A leading cardiologist is issuing a wake-up call to adults everywhere with a crucial 10-second test. It’s the one-legged stand, and your ability to perform it is a significant indicator of your overall health and a predictor of your longevity.
This isn’t just a friendly suggestion; it’s based on a major 2022 study published in a respected medical journal. The decade-long study of 1,700 older adults found a powerful link between their balancing ability and their chances of survival.
The research concluded that those who could hold a one-legged stance for 10 seconds or more had a 90% chance of being alive and disability-free seven years later. This makes static balance a vital sign that is too important to ignore.
The heart specialist explains that this test is so revealing because balance is a complex function involving multiple body systems. An inability to perform the test could be a sign of neurological issues, vision problems, orthopedic instability, or even cognitive decline. It’s a comprehensive check on your body’s infrastructure.
If you can’t pass the test, consider it a valuable warning. The expert advises using it as motivation to incorporate new activities into your life. She recommends practices like yoga and Tai Chi to build the core stability and enhance the neural pathways responsible for balance, actively contributing to a longer and healthier life.