A leading cardiologist suggests that healthy aging has a simple “pass/fail” course, and the final exam takes just 10 seconds. The test is the one-legged stand, and your grade is a powerful indicator of how successfully you are navigating the aging process.
This concept is validated by a major 2022 study that essentially enrolled 1,700 older adults in this course. The research tracked their “exam results” and found a strong correlation between passing the balance test and achieving a long, healthy life.
The study’s grading scale was clear. A “pass”—holding the stance for 10 seconds—was associated with a greater than 90% chance of seven more years of disability-free life. A “fail” was a sign that the student needed remedial work to avoid the negative consequences of aging.
The heart specialist explains why this single exam is so comprehensive. It tests the cumulative knowledge of your entire body, including your neurological processing, sensory acuity, and muscular coordination—all skills that are critical for aging well.
If you fail the exam, the expert says you can retake the course. She recommends a “study program” that includes activities like yoga and Tai Chi. These practices are designed to improve the very skills the test measures, helping you to pass with flying colors and graduate into a long and healthy old age.