Getting enough exercise is important for healthy aging, but new research suggests muscle strength may play an equally critical role. A large study led by researchers at the University at Buffalo found that older women with greater strength had a significantly lower risk of death, even after accounting for physical activity levels, cardiovascular fitness, and inflammation. The findings, published in JAMA Network Open , were based on more than 5,000 women between the ages of 63 and 99. Researchers tracked participants for eight years and discovered that women with stronger grip strength and faster sit-to-stand chair test times were more likely to live longer. Muscle Strength Linked to Lower Mortality The study focused on two simple measures commonly used in medical settings to evaluate strength in older adults: grip strength and chair stands. For the chair stand test, participants completed five unassisted sit-to-stand movements as quickly as possible.…