Balance Testing: What Is It and Can It Predict Longevity?

What is Balance Testing? 

The balance test, involving the capability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds, holds particular relevance in mid to later life as it unveils potential connections to longevity and life expectancy. Individuals aged 51 to 75 who struggle with this test face an 84% higher risk of mortality compared to their peers who can successfully maintain balance for the 10 second duration, as evidenced by studies. This underscores the significance of this simple yet powerful test as a potential predictor of health outcomes and is being recommended that doctors start performing this on older patients. Part of the longevity is that patients who could not maintain balance had a higher risk of falling and breaking a bone. 

The belief in its predictive power for longevity is supported by a study involving 1,700 Brazilian adults. The participants were tasked with standing on a foot of their choice for 10 seconds, with three attempts. Notably, success rates were consistently high, with 95% for individuals aged 51-55, gradually declining to 82% for those aged 61-65, and further dropping to 46% for the age group of 71-75. Even after accounting for variables such as age, gender, and other health conditions, a persistent correlation between the ability to perform the balance test and longevity was observed, adding depth to the credibility to the balance test. 

Should you participate in Balance Testing?

With aging, the likelihood of falls rises, accompanied by a decline in overall physical fitness. Fall-related injuries claim the lives of hundreds of thousands annually. Maintaining optimal physical health, particularly as you age, plays a pivotal role in determining your life's longevity. The balance test becomes a valuable indicator as you age, offering insights into your overall health and positioning you to assess where you stand in your journey.