The Crossroad of Health: Which Path Will Your Balance Take You?

Imagine you are at a crossroad in your health journey. A top cardiologist suggests a simple signpost can tell you which path you are on: the 10-second, one-legged stand. Your performance on this test indicates whether you are on the road to a long, healthy life or a riskier path.
This idea is supported by a landmark 2022 study that effectively mapped the health journeys of 1,700 older adults. The research found that the ability to perform a 10-second balance test was a critical marker that determined which path an individual was on.
The study revealed the destinations of these paths. The path of stability, marked by passing the test, led to a destination with an over 90% probability of seven more years of disability-free life. The path of instability was statistically more likely to lead to an earlier end.
The cardiologist explains that this is because balance is a fundamental requirement for navigating the journey of life safely. It relies on your body’s “GPS”—your brain, senses, and muscles—working correctly. A failure in this system can lead you down a dangerous road.
If you find yourself on the wrong path, you can change course. The expert advises that it’s never too late to choose the road to better health. She recommends incorporating practices like Tai Chi and yoga as your new roadmap, helping you to improve your balance and navigate your way to a longer life.