Balance is a powerful predictor of life and health span. There’s no point living long if you’re not living WELL.
The one leg stand is a good test of balance, better in fact than grip strength and sit to stand tests.
Here’s what to do:
- Try with eyes open, then closed.
- Take your shoes off
- Put your hands on your hips
- Stand on one leg
- See how long you last
The test is over as soon as:
- You shift your planted foot
- Put your raised foot down
Best of three tests!
Here are targets that different age groups should be able to manage:
- <40: 45 sec eyes open,15 sec closed.
- 40-49: 42 sec open, 13 sec closed.
- 50-59: 41 sec open, 8 sec closed.
- 60-69: 32 sec open, 4 sec closed.
- 70-79: 22 sec open, 3 sec closed.
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g2219
Fortunately you can ‘train’ for balance (I need to practice with my eyes closed!)
Here is a post with specific balance exercises.
Lemme know in the comments how old your body is according to this test!