The results are based on a study with more than 6,000 participants. The study examined its subjects for the first time between 1985 and 1988 at the age of 33 and 55. Between 2007 and 2016, the same participants were examined 'on up to three occasions.'
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Motor tests provide certainty
The participants were subjected to physical tests. These included measurements of walking speed, time taken to stand up, grip strength, and tests of everyday tasks such as putting on clothes, going to the toilet, cooking, and shopping.
Then, through October 2019, deaths from any cause were recorded and examined for correlations. It turned out, a difficulty with physical activities as well as daily tasks in people over 65 can indicate an increased risk of death. Thus, a decline in motor function is said to be associated with an increased risk of death.
Warning signs appear 10 years earlier
Researchers believe these warning signs may appear 10 years before death and that limitations with daily tasks such as walking, shopping and dressing may be such signs. The experts shared the results of their research in the British Medical Journal.
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According to the study, declining motor functions are said to be associated with an increased risk of death after age 65. Difficulty with movements such as getting up from a chair or walking slowly may therefore aid early detection in the future, which could lead to 'opportunities for prevention and targeted interventions.'
This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag DE.