To determine the prospects for their longevity, those who have crossed the fifty-year milestone do not need to undergo an in-depth medical examination. To do this, it’s enough to try to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds.
According to recent studies in Brazil, those who do not pass such a test are at serious risk – they are 84% more likely to die prematurely from any cause.
This study, involving 1702 volunteers aged 51 to 72 years, was conducted from 2009 to 2020. At the very beginning, everyone was given three attempts to survive the coveted 10 seconds, but every fifth did not cope with the task. In the future, the fears of scientists were confirmed: over the next seven years, 17.5% of the “losers” died, and the rest were more fortunate – only 4.5%.
As the average person ages, muscle strength decreases. Starting from the age of 35, this figure decreases by about 1-2% per year. In some cases, this can lead to sarcopenia, and age-related muscle wasting. Also, the flexibility of the body begins to decrease.
In order to somehow slow down these negative processes and delay old age, people begin to engage in fitness. However, almost all fitness salons offer their customers a traditional set of services – treadmills, bikes, and weight machines.
At the same time, according to Claudio Gil Araujo, director of research at the Physical Medicine Clinic of Rio de Janeiro, no one pays attention to developing balance and flexibility, although this can be done at home.
As the results of previous studies show, it is the ability to maintain the balance that requires the coordination of several physiological systems of the body at once, which in turn guarantees a person the preservation of motor functions and a longer life expectancy.
