According to a U.S. health expert, a simple one-minute test could reveal that individuals may die earlier than their peers. This test requires the simultaneous use of multiple muscles and joints in the body. Weak grip strength may indicate negative muscle loss that increases the risk of a person losing their mobility and independence.The grip test, a simple assessment that measures how strongly a person can squeeze an object, has long provided information about physical health. Recent studies show that strong grip strength reduces the risk of death from many diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and certain types of cancer.This test requires the simultaneous use of multiple muscles and joints in the body. Weak grip strength may indicate negative muscle loss that increases the risk of a person losing their mobility and independence.U.S. nutrition specialist Ed Jones emphasizes that grip strength gives a crucial clue about a person’s overall health. Speaking on the Nutrition World Podcast, Jones said, “If you can’t hold a dumbbell that weighs a third of your weight for a minute, you might die earlier even if you are stronger.” He also noted that grip strength is a more reliable indicator of longevity compared to other health indicators like cholesterol levels.Jones stated, “A stronger and more resilient body ages more slowly and gets sick less,” asserting that a strong grip is directly linked to longevity for those who prioritize body health. However, lifting weights, as recommended by Jones, can lead to back injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also notes that men should be limited to a maximum safe weight of 25 kg, while women should be limited to 15 kg to lift to avoid injury.Another method to measure grip strength is hanging from a pull-up bar. It is suggested that men aim to hang for 60 seconds, while women aim for 30 seconds. A study published in BMJ in 2018 suggests that men who can only hang for 30 seconds and women for 15 seconds may have a higher risk of early death.Grip strength is used by doctors to identify individuals at early stages who may carry health issues like heart disease and dementia. A study conducted in 2016 revealed that individuals with weakened grip strength had a high risk of early death after 17 years. Another research published in The Lancet in 2015 explained that weak grip strength is a more reliable indicator of early death compared to other health issues like high blood pressure. Additionally, a study published in the Strength and Conditioning Journal last year revealed that individuals with low muscle strength had a 150% higher risk of early death.If you cannot hold the weight for a minute, experts recommend doing exercises to increase the strength of your hands and arms. There are also many tools available to increase grip strength, and experts suggest using these tools for only a minute a day.Another important health test that can be done at home is a balance test. Research shows that individuals who cannot stand on one foot for more than 10 seconds have a much higher risk of dying within 10 years. NHS researchers argue that the duration of balance should vary with age. Experts suggest that individuals aged 18-39 should stand for 40 seconds on one foot, while those aged 70-79 should reduce this time to 18-19 seconds.The reason this test is significant is that standing on one foot requires the simultaneous use of various parts of the brain and body. These types of exercises test the body’s strength and balance, and the weaker a person is, the more these two attributes diminish, increasing the risk of falling.According to the NHS test, individuals aged 18-39 should stand for 43 seconds, those aged 40-49 for 40 seconds, and those aged 50-59 for 37 seconds on one foot. For those over 70, this time decreases to around 5 seconds.Increasing grip strength and balance through regular exercises can contribute to a healthy life by enhancing quality of life and extending lifespan.