What is a simple test that can predict longevity?

The Simple Floor Test That Predicts How Long You’ll Live

It’s quick, it’s free, and it might reveal more about your health than you think. Researchers have found that a simple movement—sitting down on the floor and standing back up without using your hands, knees, or arms for support—can be a surprisingly powerful predictor of longevity.

This test, known as the sitting-rising test (SRT), was popularized by Brazilian physician Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo. In a study of over 2,000 adults aged 50 to 80, those who struggled with the test were significantly more likely to have a higher risk of mortality over the following years. Each point lost—whether from wobbling, using a hand for support, or dropping to a knee—was linked to a 21% increase in mortality risk.

The test assesses a combination of strength, balance, and flexibility—three key components of functional fitness that often decline with age. The ability to perform it smoothly reflects not just physical capability, but overall neuromuscular health. Even small compromises, like placing a hand or knee lightly on the floor, reduce your score and raise red flags.

Here’s how it works: start standing barefoot, then sit down on the floor using as little support as possible. Then, stand back up the same way. Each use of support (a hand, knee, forearm) deducts a point. The maximum score is 10 (5 for sitting, 5 for standing). Scoring below 8 has been associated with a notably higher risk of death over the next decade.

While it’s not a diagnosis, it’s a wake-up call. The good news? Practicing balance, mobility, and strength can improve your score—and possibly your long-term outlook. It’s a reminder that staying agile and strong isn’t just about looking good. It’s about living longer.