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We can count the number of rings on a tree to find its age. Scientists have now found we can measure the age of people by getting them to stand on one leg. Dr Kenton Kaufman said standing on one leg shows how well a person can balance, and balance becomes more difficult as we age. He said balance was important because, "it requires input from vision, the [hearing] system, and the [senses]". He added: "Good balance provides the ability to carry out activities of daily living without the fear of falling, and this leads to improved quality of life and healthy ageing."
Researchers tested forty people over the age of 50. They did tests for walking and balance. Each participant had to balance on their dominant and non-dominant leg for 30 seconds. They did this with their eyes closed, and with their eyes open. Kaufman found that standing on the non-dominant leg showed the highest rate of decline with age. The rate for the non-dominant leg was half a second higher per decade. Kaufman concluded: "Standing on one leg is a good measure of your overall health because balance reflects how the body's systems are working together."
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