Join Early Retirement Today
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Why can't I do this simple thing?
Old 04-04-2015, 07:35 AM   #1
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Amethyst's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,597
Why can't I do this simple thing?

Back in December, the Washington Post published an article, entitled "Are You Acting Your Age?" containing "tests" of physical and mental ability for people over 50. I'm utterly frustrated by the "stand on your dominant foot and close your eyes" test for prioperception. It says that at 50, one should be able to hold this position consistently - without swaying - for at least 9 seconds. Well, I have been practicing (looking quite silly I'm sure) and the best I can do consistently is only 4 seconds. This is annoying, since I've always prided myself on balance.

Are you acting your age?

Amethyst
__________________
If you understood everything I say, you'd be me ~ Miles Davis
'There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.’ Christopher Morley.
Even a blind clock finds an acorn twice a day.
Amethyst is offline   Reply With Quote
Join the #1 Early Retirement and Financial Independence Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

Are you planning to be financially independent as early as possible so you can live life on your own terms? Discuss successful investing strategies, asset allocation models, tax strategies and other related topics in our online forum community. Our members range from young folks just starting their journey to financial independence, military retirees and even multimillionaires. No matter where you fit in you'll find that Early-Retirement.org is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with our members, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create a retirement blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 04-04-2015, 08:23 AM   #2
Recycles dryer sheets
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 475
this is one of the test I had to do after chemo (and before some rehab exercises). I think I could last .5 seconds. Very surprising and frustrating. Apparently my chemo impacts this priopreception. After 12 weeks of 3 days a week rehab, I was able to do about 30 seconds. I just tried again and I am back down for a few seconds
jabbahop is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 08:44 AM   #3
Moderator
sengsational's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 10,656
This is something that is correlated with age, but I doubt that there is causation in the direction we'd like. In other words, you can practice to balance for longer, and you can certainly make significant progress on your time, but I doubt that just doing this is going to increase your chances of living longer. It's like that "sit on the floor and get up from the floor without touching anything" test. I'm sure it correlates to mortality risk, but practicing it to get better at it probably won't do anything to make you live longer.
sengsational is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 09:18 AM   #4
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
pb4uski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sarasota, FL & Vermont
Posts: 36,263
Interesting. When I first read it I thought it would be a piece of cake. Not!! I'm right handed so assume that my dominant foot would be my right foot as I kick right footed too. I failed at my first try, but after a few tries am able to do it for more than 9 seconds. Interestingly, I do better on my left foot but that is the forward foot when I slalom water skiied (no longer do but did every day in my youth) so perhaps that is why.
__________________
If something cannot endure laughter.... it cannot endure.
Patience is the art of concealing your impatience.
Slow and steady wins the race.

Retired Jan 2012 at age 56
pb4uski is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 09:39 AM   #5
Moderator
sengsational's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 10,656
I'm the same, right hand, kick with right foot, slolam left in front. After three or four complete failures, I was able to get over 9 seconds on each, but the left came easier.
sengsational is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 09:43 AM   #6
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
mpeirce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Northern Ohio
Posts: 3,182
OK, so it's a slow morning and I tried it
Test: Balance on one foot, eyes closed. Right-handed folk, raise the left foot - lefties, raise the right - about six inches off the floor, bending the knee at a 45-degree angle. Then start the timer. As soon as you sway, open your eyes or touch the floor, stop the clock. Do this test three times and average your score
I get completely different results based on when I close my eyes:

(1) If I lift my foot, bend my knee, then close my eyes, I can go for a long time.

(2) If I close my eyes, lift my foot, bend my knee, I fall over after a few of seconds.

From reading the instructions, I honestly can't ascertain when I'm suppose to close my eyes. So I'm picking (2) and expecting to live forever!
mpeirce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 09:54 AM   #7
Moderator Emeritus
Ronstar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 16,543
I had to do that test in therapy after I broke my ankle about 5 years ago. After I improved a little, the therapists had me stand on the impaired foot and bounce a ball off a vertical trampoline and catch it - all while standing on one foot. That was tough, but standing on one foot with eyes closed is tougher. I can't do this test now for more than 5 seconds. It's hell to grow old.
Ronstar is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 10:03 AM   #8
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Lsbcal's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: west coast, hi there!
Posts: 8,808
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amethyst View Post
Back in December, the Washington Post published an article, entitled "Are You Acting Your Age?" containing "tests" of physical and mental ability for people over 50. I'm utterly frustrated by the "stand on your dominant foot and close your eyes" test for prioperception. It says that at 50, one should be able to hold this position consistently - without swaying - for at least 9 seconds. Well, I have been practicing (looking quite silly I'm sure) and the best I can do consistently is only 4 seconds. This is annoying, since I've always prided myself on balance.

Are you acting your age?

Amethyst
I'm wondering what you are worrying about with this?

The reporter who wrote the article states:
Quote:
This isn't science; for that, you need a trained clinician to give you cognitive and physiological tests. But if you're looking to set some new resolutions for the new year, now is a good time to assess yourself.
For me, I'm not a fan of newspaper puzzles, little tests, and such. The real test is to learn to dump the competitive stuff and just take care of yourself.
Lsbcal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 10:10 AM   #9
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
donheff's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 11,317
OP - start getting your balance back by brushing your teeth on one foot, switching back and forth from one to the other. In no time you will ace that test.
__________________
Idleness is fatal only to the mediocre -- Albert Camus
donheff is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 10:16 AM   #10
Moderator Emeritus
W2R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: New Orleans
Posts: 47,472
Amethyst, don't feel bad! I can only do about 3 or 3.5 seconds. But I think my balance is OK.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lsbcal View Post
For me, I'm not a fan of newspaper puzzles, little tests, and such. The real test is to learn to dump the competitive stuff and just take care of yourself.
+1

I think that competitive stuff is mostly for younger people who are trying to figure out how they fit into the universe. By now (at almost 67), I really don't feel the need for that stuff any more. I compete with myself and that's much more fun. I always win!
__________________
Already we are boldly launched upon the deep; but soon we shall be lost in its unshored, harbourless immensities. - - H. Melville, 1851.

Happily retired since 2009, at age 61. Best years of my life by far!
W2R is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 10:42 AM   #11
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Lsbcal's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: west coast, hi there!
Posts: 8,808
Quote:
Originally Posted by donheff View Post
OP - start getting your balance back by brushing your teeth on one foot, switching back and forth from one to the other. In no time you will ace that test.
You forgot to add that one has to close their eyes and hum a tune too.
Lsbcal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:06 AM   #12
Thinks s/he gets paid by the post
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: South central PA
Posts: 3,469
Try bending your knee slightly. I practice this all the time while waiting for elevators.
EastWest Gal is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:08 AM   #13
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
MRG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 11,078
I went to months of balance therpy. Your balance is controlled by your vestibular system(think inner ears), muscles and joints(think touch) and your vision. In my case I'm very visually oriented and that caused me issues. Anyways after months of balance therpy I was considered having normal balance. Even though I had a deficit without vision. Most of the therapys had the same progession - do this exercise till your comfortable with it, then try it with your eyes closed.

That particular exercise, one foot and eyes closed is very difficult, occasionally I can get over 5 seconds. In the one footed stand your removing 50% of touch and 100% of vision. So it's your vestibular system that's doing all the work.

If you want to get better at it, excel at one footed standing(at least 30 seconds) then start removing your vision. As a fun trick when you start to get dizzy with eyes closed, touch one finger to a wall/table, you should gain balance right back. One little finger can balance you, its pretty amazing.

Do be careful have a spotter or do it in a corner.
MRG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:09 AM   #14
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
NW-Bound's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 35,712
Darn, this is harder than I thought. It's the knee bending plus the eye closing that makes it tough! If I can keep my eyes open, it's a lot easier. My wife did not fare much better. And we thought we were reasonably fit.

Who thought of this torturous test anyway? Oh well, we are near 60, so what can one expect? It continues to go down hill from here.
__________________
"Old age is the most unexpected of all things that happen to a man" -- Leon Trotsky (1879-1940)

"Those Who Can Make You Believe Absurdities Can Make You Commit Atrocities" - Voltaire (1694-1778)
NW-Bound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:24 AM   #15
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
Amethyst's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 12,597
Competition is not the issue...I just want to be able to do the trick, because that's the way I am, LOL. Perhaps I couldn't do the trick when I was 30, either, who knows?

A.
__________________
If you understood everything I say, you'd be me ~ Miles Davis
'There is only one success – to be able to spend your life in your own way.’ Christopher Morley.
Even a blind clock finds an acorn twice a day.
Amethyst is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:28 AM   #16
Administrator
Alan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: N. Yorkshire
Posts: 34,052
Quote:
Originally Posted by donheff View Post
OP - start getting your balance back by brushing your teeth on one foot, switching back and forth from one to the other. In no time you will ace that test.
I failed that. Couldn't find any teeth on my feet
__________________
Retired in Jan, 2010 at 55, moved to England in May 2016
Enough private pension and SS income to cover all needs
Alan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:28 AM   #17
Moderator
braumeister's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Flyover country
Posts: 25,198
I think you have to be young to get really good at this stuff.

Juggling Five Balls While Standing On One Foot
braumeister is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:48 AM   #18
Administrator
Alan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: N. Yorkshire
Posts: 34,052
My balance is excellent, and I do 2 yoga style classes a week to keep in practice, but I found this test remarkably difficult. Closing your eyes makes all the difference, and I had to practice several times to get reasonable results.
__________________
Retired in Jan, 2010 at 55, moved to England in May 2016
Enough private pension and SS income to cover all needs
Alan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:48 AM   #19
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
bbbamI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Collin County, TX
Posts: 9,294
I'm searching for a test that involves consuming three squares of chocolate and two glasses of wine. ...I could pass with flying colors.
__________________
There's no need to complicate, our time is short..
bbbamI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2015, 11:53 AM   #20
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso)
Give me a forum ...
audreyh1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Rio Grande Valley
Posts: 38,006
Wow - not easy at all. Something I need to add to my Yoga balance repertoire. Super easy with my eyes open. I sway immediately with eyes closed.

NOTE: it is easier to balance on a hard floor than on carpet.
__________________
Retired since summer 1999.
audreyh1 is online now   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
age, balance, over 50, test


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Oil - Simple question, Simple answer? imoldernu FIRE and Money 14 12-18-2014 02:31 PM
Can't find answer to simple question! JinAZ Hi, I am... 5 09-30-2012 03:25 PM
50% Wellesley/50 % Wellington - So Simple Why didn't I do it? ejman FIRE and Money 68 08-01-2008 02:49 PM
Can I max out my Roth IRA, Trad. IRA, and SIMPLE IRA? thefed FIRE and Money 9 09-24-2007 04:52 PM
Why is this a Bad Thing?? FinanceDude Other topics 5 12-28-2006 08:01 PM

» Quick Links

 
All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:07 AM.
 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.