新奇事件簿 握手有力意味着长寿

Scientists say they have found key clues into how long we will live. One of them is a firm handshake. British researchers believe a strong grip is not just a sign of confidence but also an indicator¹ of longevity². Lead author Dr Rachel Cooper, of University College London, said her study looked into 33 different reports on the strength of handshakes. The research involved more than 50,000 men and women and spanned³ 40 years. Dr Cooper concluded that those with weaker handshakes were 70 per cent more likely to die earlier than those with the strongest handshakes. She concludes that people with strong grips may have benefited from a happy childhood that included a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.

科学家表示，他们发现了人类寿命长短的关键线索。其中一个就是有力的握手。英国研究人员相信，握手有力不仅是信心的象征，还是长寿的标志。来自伦敦大学学院的首席作者Rachel Cooper博士表示，他的研究查看了关于握手力度的33份不同的报告。研究包括5万多名男女，历时40年。Cooper博士得出结论，握手力量不足的人早亡的可能性比握手有力的人高70%。她得出结论，握手有力的人可能童年快乐，饮食健康，运动充足。

The new study, published in the British Medical Journal, also found other signs of living a longer life. These 'measures of physical capability⁴' include walking at a faster pace, getting out of a chair quickly, and being able to balance on one leg. The study showed that slow walkers were almost three times likelier to die at a younger age than those who walked briskly⁵. Those who struggled to get up from their armchairs were twice as likely to die earlier than those who sprang out of their chairs. Dr Cooper believes there needs to be more research into the link between physical capability and longevity. “Research that helps people to enjoy a long and healthy life is ever more important to help cater⁶ for an ageing population,” she said.

新的研究发表在《英国医学期刊》上，还发现了长寿的其他标志。这些体力方面的判定标准包括走路速度快，从椅子上起来的速度快，能够一条腿平衡站立。这份研究表明，走路速度慢的人早亡的几率是走路轻快的人的三倍。那些从椅子上站起来比较困难的人早亡的几率是能迅速起立的人的两倍。Cooper博士相信，关于体育运动能力和长寿之间的关系还需要进行更多研究。“帮助人们享受长寿健康的生活的研究比帮助人们照料老龄化人口更重要。”

1 indicator   

n.指标；指示物，指示者；指示器

参考例句：

• Gold prices are often seen as an indicator of inflation.黃金价格常常被看作是通货膨胀的指标。
• His left-hand indicator is flashing.他左手边的转向灯正在闪亮。

2 longevity   

n.长命；长寿

参考例句：

• Good habits promote longevity.良好的习惯能增长寿命。
• Human longevity runs in families.人类的长寿具有家族遗传性。

3 spanned   

（细胞或微生物的培养）生活期有限的

参考例句：

• A bridge spanned the rill. 一座桥横跨小河。
• His interests spanned a wide range of subjects. 他的兴趣涉及广泛的学科。

4 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。

5 briskly   

轻快的；敏捷的

参考例句：

• The boy walked briskly along. 那男孩轻快地往前走。
• The book is selling briskly. 书销售得很快。

6 cater   

vi.(for/to)满足，迎合；(for)提供饮食及服务

参考例句：

• I expect he will be able to cater for your particular needs.我预计他能满足你的特殊需要。
• Most schools cater for children of different abilities.大多数学校能够满足具有不同天资的儿童的需要。