A study published in the Journal of Aging and Health that followed nearly 3,000 men reveals a link between intelligence and midlife physical performance.

Share on Pinterest The researchers say their findings show the importance of encouraging people of all abilities to be active through life.

Previous research suggests the better our physical performance in middle age, the more likely we are to retain our independence and cope with everyday activities in old age, such as carrying our shopping and getting dressed.

Researchers who study this area usually employ a number of tests – such as handgrip strength, balance, chair rises, jumping height (a measure of leg strength), and back strength – when measuring physical performance.

For their study, researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark examined the relationship between intelligence in early adulthood and subsequent physical performance between the age of 48 and 56 years, in a group of 2,848 Danish men born in 1953 or 1959-61. The data came for the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank.

They found that every 10-point increase in intelligence score in early adulthood was linked to a 0.5 kg increase in back force, a 1 cm increase in jumping height, a 0.7 kg increase in hand-grip strength, 1.1 more chair rises in 30 seconds and 3.7% improved balance in midlife.