Could improving your ability to touch your toes or bend with ease help you live longer? A new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports suggests that maintaining flexibility may do more than prevent muscle stiffness, it could play a key role in promoting longevity.

Researchers, led by Dr. Claudio Gil S. Araújo, found that poor flexibility was associated with a higher risk of death in middle-aged men and women. It highlights flexibility as a critical marker of overall health and a potential contributor to longevity.

The Study: Flexibility as a Measure of Health

The study assessed 3,139 participants aged 46 to 65 over 13 years. Using a specialized assessment called the Flexitest, which evaluates the flexibility of seven major joints through 20 movements, researchers scored participants on a scale from 0 to 80.

Their findings were striking: participants with lower flexibility scores were more likely to die from natural causes, such as cardiovascular disease or cancer. Women, who were generally more flexible than men, also had a lower death rate (7%) compared to men (10%).

These results suggest that flexibility might serve as a predictive tool for longevity, much like aerobic fitness or strength.

So why can flexibility impact longevity?

Though the study didn’t explore the specific mechanisms linking flexibility to lifespan, experts have some compelling theories.

“Flexibility often reflects an individual’s overall physical fitness and health status,” said Dr. Reuben Chen, a sports medicine specialist. Limited flexibility can signal deeper health issues, such as chronic inflammation, poor physical conditioning, or even a sedentary lifestyle—all of which are linked to higher mortality risks.

Better flexibility can improve daily movement, reduce injury risk, and enhance joint health. Activities like bending, lifting, or climbing stairs rely on healthy joint mobility. Over time, these benefits can help individuals maintain independence and avoid degenerative diseases like arthritis.

So how do you Improve your flexibility

While it’s impossible to change your genetics or turn back the clock, incorporating stretching into your daily or weekly routine can significantly improve your flexibility and overall health. Experts recommend

Static stretches held for 50 seconds per stretch at an intensity of 70-80%. Stretch separately from any intense exercise aiming for 60 minuets of full body stretching per week.

While this study underscores the importance of flexibility as a potential marker of longevity, it also highlights the broader concept of fitness as a reflection of health. Being limber isn’t just about performance in sports or yoga, it’s about preserving your ability to move through life with ease, resilience, and vitality.

As Dr. Araújo put it, flexibility may not just stretch your muscles; it might stretch your years. Whether you’re an athlete or simply someone looking to stay active as you age, taking steps to improve your flexibility today could pay off in the form of a healthier, longer life.