During a workout today, one of my people called me Andy Squats. Thank you!

Here's why I push the squat, and squatting quality:

The Sit to Stand test is a predictor of mortality from all causes.
Leg muscles mass is a predictor of mortality from all causes.
Leg strength, specifically leg-straightening strength, is a predictor of mortality from all causes.
The Chair Squat velocity test is positively correlated with functional capacity, balance, quality of life, and cognitive status.
Squat test (in young people) and Modified Squat test (older adults) successfully predicts heart-and-lung health like a VO2 max test.

Ask for sources, please.

Other specific benefits...
In one study, patients with MRI-verified degenerative miniscus disease (knee) were divided into two groups. One got surgery the other got exercise training including squats to 90 degrees. After 12 weeks, pain and function was the same. Same! Only difference, the strength training group reported LESS anxiety and depression!

Another study, on Substance Use Disease: during recovery therapies, maximal squat strength training showed to improve anxiety and insomnia over the control group.

Plus Squats are the best was to run fast, jump high, build muscle and stay lean. So we squat!