Having a good range of motion is essential for athletics as well as everyday life. Credit...Adria Malcolm for The New York Times Supported by By Hilary Achauer Bending down to put on your socks.

If your body is flexible, you’re likely to live longer than someone whose body and joints are tight and rigid, according to the first, large-scale study of the links between flexibility and mortality.

At this point in life, you’re probably well aware that flexibility is an important part of your overall fitness. Not only does it keep you feeling your physical best, it can help to lower the risk of ...