The NHS is urging people to try a simple and quick test that aims to see how their health measures against their age. According to the experts, it can help predict whether or not you may be at risk of an illness in the future.
They state that “you should be able to stand on one leg continuously” for a certain amount of time – but it all depends on your age. In the NHS ‘Flamingo Test’, they say that if you’re young, you should be able to do it for over 40 seconds and if you’re on the older side, 5 seconds may be more achievable.
‘Flamingo’ Test timings and ages
The NHS explains this test, named after the beautiful pink bird – should aim to see where your health is at. You should be able to do certain times based on your age.
They note that, “understandably, as you get older, the length of time you should be able to ‘make like a flamingo’ diminishes even more.”
You should be able to stand continuously:
- for 43 seconds if you’re aged between 18 and 39
- for 40 seconds if you’re aged between 40 and 49
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37 seconds if you’re 50 to 59
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30 seconds if you’re 60 to 69
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between 18 and 19 seconds if you’re aged 70 to 79
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a little over five seconds if you’re over 80
What is the ‘Flamingo’ Test?
This test aims to “raise awareness of the impact ageing has on strength, balancing and agility” with NHS staff urging people “of all ages to see how long they can stand on one leg.” However if you feel unsteady or unwell at any time, the NHS warns that you need to “stop the test” – and don’t hold it for longer than one minute.
Before testing yourself:
- make sure you are wearing suitable footwear
- make sure somebody is with you
- make sure you are in a clear area
During the test:
- Keep your eyes open and your hands on your hips
- Stand on one leg without any other support
- Time starts when your foot leaves the ground and stops when you put your foot back down (or take your hands off your hips)
If I can’t do the test should I be worried?
The experts reveal that “according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds in mid to later life is linked to a near doubling in the risk of death from any cause within the next 10 years.
“Unlike aerobic fitness and muscle strength and flexibility, balance tends to be reasonably well preserved until the sixth decade of life when it starts to wane rapidly.”
The test could help see who is at risk
Selina Lim, Divisional Director for Integrated Pathways at the NHS East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), said, “We know that people who struggle to balance for the expected amount of time are at a higher risk of developing ill-health as they age.
“By taking part in the ‘flamingo challenge’ people can quickly and easily assess for themselves whether they are at risk. If they are, there are lots of different activities they can engage in that can help improve their overall fitness.”
Why it’s key to keep moving – even if you’re older
Debbie Dyer, Clinical Lead for Ageing Well and Anticipatory Care at the North East Essex Alliance, added: “We all hope to live independently and in good health as we get older, and leading an active lifestyle is an important factor in improving our chances for doing just that. Moving our bodies more day-to-day brings immediate benefit, too. Exercise is brilliant for mental health and is a great way of meeting new people in your community.
“The longer daytime hours make summer the ideal time to be getting out and about as much as you possibly can, however old you are. The fitter and healthier you are, the better your mental wellbeing, and the longer you will retain your agility, strength, and balance into later life.”