National Institutes of Health-funded research is exploring new ways to measure aging and health. The study highlights the significant decline in grip strength, knee strength, and balance over the decades after age 50. These factors play a crucial role in overall health and independence. The research also emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity and balance training to mitigate age-related declines. By incorporating these exercises into daily routines, individuals can improve their physical fitness, reduce the risk of falls, and enhance their quality of life as they age.
Drs. Asghar Rezaei and Kenton Kaufman of the Mayo Clinic conducted a study to assess gait, balance, and strength in healthy individuals over 50. Their study enrolled 40 participants, equally divided by gender and age group (50-64 and 65+). Participants underwent a series of tests in a motion-analysis lab, including gait analysis, balance tests, and strength assessments.
The study, published in PLOS ONE in October 2024, revealed significant age-related declines in balance and strength, but not in gait. While men exhibited greater grip and knee strength than women, both sexes experienced similar rates of decline over time. Notably, the ability to stand on one leg, particularly the non-dominant leg, decreased significantly with age. This finding suggests that single-leg standing time could serve as a simple yet reliable indicator of health in older populations.
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