Beyond just lifespan, experts are now focusing on “independence span”—the years you can live self-sufficiently. A top cardiologist reveals a key predictor of this is the 10-second, one-legged stand. This simple test measures the stability that is crucial for maintaining independence as you age.
This link between balance and independence is underscored by a 2022 study that followed 1,700 adults. The research found that the ability to perform this test was strongly correlated with living a longer life free from major disability, which is the essence of an extended independence span.
The study’s results were compelling. Participants who could successfully balance for 10 seconds had an over 90% chance of living for another seven years without the kind of disability that compromises independence. Poor balance, a primary risk factor for falls, was a major threat to this.
The cardiologist explains that maintaining independence requires a body that is stable, coordinated, and responsive. The one-leg stand is a direct test of these attributes, which rely on a healthy nervous system, good vision, and adequate muscle strength.
To protect and extend your independence span, the expert advises working on your stability. If the 10-second test is a challenge, it’s a sign to incorporate specific training. Practices like Tai Chi and yoga are highly effective at improving balance and reducing the risk of falls, helping to ensure your later years are lived on your own terms.
