A leading cardiologist suggests your body issues a daily report card on its health, and one of the most important subjects is balance. A simple 10-second, one-legged stand is a pass/fail test that can tell you a lot about your overall grade and your prospects for a long, healthy life.
This grading system is backed by a robust 2022 study that effectively graded 1,700 older adults on their balance. The research tracked their health for a decade and found a strong correlation between their “grade” on the balance test and their long-term outcomes.
The results were stark. A passing grade—holding the stance for 10 seconds—was associated with a greater than 90% chance of survival over the next seven years without disability. A failing grade, however, indicated a significantly higher risk of negative health events.
The cardiologist explains that this is because the balance test is like a final exam for multiple subjects at once: neurology, orthopedics, vision, and cognition. A failing grade suggests you may need some “tutoring” in one or more of these areas.
If you don’t get a passing grade, don’t be discouraged. The expert recommends “extracurricular activities” to bring your grade up. She points to practices like yoga and Tai Chi as excellent ways to study and improve your balance, helping you earn top marks on your body’s report card.