Is it true that waist size can be a predictor of life expectancy?

First of all I would need full recovery of my left arm/hand. You can't measure your waist one-handed. 

Pre stroke I was a 35 in. waist. Immediately post stroke I had to buy 36 inch pants to accommodate one handed buttoning. Inability to button my pants was the number one concern upon returning to work in six months, NOT the work itself.   Then over the course of the next two years I gained 35 lbs. due to inability to keep up my previous athletic endeavors, ended up with 38 in. waist pants. Now after losing 20 of those lbs. I can sometimes get in 36 in. pants.

Is it true that waist size can be a predictor of life expectancy?

Research has found that adults with a large waist size (circumference) are at greater risk of premature death than are those with a normal waist size.
In fact, a study that looked at data from 650,000 adults found an estimated decrease in life expectancy for the highest versus lowest waist circumference of approximately three years for men and five years for women. This effect was independent of other risk factors, such as age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, smoking history and alcohol use.
Specifically this data showed that men with a waist circumference of 43 inches (110 centimeters) had more than a 50 percent greater risk of death than did men with a 37-inch (94-centimeter) waist.
For women, those with a 37-inch (94centimeter) waist had an 80 percent higher risk of death than did women with a 27.5-inch (70-centimeter) waist.
A large waist circumference is a red flag for excessive abdominal fat, which is associated with obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure and coronary artery disease.
Do you know your waist circumference? Here's how to measure it:

• Locate your hipbone on your abdomen.
• Wrap a measuring tape around your body at this level. It should be snug but not pressing into your bare skin.
• The tape should be parallel to the floor. Relax, exhale and read the measurement.

If you don't like the number, take heart. Being physically active, eating well and watching portions can make a positive impact on your waist and overall health. Discuss your health risks and goals with your doctor.