It seems as though every day, we hear about someone who died in their 60s or 70s after having lived well past the age of 100. So how do these centenarians manage to live such long lives? While medical advances and nutrition play a role, many experts believe that better balance may be the secret behind living well into one’s later years. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to have healthier bodies, less obesity, and reduced risks of developing high blood pressure and diabetes later in life than those who don’t exercise.




Not being able to stand on one leg

You might not think that your ability to stand on one leg has anything to do with your health, but new research suggests otherwise. A recent study found that people who couldn't stand on one leg for more than 20 seconds were more likely to die prematurely than those who could. The researchers don't know exactly why this is the case, but suspect it's because being able to balance on one leg is linked to better heart and lung function. To improve balance and reduce the risk of premature death, try standing up from a seated position without using your hands or putting weight on either foot.


A trip and fall in the bathroom

Most people don't think about balance very often, but it's an important part of staying healthy as we age. A recent study found that better balance can lead to a longer life. Researchers studied older adults who had fallen in the past year and compared them with those who hadn't fallen. Those who fell were more likely to die during the follow-up period. Falls are associated with other health problems such as falls, fractures, and pain so this finding is not surprising. What was surprising was that these individuals also showed higher levels of inflammation and poorer lung function than those who didn't fall. Inflammation is tied to several diseases including cancer and heart disease so these findings have significant implications for long-term health


Poor posture at your desk

If you work at a desk all day, chances are you have poor posture. This can lead to several health problems, including back pain, neck pain, and headaches. But did you know that poor posture can also lead to premature death? In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers found that sitting upright is associated with living longer than slouching. In the study, participants who sat more upright were 45% less likely to die prematurely than those who slumped or leaned forward while sitting down.


Having trouble walking upstairs

If you find yourself having trouble walking upstairs, it may be time to start working on your balance. Believe it or not, better balance can lead to a longer life. That's because people who have good balance typically have healthier hearts than those who don't. Having better balance also means you're less likely to fall down and injure yourself as easily. And when falls do happen, they are less likely to cause serious injury than if someone had poor balance. 

To maintain and improve your balance, try this exercise: Stand with your feet together and hold out one arm in front of you with the palm facing down. Now close your eyes and imagine someone is pushing against the back of that hand with enough force that you need to take a step forward without letting go of the hand so it not to get pushed any further away from them.


Getting dizzy upon turning your head quickly

Have you ever gotten dizzy after turning your head quickly? Turns out, this may be a sign of poor balance. Poor balance can lead to falls, which can cause serious injuries. In fact, falling is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in adults aged 65 and older. But here's the good news: by improving your balance, you can help reduce your risk of falling and improve your overall health. Some people think that because they're getting older they should stop exercising, but that's not true! Just talk with your doctor about what exercises are safe for you to do.


Inability to hop on one foot twice in a row

It turns out that your ability to balance on one foot may be indicative of your overall health. In a recent study, researchers found that people who couldn't hop on one foot twice in a row were more likely to die prematurely than those who could. The average age for those who passed the hopping test was 76, while the average age for those who failed was 69. Researchers believe it is because being able to do the task requires strength and coordination of muscles and brain activity. 

Failing this task also means you're more at risk for developing Parkinson's disease, dementia, or other conditions associated with premature death. 

So if you can't jump on one foot without falling down--and you don't have any chronic health conditions--you should schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.


Being uncoordinated when it comes to physical tasks

Being uncoordinated can lead to all sorts of problems. For example, you might trip and fall more often, or you might have trouble playing sports. Poor balance may also contribute to the early onset of diseases like Parkinson's disease. However, recent research suggests that even though the poor balance is not the only factor in health, it could be the most important one. A new study found that people who had better balance were 44% less likely to die prematurely than those with poorer balance. What does this mean? Well, it means that better balance has a direct correlation with your chances of survival and longevity!


Trouble maintaining your balance when talking on the phone

If you have trouble maintaining your balance when talking on the phone, you're not alone. The good news is that there are some things you can do to improve your balance. For instance, try standing on one foot for 30 seconds at a time. Also, focus on strengthening your core muscles with specific exercises like planks and bicycle crunches. Maintaining an active lifestyle will also help by improving muscle strength and increasing circulation. For example, walking or running regularly helps maintain bone density and mobility while reducing stress and fatigue. What other activities do you find most challenging?


Feeling insecure about how you walk or talk

Most of us have had moments where we feel insecure about how we walk or talk. Maybe we trip over our own feet or mispronounce a word. Whatever the case may be, it's normal to feel a little self-conscious from time to time. The good news is that improving your balance can actually lead to better walking and talking skills. Take yoga for example the poses improve balance and help you learn how to move with more stability and control. Yoga can also help you develop better posture, which can make walking less painful on your back and neck muscles and give you more confidence when speaking in public!


Not being able to catch yourself if you trip or fall over

One of the things that can happen as we age is that our balance isn't what it used to be. This can lead to falls, which can cause serious injuries. But did you know that better balance can actually lead to a longer life? A recent study found that people who lose their balance more often than average have shorter lifespans than those who can maintain their balance. The study also found that people with poor coordination also had shorter lifespans and were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.