The 10-Second ‘Physiological Age’ Test

Forget the number on your birth certificate; what is your body’s true physiological age? A leading cardiologist suggests a simple, 10-second test can offer a powerful clue. Your ability to stand on one leg reflects the functional age of your integrated body systems, and it’s a strong predictor of your longevity.
This is not a new-age theory but is based on a robust 2022 study published in a major sports medicine journal. The research followed 1,700 older adults for a decade and found that their performance on a one-leg stand test was a more telling indicator of future health than chronological age alone for this cohort.
The findings were profound. Participants who could successfully balance for 10 seconds demonstrated a physiological resilience that correlated with a greater than 90% chance of living for another seven years without significant disability. This test provides a snapshot of how well your body is truly aging.
The cardiologist explains that this is because balance requires the seamless cooperation of systems that often decline with age: the nervous system, vision, and musculoskeletal strength. An inability to perform the test suggests these systems may be aging faster than they should, increasing your physiological age and health risks.
You can actively lower your physiological age by improving your balance. If you struggle with the test, the expert advises a fitness regimen that includes more than just cardio. Mind-body practices like yoga and Tai Chi can enhance your stability, coordination, and strength, helping to turn back your body’s functional clock.