Can you pass the old man test? 3-step challenge can tell if your balance, coordination and strength

You’re only as old as your ability to put shoes on.An “old man test” — which challenges people to ready their feet to go outside with three simple steps — has gone viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube and can tell you quite a bit about your strength, stability and general coordination.But can you do it without stumbling?The test was invented by fitness trainer Chris Hinshaw and first started making the rounds on the internet in 2021.In one viral video, he challenged bodybuilder Nsima Inyang to try it out.While balancing on just your right leg, bend over, pick up one sock, and put it on your foot.

Then pick up the shoe for the same foot and put that on and tie the laces, all while balancing on your leg.Your left foot, with the sock and shoe, shouldn’t touch the ground until the laces are tied.Then lower your left foot foot and raise your right one.

Repeat the same steps, balancing on one leg until both shoes are on and tied.If you need to put both feet on the ground at any point except when you’re switching in the middle, you’ve failed.The audio from the video has continued to be used for years as more and more people try the challenge.And though it’s called the “old man test,” plenty of women have tried it too.

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Never miss a story.While the test seems simple enough, several studies have linked balance and stability to overall health.In fact, one conducted by the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2022 found that the ability to perform a different 10-second one-legged stance test predicted the survival of people in middle age and older.The subjects of the 12-year study were 51 to 75 and had to try to stand on one foot for 10 seconds, with both of their hands at their sides.

Those who were unable to do it ended up hav...