The family of the late health broadcaster Dr Michael Mosley has shared a remarkably simple daily exercise they say is strongly linked to living a longer, healthier life.
The Simple Test of Longevity
In a recent social media post, Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, a retired GP, and the couple's son, Dr Jack Mosley, highlighted a straightforward task: standing on one leg for more than 10 seconds. Clare posed the question to followers: "Did you know that being able to stand on one leg for more than 10 seconds in middle age is associated with longer lifespan?"
Jack Mosley elaborated on the profound benefits of this act of balance. He stated it is connected with "less frailty, fewer falls and overall better brain health". He explained that the exercise integrates multiple bodily systems, from coordination and strength to the inner ear and vision, calling it a "window into how well you're ageing".
Michael Mosley's Personal Routine and the Supporting Science
The advice continues the work of Dr Michael Mosley, famed for the 5:2 and Fast 800 diets, who tragically died in June 2024 on the Greek island of Symi. He frequently advocated for incorporating balance training into daily life.
Speaking on the 15.5 Stories podcast with Thomasina Miers, Dr Mosley had emphasised that while we take it for granted, balance is an "extraordinary thing". He warned that accidental falls are the "second most common preventable cause of death" worldwide, a particular risk for older adults.
His personal method was to stand on one leg for 30 seconds while brushing his teeth with an electric toothbrush, then switch legs. He cited a pivotal study, published in the BMJ, which followed a group of middle-aged people over two decades. The ability to stand on one leg was the "single best predictor" of who would still be alive at the 20-year follow-up.
How to Improve Your Balance
Jack Mosley noted that while the one-legged stand is an excellent benchmark, other activities are superb for enhancing stability. He pointed to dancing, tai chi, and yoga as "enjoyable, health-affirming, excellent ways" to boost balance.
For those with busy schedules, he recalled his father's tooth-brushing technique, suggesting it's a perfect way to seamlessly integrate this vital practice into a daily routine. The overarching message from the Mosley family is clear: dedicating a few moments each day to work on balance could yield significant dividends for long-term health and longevity.
