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Can you balance on once foot for 10 seconds?
For adults over 50, the ability to do so may be indicative of their risk of death.
The researchers behind the study are even suggesting this simple test be incorporated into routine checkups for older adults.
Photo: IMAGE_HIT/Depositphotos
The study examined data collected from a cohort of 1,702 participants between 2009 and 2020.
This is called a 10s OLS test.
Arms remain at the sides.
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Gaze should be directed straight ahead.
One in five of the cohort failed 10s OLS test.
Rates of failure increased as the age of the individuals did.
And 17.5% of those who failed the test passed away, as opposed to 4.5% who passed.
Despite the staggering results, its important to note that correlation is not causation.
Those with poor balance are also more likely to fall, which can cause complications.
Thats simple, Araujo says.
