If you can't do this move, you're likely to die within 10 years... Reporter Jiwoo Choi's story

A study found that people who lack flexibility have a higher risk of death than those who are flexible.

A research team from the Brazilian Exercise Medicine Clinic analyzed approximately 3,000 adults aged 46 to 65. They assessed participants' flexibility using the FlexIndex test.

 

The Flex Index is a test scale that measures people's flexibility.

▲Sit with your legs stretched out, bend your upper body, and stretch your arms.

▲Raise your right hand above your head and extend it toward your left shoulder.

▲ Determine the flexibility of the joints used when performing movements such as lying face down on the floor and raising your arms upward.

 

The stretching movements were performed twice, once by the participant on his or her own and once with the assistance of a third party, to measure the overall flexibility score.

At the end of the study, 10% of participants had died. Survivors had approximately 10% higher FlexIndex scores than those who died.

 

The analysis found that people with higher FlexIndex scores were more likely to survive over the next 10 years than those with lower scores. Women with lower FlexIndex scores had a death risk approximately five times higher than those with higher scores. Men with lower FlexIndex scores had a death risk approximately twice as high as women with higher FlexIndex scores.

 

Flexibility, along with balance, is an indicator of overall physical health. Practicing flexibility prevents muscle weakness, such as sarcopenia, that occurs with aging, and maintains a healthy body. A lack of flexibility can lead to direct injuries, including fractures, from falls. Immobilization or hospitalization during recovery can lead to muscle weakness and health complications.

 

“Loss of physical flexibility is associated with lower survival rates in middle-aged and older adults,” said study lead author Dr. Claudio Gil S. Araujo. “Because flexibility declines with age, it is advisable to include stretching in your daily routine.”

 

===================

 

Stretch your legs out.

The boat doesn't have the flexibility to touch the legs.

Fingers touch feet

If you make it a habit, you will become more flexible.