To live longer, practice flexibility exercises

A new study suggests that physical flexibility could be a key factor for longevity in middle-aged individuals. Published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, this research highlights the importance of body flexibility not only for physical well-being but also for long-term survival.


The study evaluated the flexibility of over 3,000 people aged 46 to 65, mostly men (66%). The researchers used a "body flexibility score," called Flexindex, which measures the range of motion for 20 movements involving 7 joints. This score, ranging from 0 to 80, was on average 35% higher in women than in men.

Participants were followed for an average of 12.9 years, during which 302 individuals (9.6%) died. Results showed an inverse relationship between the Flexindex score and mortality risk: survivors had a Flexindex score about 10% higher than non-survivors. After adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and medical history, it was found that men with a low Flexindex score had a 1.87 times higher risk of death than those with a high score. For women, this risk was 4.78 times higher.

Claudio Gil S. Araújo, research director at the Clinimex clinic in Brazil and lead author of the study, emphasizes that this discovery adds a new dimension to the assessment of physical condition, traditionally focused on endurance and muscle strength. "We were able to show that reduced body flexibility is also linked to a lower survival rate in middle-aged men and women," he explains. He therefore recommends paying more attention to flexibility exercises, especially as one ages.

However, the study could not establish a direct causal link between reduced flexibility and increased mortality. Researchers note several limitations, such as the predominantly white and affluent composition of the participants, and the absence of control for variables like physical activity or diet. These elements suggest that flexibility might be an indicator, rather than a direct cause, of an overall healthy or unhealthy lifestyle.

Finally, even though further research is necessary to clarify these connections, including flexibility assessments in physical health check-ups seems relevant to complement current exercise recommendations.