Health studies link physical mobility and sleep quality to longevity

Recent scientific studies have identified key physical and physiological indicators linked to long-term health and longevity.

A study published in JAMA Network Open, involving over 13,000 seniors in Taiwan, found that physical abilities such as balance, agility, and leg strength are significant indicators of healthy aging. Researchers tracked participants for an average of seven years, noting that better performance in agility and balance tests was associated with a lower risk of mortality, even after accounting for age, gender, and existing health conditions.

Separately, research involving nearly 100,000 adults in the United Kingdom has highlighted the importance of specific sleep stages. Using accelerometers to track sleep cycles, researchers found that increased REM sleep is associated with a lower risk of 83 different health conditions, including heart failure, high blood pressure, and dementia. Additionally, more deep sleep was linked to a reduced risk of several other health issues. Researchers noted that these findings show correlations rather than direct causation, as sleep disturbances can sometimes be a symptom of an existing illness.