New research uncovers warning signs of early death you should never ignore
All those unfortunate aches and pains might seem like they're just part of getting older, but as Father Time comes for us all, it's important that you listen to what your creaking bones are telling you.
Although biohacker Bryan Johnson thinks we'll solve human immortality by 2039, the simple fact is that we aren't designed to live forever. Just like you can replace the various parts of a machine, there's the inevitability that it will eventually break down.
It's true that the average life expectancy has gone up as science and medicine have continued to evolve alongside our general health, but there's still the grim realisation that we'll all die... someday, hopefully not too soon.
Heart disease is the biggest killer in the USA, while the likes of cancer, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory diseases are leading contributors to death aside from accidents.
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Research from the University of Pittsburgh has highlighted an apparent early warning sign that the Grim Reaper could be knocking on your door.
A team led by Nancy W. Glynn, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health, used the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale to draw a link between exhaustion and signs of early death.
As reported by Science Daily, those who felt the most tired after physical exertion were twice as likely to die in the next 2.7 years as those who were as fit as a fiddle.
Glynn pointed to people using their New Year's resolutions to get more physical activity, explaining: "I hope our findings provide some encouragement to stick with exercise goals. Previous research indicates that getting more physical activity can reduce a person's fatigability.
"Our study is the first to link more severe physical fatigability to an earlier death. Conversely, lower scores indicate greater energy and more longevity."
Using the novel Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale on 2,906 participants who were aged 60 or older in the Long Life Family Study, those who took part were told to rank how tired they were, or thought they'd be, after certain activities. These included everything from a leisurely 30-minute walk to heavy gardening.
A follow-up was concluded at the end of 2019, so as to avoid the increased mortality impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning the team had 2.7 years of data to work on. Even though the outlet reminds us that the likes of pre-existing and underlying illnesses and depression can influence mortality, those who scored 25 points or higher on the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale were far more likely to die in the next 2.7 years than those who scored below 25.
The numbers speak for themselves, with those scoring above the 25-point threshold being 2.3 times more likely to pass away within 2.7 years.
Glynn reiterated: "There has been research showing that people who increase their physical activity can decrease their fatigability score. And one of the best ways to increase physical activity -- which simply means moving more -- is by setting manageable goals and starting a routine, like a regular walk or scheduled exercise."
The Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale was first created in 2014 and has since been translated into 11 languages.
Glynn says it's 'underutilized' in hospitals and clinical trials, concluding: "My ultimate goal is to develop a physical activity intervention targeting a reduction in fatigability as a means to stem the downward spiral of impaired physical function common with the aging process. By reducing fatigability, one can change how they feel, potentially motivating them to do more."