#PreventiveMedicine

A simple test—how long you can stand on one leg—may be one of the clearest indicators of your physical age and even your long-term health outlook, according to growing research in the field of geriatric medicine. New studies, including recent findings from the Mayo Clinic and data published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggest that the ability to balance on one leg for at least 10 seconds is strongly linked to overall health and longevity, especially in people over 50. For Thais concerned about healthy ageing, this insight offers a powerful, easy-to-use predictor that could shape personal and public health strategies for years to come.

In a landmark study that carries significant implications for public health, researchers at Harvard-affiliated Mass General Brigham have identified 17 lifestyle changes that can simultaneously reduce the risk of dementia, stroke, and late-life depression. Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this research highlights the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors and age-related brain diseases, offering a unique preventive approach.

For Thai readers and the global community alike, the significance of this study lies in its actionable insights. Recognizing that conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity are prevalent concerns in Thailand, the study emphasizes manageable lifestyle adjustments rather than overwhelming medical interventions. The research underscores that even improving a single lifestyle factor, such as reducing alcohol consumption—a habit linked to weight management and preventing liver disease—can lower the risk of multiple age-related conditions simultaneously.