How long can you stand on one leg?

Done yoga for over 50 years, so for as long as you like! Sorry, show off.

20 on each foot is my physio homework for this week as I have just had two new knees.

Long enough to know that, apparently, I will live forever,

20 seconds on right leg - 15 on the left. Both slightly wobbly, but better with concentration.

I'm 74, will be 75 in a matter of weeks, and I haven't practiced in ages (I used to do Yoga in my 40's).

That is sister, not son.

My DS suffers similarly to you yogitree . She had only 1 hip replaced (5 years ago) and it has left her all twisted on the one side so she will not consider having the other replaced. ?

I've had 2 hip replacements and have muscle atrophy, I'm 67 and can't even do it for 1 second! I am a regular at Yoga, but despite that guess I'm about to pop my clogs!

2 mins in morning on right leg - only stopping as my electric toothbrush finishes its cycle, so no idea how long I could maintain my balance. Repeat in the evening on my left leg. I must admit to years of yoga so maybe it's down to all those years of practise (73)

I could do it indefinitely on my left leg but less so on right (foot injury). I managed a lot less and was very wobbly with eyes closed though.

I saw this article in the paper, so I had to try it, and yes ‘I passed’ the 10 seconds count. Wonder how long I’ll live for ;)

I'm great on one leg...

I can balance with my eyes open for so long I got bored doing it, although I always stand on one leg when I brush my teeth, so maybe that's why. Closing my eyes more like 3 seconds! I also hula hoop for 20mins every day, not sure if that makes your core stronger.

I think, greenlady102, that this was a purely observational test, and didn't establish cause. But given than falls are one of the main causes of death in older people, it makes sense to do what one can to avoid them, I guess.

I found this from Michael Moseley which is a slightly different take:

A good test of your balance is to see how long you can stand on one leg, first with your eyes open and then closed. Take your shoes off, put your hands on your hips and stand on one leg. See how long you last. The test is over as soon as you shift your planted foot or put your raised foot down on the ground. Best of three. Then repeat, with your eyes closed. You will be dismayed by how quickly you start to fall over. Here are the targets that different age groups should be able to manage:

Under 40: 45 seconds with eyes open, 15 seconds with eyes closed.
Aged 40-49: 42 seconds open, 13 seconds closed.
Aged 50-59: 41 seconds open, 8 seconds closed.
Aged 60-69: 32 seconds open, 4 seconds closed.
Aged 70-79: 22 seconds open, 3 seconds closed.

Iam curious about the vslidity if this in folk with leg injuries. Both my knees are trashed from dig walking when I went thigh deep in a bog and it definitelyvaffects myvability to stand on one leg but I can't see how knee injuries predict my age at death.?

I do this each morning and evening whilst cleaning my teeth. It helps that the sink is in front of me which i could grab if i felt i was going to fall. I do it 6 times on each side in 10 second bursts.

With eyes open, ages, got bored. With eyes shut about 20 secs on right leg, 10 on lathe left. Funny how eyes open makes a difference. I’m 74

With eyes closed 1 second on left leg, 3 seconds on right. Just turned 60.
Can manage over 2 minutes with either leg and eyes open, which I think is more practical as you can then see what you’re about to hit as you fall!

I started following fitness videos during lockdown and discovered that Australian physical activity guidelines for people 65+ cover balance as well as stamina, strength, suppleness. Thanks, Schellea (my fabulous 50s guide)

18 seconds on one leg, 12 on the other. I'm 63 and had a stroke 11 months ago

Stopped at 30 with both, couldn't BB with any more, just a mite wobbly, but very little difference between them.
I’m 73.

I started practising during Aquafit. Water is a wonderful support. I’m getting better on dry land now as well.

I couldn’t make 3 until I started to practice, now, 6 months on,I’m 60 seconds and 10 with eyes closed. Honestly, it’s very much a learned thing and with practice improvements come, which is encouraging.

CanadianGran

I didn't see that the test was with eyes closed, it's eyes open.

For those that have bad balance, please look at starting yoga practice. It doesn't need to be costly classes, it can be at home either found in a book or on-line. It really is wonderful for body and mind.

It’s eyes closed, I’m afraid (my bold in this quote)

‘The study by the Medical Research Council tracked 5,000 people born in 1946 throughout their lives. Aged 53 they completed the tests during home visits from specially trained nurses. In the standing on one leg with eyes closed test, men and women were able to hold the position for less than two seconds were three times more likely to die before the age of 66 than those who could hold it for 10 seconds or more.’

I didn't see that the test was with eyes closed, it's eyes open.

For those that have bad balance, please look at starting yoga practice. It doesn't need to be costly classes, it can be at home either found in a book or on-line. It really is wonderful for body and mind.

Maw You have to lift both legs up for it to work!