Do you want to know how much longer you have to live? Try this test experts use to determine longevity

If you had the chance to find out how long you were going to live, would you take it? A quick 10-second test could reveal more than you might think about your future, experts say.

The key to longevity, research suggests, is balance. With that in mind, there is a short exercise you can do that may predict how long you’re likely to stick around.

How to predict your future

The exercise in question couldn’t be simpler. The “single-leg stance test,” also known as the “10-second balance test,” requires nothing more than standing on one foot for at least 10 seconds. To pass, you must remain steady without moving your standing foot, holding onto something for support, or, obviously, losing your balance.

The link between balance and longevity

Historically, the test has been used to evaluate a person’s fall risk. But a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2022 took it further. Researchers found that 84% of people who could not pass the test were more likely to die within the next 10 years.

The study does not explain in detail why balance and longevity are linked, but several logical explanations exist. People with poor balance are at higher risk of falling, with fatal fall injuries rising 41% between 2012 and 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Less stable individuals may also be more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, another factor that contributes to premature death. On the flip side, those who pass the test are often more physically active, a key behavior for increasing longevity.

How to improve your balance

If you try the test and don’t last 10 seconds, don’t worry. It’s never too late to improve your balance. Single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walking, and squats are everyday exercises that can help. You might also consider yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates classes to strengthen stability and coordination.

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