Difficulty Lifting 5 kg as a Key Indicator of Future Health Risks in Older Adults

A recent study led by researchers from the University of Sharjah highlights that struggling to lift a 5-kilogram object may be an early warning sign of various chronic health conditions among older adults. The investigation involved over 51,000 individuals aged 50 and above across 15 countries, revealing that those who find it challenging to lift this weight face a higher risk of developing diseases such as depression, lung conditions, osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease, among others.

The study emphasizes that this simple task, easily performed at home without specialized equipment, can serve as a practical method for early health assessment. Muscle weakness, a common issue with aging, underpins this difficulty and is closely linked to deteriorating health outcomes. Traditionally, healthcare providers rely on costly devices to measure muscle strength, but lifting a 5 kg item offers an accessible alternative.

Findings show that difficulty in this everyday activity correlates with a significant increase in long-term health risks, regardless of age or gender. This insight could enable elderly individuals and caregivers to screen for potential health issues early, prompting timely medical intervention. The research also notes that muscles tend to weaken naturally with age, and this indicator could aid in identifying those at risk of future ailments.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of simple, low-cost health assessments and provides a practical tool for public health efforts aimed at preventing age-related diseases. The researchers hope this approach encourages more widespread self-monitoring, leading to better health outcomes for aging populations.

The findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports, and researchers advocate for the use of this straightforward test as a preventative health measure that can be easily integrated into daily routines. For more details, visit the original source at https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-difficulty-kg-quality-life-range.html.