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the quick test to see if we will live longer

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the quick test to see if we will live longer

Researchers have developed a quick and easy test, which after the age of 50 can tell us whether our health will allow us to live longer …

Eugenio Spagnuolo

– Milano

Find out if we will live longer and healthier? According to a study published a few days ago in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, just do it a quick balance test. Strange but true…

The longevity test: the study

A research team, led by scientists from the Clinimex Exercise Medicine Clinic in Brazilin 2009 began examining 1,702 adults between the ages of 51 and 75, to see if the balance could help predict their health over time.

Participants were asked to do an easy balance test: stand on one leg for 10 seconds, without using your hands or leaning on a support. The result? Participants who were unable to complete the test were 84% more likely to die during the next 10 years of follow-up than those who managed to balance.

Predictably, the odds of completing the test decreased as participants’ age increased: se only 5% of people in their fifties failed the test, the over-seventies who could not balance on one leg for 10 seconds were more than half, 54%. And most of them showed higher rates of heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes than their peers who had a greater sense of balance.

how to do the longevity test

To take the test, you have to stand on a flat surface with bare feet. To minimize the influence of muscle strength and flexibility, you have to place the dorsal part of the non-supportive foot on the back of the opposite lower leg, in the most natural way possible (see photo). In addition, you should keep your arms naturally positioned next to your body and fix your gaze on a point at eye level at a distance of 2 meters. Once the correct position is taken, there are 10 seconds. In case of error they are allowed up to 3 attempts.

Exceptions to be aware of

Caution: the study is observational, so although it has identified a link between balance and risk of early death, it does not explain what could cause that risk. Furthermore, the test does not take into account important factors, including diet and exercise, recent falls, tobacco use, or medications that can affect balance. However, the researchers are convinced that balance tests in the future could be a convenient and cost-effective way to signal health risks, even better when combined with other routine medical tests. Balance is an important component of overall fitness, along with aerobic endurance, muscle strength and mobility. And simple bodyweight exercises can help us improve it, like heel lift, yoga pose bird dog is that of the tree, which strengthen the stabilizing muscles and also help us prevent injuries and falls.



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