**Study Reveals One-Leg Balance Test as Key Indicator of Age-Related Decline**

A recent study led by the Mayo Clinic highlights that the ability to balance on one leg, particularly the nondominant leg, can serve as a crucial indicator of age-related decline. According to Kenton Kaufman, the senior author of the study, individuals unable to stand on one leg for five seconds face a heightened risk of falling.

The study examined participants aged 52 to 83, revealing that the capacity to maintain balance on one leg deteriorates more rapidly with age than other physical measurements such as walking gait, grip strength, and knee strength. This decline in single-leg balance was notably more pronounced in comparison to other age-associated physical changes.

Researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis to compare the balance abilities of participants within the specified age group. The findings underscore the importance of balance as a critical factor in assessing the overall decline related to aging. The results suggest that regular balance assessments could be an effective tool for early detection of fall risk and related health issues among older adults.