More Flexible – The Secret to Longevity?

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A recent study from CLINIMEX Sports Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers promising insight into the relationship between flexibility and longevity. After over 28 years of monitoring nearly 3,000 people, researchers found that those with higher flexibility scores had a significantly higher survival rate compared to those with lower flexibility.

Flexibility is not only a factor supporting movement but may also be linked to overall health and longevity. According to the research team, flexibility is defined as “the ability of muscles and connective tissues at a joint or group of joints to move.” Loss of flexibility can lead to muscle strains, back pain, or reduced mobility, which can negatively impact quality of life.

“Flexibility not only helps the body function smoothly, but it could also be the key to maintaining long-term health,” – Dr. Claudio Gil S. Araújo, CLINIMEX, 2023.

In this study, the authors used a test called Flexitest to assess flexibility in 20 joints of the body, including the ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, and elbows. Each movement was scored from 0 to 4, resulting in an overall Flexindex score ranging from 0 to 80. The results showed that women had an average Flexindex 35% higher than men. Notably, individuals with the lowest Flexindex scores had a natural death risk 4.78 times (women) and 1.87 times (men) higher compared to those with higher scores.

However, flexibility is not just a natural factor but can be improved through daily stretching exercises or participation in yoga. Experts suggest some stretching exercises such as:

• Hip stretch with knee hug
• Half-kneeling hip stretch
• Calf stretch against the wall

“Performing flexibility exercises not only helps prevent injuries but also improves joint health and reduces stiffness,” – Chris McDermott, healthcare expert in Florida, 2023.

The research team also emphasized that flexibility is an essential part of overall health, especially for middle-aged individuals. Incorporating flexibility tests like Flexitest into routine health check-ups can offer significant benefits in advising and prescribing personalized exercise programs.

Although the study’s results are encouraging, experts call for further research to confirm the link between flexibility and longevity. Nevertheless, maintaining and improving body flexibility clearly appears to be a positive step toward a healthier and more sustainable life.

Start with small changes – like simple stretching exercises, yoga, or gentle movement – to improve your health today.