Surprisingly, being able to balance like a flamingo is a greater indication of your overall health than you may think.
We all like to think we are healthy-ish and in decent shape but how often do you actually put these ideas to the test?
Health professionals have explained that one simple test can help reveal whether you are actually at risk of dying within the next 10 years.
The test is pretty straightforward and will only take a few seconds. It is essentially just balancing on one leg with both of your hands placed on your hip.
The UK’S National Health Service (NHS) scientists believe they have now outlined the optimal time each age group should be able to stand.
Those who can’t balance for more than ten seconds are at a vastly increased risk of dying within ten years. The test focuses on balance and strength and as these two things are lost the more frail a person becomes, making them more prone to bone-shattering falls.
To do the test, stand up straight on both feet, lift your dominant leg off the ground with your hands on your hips and start the timer, stop the timer when your foot touches the ground.
Scientists believe that people between the ages of 18 and 39 should be able to stand for 43 seconds, 40 seconds for ages 40-49, 37 seconds for ages 50-59, 30 seconds for 60-69, 18 seconds for ages 70-79 and a little over 5 seconds for people over 80 years old.
How well do you do for your age group (NHS)
Selina Lim, Divisional Director for Integrated Pathways at the NHS East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has said people can use this balancing test to gauge where they are health wise.
She said: “We know that people who struggle to balance for the expected amount of time are at a higher risk of developing ill-health as they age.
“By taking part in the ‘flamingo challenge’ people can quickly and easily assess for themselves whether they are at risk. If they are, there are lots of different activities they can engage in that can help improve their overall fitness.”
If your balancing abilities aren’t quite as good as they should be, fret not as it can be an easy and simple fix.
Debbie Dyer, Clinical Lead for Ageing Well and Anticipatory Care at the North East Essex Alliance explained why exercising regularly is good for an aging body and how it will help improve your balance.
Due to the natural aging process this challenge gets harder as you get older (NHS)
She said: “We all hope to live independently and in good health as we get older, and leading an active lifestyle is an important factor in improving our chances for doing just that.
“Moving our bodies more day-to-day brings immediate benefit, too. Exercise is brilliant for mental health and is a great way of meeting new people in your community.
“The longer daytime hours make summer the ideal time to be getting out and about as much as you possibly can, however old you are.
“The fitter and healthier you are, the better your mental wellbeing, and the longer you will retain your agility, strength, and balance into later life.”
