Staying Healthy
Greater flexibility linked with longer lives
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Can increasing your joint flexibility help you live longer? A study published in the August 2024 issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports suggests it might.
Researchers recruited 3,139 people ages 46 to 65 (66% of whom were men). The participants were tested to measure their range of motion in seven sites: ankles, shoulders, knees, spine, wrists, hip, and elbows. Each was assigned an overall flexibility score.
Everyone was followed for approximately 13 years and then reassessed. The researchers found that greater flexibility was associated with a lower risk of premature death. Among men, those with low flexibility scores were almost twice as likely to die during the study period compared to those with higher scores.
While the findings only showed an association, the researchers noted that increased flexibility, especially among older adults, may improve mobility and reduce pain, which can keep people active and, in turn, help them live longer.
Image: © Taiyou Nomachi/Getty Images
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
