Everyone knows how to find the age a fallen tree. We count the number rings on the tree's stump. A scientist has found a new way to measure the age people – get them to stand one leg. Dr Kenton Kaufman from the Mayo Clinic in the USA said standing one leg shows how well a person can balance. He said balance becomes more difficult as we age. Dr Kaufman added: "Balance is an important measure because, addition to muscle strength, it requires input vision, the [hearing] system, and the [senses]." He added: "Good balance provides the ability to carry activities of daily living the fear of falling, and this leads to improved quality life and healthy ageing."
Forty people the age of 50 took part the research. They did tests walking, balance, grip, and knee strength. Each participant had to balance their dominant and non-dominant leg 30 seconds. They did this their eyes closed, and again their eyes open. Kaufman found that standing on the non-dominant leg showed the highest rate of decline with age. There was a 2.2-second-per-decade decline when participants stood their non-dominant leg. This compared to 1.7 seconds the dominant leg. Kaufman concluded: "Standing on one leg is a good measure your overall health because balance reflects how the body's systems are working together."
