A simple exercise -- standing on one leg -- can reveal a lot about how we age, according to new research from the Mayo Clinic.

"Balance is crucial to every aspect of life and influences participation and well-being," Anat Lubetzky, an associate professor of physical therapy at New York University, told The Epoch Times in an email. "It helps us navigate stairs, carry groceries, and avoid falls or serious injuries."

Among 40 participants over 50 -- all in good health and free from neuromuscular disorders -- the time they could maintain a one-legged stance decreased by two seconds per decade. For instance, if someone could balance for 30 seconds in their 50s, they might only manage about 28 seconds in their 60s and around 26 seconds in their 70s.

Participants performed several balance exercises, including standing on both legs with eyes open, standing on both legs with eyes closed, and single-leg standing on each leg, each lasting 30 seconds.

In addition to balance, researchers compared other factors, such as walking speed, grip strength, and knee strength. They found that balance and knee strength show significant declines in aging. Dominant grip and knee strength also decreased every decade, with one-legged balance deteriorating fastest.

This decline in balance "can serve as a reliable and gender-independent measure of neuromuscular aging," the researchers said, often occurring before noticeable changes in other physical abilities, such as muscle strength and walking speed.

While exercises like standing on one leg can be helpful, Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John's Health Center, cautions against relying solely on these tests for clinical decisions.

"Balance problems are often multifactorial, influenced by muscle weakness, neuropathy, and neurological conditions," Segil told The Epoch Times. Neuropathy, which involves frayed nerves over time, is a common cause of balance issues.

"When patients experience neuropathy, we look for reversible causes like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies," Segil added. "Identifying and treating these issues can lead to significant improvements."

Segil and Lubetzky agree that experiencing an inability or decline in ability to stand on one leg doesn't necessarily indicate a health problem; rather, it often reflects the challenge of the task itself, which is likely practiced less than activities like walking or standing on both feet.

As we age, balance challenges become more complex, so it's crucial to address multiple aspects of strength and coordination, said Lubetzky. "If we practice standing on one leg, we'll get better at standing on one leg. That's great, but it's not going to solve all balance problems and fall risks that happen with aging."

"If you don't use it, you lose it," said Segil. "When you walk, you make sure your bones don't get brittle, you lubricate your joints, and you maintain your muscle mass. So, in my world, the most important activity is walking. I tell my patients every day, at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock, go for a walk."

"In my lab, we're developing technology to create an accessible balance monitoring tool. This would allow individuals to assess their balance more effectively at home, beyond just one-leg standing time," she added, noting that a physical therapist can evaluate your balance and help design a personalized program tailored to your needs.