longevity. Studies also say we can learn about our future health by measuring:
- Pushups
- Standing up from sitting on the floor
- Walking speed
It’s fun to test yourself and think about it like this. It’s also a great reminder of how absolutely crucial it is to have strength, endurance, and agility to maintain quality of life and independence.
First, Grip Strength
Grip strength is a “reliable measurement of overall health,” says WebMD, “even as an indicator of the potential health of you heart and blood vessels.”
It can tell doctors about muscular endurance, power and bone health, and about all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. “As surprising as it may be, research shows a link between grip strength and how well and long you may live.”
Weak hands can mean weakness throughout the body, which indicates poor cardiovascular health – which are all major reasons why you should be exercising regularly.
A separate review of studies showed that for people over 60, grip strength can predict “decline in cognition, mobility, functional status and mortality.”
How Many Push-ups Can You Do?
The answer could be helpful to keeping your heart healthy, according to a study by Harvard and other institutions published by the American Medical Association.
Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer worldwide. Contributing factors include diet, smoking, drink – and exercise. But predicting an individual’s likelihood to develop heart disease has been problematic. This survey seems to say that a quick test can act as a simple, no-cost and generally effective crystal ball.
The researchers studied the health of hundreds of men over several years. They didn’t set out to examine push-ups. But the data revealed that men who could complete 11 or more went on to have lower risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems later in life.
Men who could do 40 push-ups were 96 percent less likely to develop problems than those who couldn’t manage more than 10.
Other Measures, Too
Now, before we put too much weight behind any single study or specific point, it’s worth noting other predictors of longevity – especially now, when the topic is so hot. Everyone wants to not only live longer, but also better.
Another study found predictive value in measuring how easily someone over 50 can stand from a seated position on the floor.
And researchers have used walking speed as another way to analyze how long an older person might live.
These all come together to make an undeniable case: If you’re physically capable of performing common tasks as you age, then you’re likely to enjoy a longer, better life.
You can’t argue with that! So, come see us today and let’s get moving in the right direction.
Type 2 Diabetes Linked to Ultra-processed Foods
Food writer and public relations maven Jill Silva of Kansas City eats out — a lot. It’s a big part of her job.
She’s trying to establish healthier habits, at restaurants and at the gym. Here, Silva, 60, offers a few pointers for responsibly enjoying restaurants.
1. Allow yourself to enjoy it (within boundaries). “If you go out to eat, you don’t want to order the salad. You want something special.”
2. Ask questions about what’s on the menu, how it’s prepared, and what the ingredients are. You don’t want to be surprised in a bad way when the plate’s put before you.
3. Favor real food as opposed to processed components. “If they can’t tell you how something was prepared, or if it came in a bag, carton or jar, then it’s probably not something good for you,” Silva says. When grocery shopping, go for better bread at a bakery instead of processed loves off the supermarket shelf, if you can.
4. Remember that higher-end restaurants serve reasonably sized portions, compared to casual chains that encourage gorging.
5. Support local farmers if you can. Grow some produce yourself. You’ll taste the difference.
And remember, she says, don’t be a snob about food. It has many places in life, and you should do the best you can to fit it into your healthy lifestyle.
Meme: Make It Fun
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National Hispanic HEROES & Heritage Month (Sept 15 – Oct 15)
This month, we not only celebrate Hispanic heritage but also honor the Hispanic heroes who have shaped the world we live in. Without these trailblazers, Texas wouldn’t be the state we know today.
Join us and the Exchange Club of Sugar Land in celebrating Hispanic heritage with a tribute to YOUR hero in our 2024 Field of Honor®️! Whether it’s a family member, mentor, or local legend, a flag flying proudly for three days can symbolize their impact on your life.
You can personalize your hero’s flag with their name and story for just $50.
Click here to buy your flag and honor a special hero today!
This is your chance to be part of a historical moment — just like last year when we raised $67,000 for local charities by flying 1,000 flags at the UH-Sugar Land campus. This year, let’s honor even more of the heroes that make our communities strong. 💪
Know a hero like SSGT Macario Garcia, Ellen Ochoa, or a personal hero in your life? Now’s the time to give them the recognition they deserve! 🎖
Buy a flag today at: www.escl.org
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Thank you again for joining Agestrong. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you!
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