Question 49 of 433
What simple strength and balance tests can I do at home?
The short answer
Grip strength, standing up from a chair, walking speed, and balancing on one leg each predict health surprisingly well.
Grip strength. In a study across 17 countries, each 11-pound drop in grip strength was linked to a 16 percent higher risk of death. Grip is a window into total body strength.
Chair stands. How many times can you rise from a chair in 30 seconds without using your hands? Fewer than about 12 after age 60 deserves attention.
Walking speed. Your usual pace is so predictive that geriatricians call it the sixth vital sign.
One-leg stand. In one study, adults aged 51 to 75 who could not balance on one leg for 10 seconds had nearly double the risk of dying in the next seven years.
Test yourself today. Write down the results. Repeat every six months.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
OBSERVATIONAL — Older adults: strength, gait, and balance predict outcomes; home scores are not diagnoses.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 4, Q49 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.