Low levels of physical capability in middle age may signal poorer chances of survival over the next 13 years, according to a cohort study of 1355 men and 1411 women in the United Kingdom (Cooper R et al. BMJ. [published online April 29, 2014]).
Nurses assessed grip strength, chair rise speed, and standing balance time of participants at age 53 years. Participants with lower physical capability scores tended to have lower socioeconomic position; less healthy lifestyles; and higher prevalence of self-reported cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and severe respiratory symptoms when compared with those with higher scores.