Muscle strength in these two areas strongly predicts survival in older women

Women with grip strength and those who can quickly stand from a chair several times in a row have significantly lower risks of death. In a test of almost 5,500 women between the ages of 63 and 99, researchers found that those two common strength tests predicted survival independently of fitness or activity levels. The results, published by the JAMA Network, suggest that strong muscles prevent disability and falls, regulate glucose and inflammation and help people recover better from stress, injury or disease. Researchers note that the finding “supports current national recommendations that promote participation in muscle strengthening activity for optimal aging and longevity.”