The Stability Scorecard: How Do You Measure Up for Longevity?

A leading cardiologist has unveiled a simple “stability scorecard” that can help you measure your potential for a long and healthy life. The main test on the card is a 10-second, one-legged stand, a powerful, research-backed indicator of your overall health.
The scorecard is based on a major 2022 study that followed 1,700 adults aged 50-75 for a decade. The study found a profound link between a person’s ability to balance and their risk of dying from any cause in the following seven years.
A passing score—holding the stance for 10 seconds—was associated with a greater than 90% chance of survival over the next seven years, free from disability. This makes static balance a vital metric on anyone’s personal health scorecard.
The heart specialist explains that this test is so revealing because balance is an integrated function, reflecting the health of the nervous system, sensory inputs, and muscle response. A low score could signal an underlying issue that warrants a broader health evaluation.
If your score is lower than you’d like, the cardiologist suggests a clear path to improvement: targeted exercise. She recommends activities that build stability and body awareness, such as yoga and Tai Chi, to improve your score and, by extension, your long-term health outlook.