Health experts emphasize that the ability to stand on one leg is an important indicator of physical condition and brain health, especially after the age of 50. As the years pass, balance, muscle strength, and neurological functions gradually decline, increasing the risk of falls and health problems.
Studies have shown that loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) and slower reaction times are directly linked to difficulty maintaining balance on one leg. This ability reflects not only the strength of the muscles in the legs and hips, but also the functioning of the brain, including the integration of information from the eyes, inner ear, and nervous system.
Recent research shows that people who can't stand on one foot for 10 seconds in middle or late life are at higher risk of serious health problems and even premature death. Meanwhile, in people with dementia, the ability to maintain balance is linked to a slower decline in cognitive function.
The good news is that balance can be improved with regular exercise. Simple single-leg exercises, performed for a few minutes a day, help strengthen muscles, improve reactions and stimulate areas of the brain associated with memory and coordination. Specialists recommend that people over 50–65 years old practice this exercise regularly, easily incorporating it into daily activities, such as brushing teeth or doing housework.
According to experts, with consistency and practice, it is possible to maintain a good balance even at a very advanced age, contributing to a more active, safer, and healthier life.
