Difficulty lifting items weighing 5 kilograms—an early signal of muscle weakness—could forewarn of future health issues including arthritis, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Digest
Struggling to lift 5 kilograms (11 pounds)—the weight of a small dog or a full backpack—could indicate more than just aging. It might also be an early warning signal for declining health. A recent study found that this simple measure could help identify older adults at a greater risk of developing severe medical conditions.
Researchers tracked more than 51,000 people aged 50 and older across 15 European and Middle Eastern countries for up to five years. They used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe, which collected information on physical function, health status, and quality of life. They asked each participant a straightforward question: Do you have difficulty lifting 5 kilograms?
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At the beginning of the study, nearly one in five participants reported difficulty lifting 5 kilograms. Over the next four years, these people were 9% more likely to report a lower quality of life, 8% more likely to develop depression, and 7% more likely to have poor handgrip strength. They also experienced mild to moderate increases in risk for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. These effects were more pronounced in men than in women.
These findings suggest that a simple question about lifting something as ordinary as a grocery bag or a full laundry basket could present a practical, affordable method for identifying muscle weakness and flagging potential health issues, with no clinic or special equipment necessary. Power training can boost strength and improve functional movement, even for older adults. Learn more in this clip featuring Dr. Brad Schoenfeld.