People over 50 who struggle to lift objects at risk of these diseases

By Stephen Beech

People over the age of 50 who have difficulty lifting a bag of sugar are at risk of several potentially deadly diseases, warns new research.

Older people who struggle to pick up an object weighing 5 kilos (11lbs) run the risk of developing a series of chronic health issues - including dementia - that can significantly lower their quality of life, say scientists.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, involved more than 51,000 men and women aged 50 or older from 15 countries.

Study first author Dr. Rizwan Qaisar, of the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, said: "We tracked them over time to see if their ability to lift five kilograms was connected to developing various health conditions in the future.

"What we found was quite significant.

“People who reported difficulty lifting five kilograms had a significantly higher risk of experiencing a lower quality of life, higher rates of depression, chronic lung diseases, hip fractures, joint disorders, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis.

“Interestingly, this connection held regardless of their age or gender.

"Our findings strongly suggest that this simple, everyday test could be a valuable early indicator of overall health and potential future health challenges.”

The research team began the study to develop a simpler and more accessible method for assessing muscle strength, one that anyone could perform at home.

The current methods doctors use to measure muscle weakness require expensive devices that only clinics can afford.

The difficulty in lifting something weighing five kilos is mainly attributed to muscle weakness, as our muscles are known to become weaker as we get older.

Dr. Qaisar says muscle weakness is not just a minor inconvenience, but a serious warning for overall health.

Traditionally, doctors have measured muscle strength with special clinical devices.

Dr. Qaisar said, “While these devices are good, they are expensive, hard to get, and in need of regular upkeep.

“That's where the idea of being able to lift a five-kilogram weight came in.

"Think about it: a bag of sugar, a small pet, or a common kitchen appliance often weighs around five kilograms.

"If someone struggles to lift this amount, it might be an early sign of muscle weakness.”

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There are no exact statistics on the number of people suffering from muscle weakness, but the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates suggest around 1.7 billion people having musculoskeletal conditions worldwide.

Co-author Dr. Fabio Franzese, of Share Berlin Institute in Germany, said: “Lifting five kilograms: a simple act, a powerful health predictor. No fancy gear needed.

"Our findings put early health assessment in everyone's hands.

"Muscle weakness isn't just a sign of aging; it's a profound warning for future disease."

The findings showed that, overall, 19.5% of the participants exhibited difficulty lifting five kilos at the start of the study in 2013.

In the four years since 2013, the participants having difficulty lifting an object weighing five kilos exhibited higher risks for developing a low quality of life (9.42%), depression (8.14%), low handgrip strength (7.38%), and osteoarthritis (6.98%).

The findings also show that they run "mild to moderate" risks of having rheumatoid arthritis, a heart attack or stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, or a hip fracture.

Adjusting their results for age and country, the researchers found the risks of developing various diseases are higher in men than in women.

Dr. Qaisar said: “We discovered that if older adults have trouble lifting a simple five-kilogram weight, they're at a much higher risk for a whole range of health problems down the road.

“This includes conditions such as feeling depressed, having a lower quality of life, chronic lung issues, hip fractures, arthritis - both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, high cholesterol, strokes, and even Alzheimer's disease.”

He says the method the research team adopted to measure muscle weakness as “a really easy, no-cost way to get an early heads-up about potential health issues."

He added: "You don't need fancy equipment, just a common household item.

“Imagine you're at home, and you pick up a bag of groceries, maybe something that weighs about five kilograms – like a big bag of sugar or a small kitchen appliance.

"If you find yourself struggling with that, it might seem like a small thing, but our research shows it could be a really important clue about your health."

Co-author Dr. Azhar Hussain, also of the University of Sharjah, added: “Difficulty in lifting the object, the research proves to be an early warning sign for various age-related health conditions.

"Before major illness, there's often a subtle struggle.

"This test offers a crucial window for intervention.

"The test empowers people to seek early medical advice, motivates healthier lifestyle choices, and offers healthcare providers a valuable preliminary screening tool to identify at-risk individuals, ultimately improving preventive care and public health outreach for older populations.”