A prominent cardiologist suggests that health is not a simple on/off switch but a continuum. A simple 10-second, one-legged stand can show you exactly where you are on that continuum and in which direction you are headed.
This insight is based on a major 2022 study that mapped the health continuum of 1,700 older adults. The research used the balance test as a key marker, finding that it accurately placed individuals on a spectrum from robust health to high-risk fragility.
The study found that those at the positive end of the continuum—passing the 10-second test—had an over 90% chance of remaining there for the next seven years, enjoying a long, healthy life. Those at the negative end were on a trajectory toward poor health outcomes.
The heart specialist explains that this is because balance is a holistic measure of your place on the continuum. It integrates all the factors that contribute to health, including neurological function, sensory acuity, and physical strength. It’s a single point that represents your total score.
The good news is that you can move along the continuum toward better health. If you find yourself at the wrong end, the expert recommends taking active steps to shift your position. She advises that incorporating practices like yoga and Tai Chi can improve your stability and move you decisively toward the longevity end of the spectrum.