Significance of the Elderly Living in the Community Being Able to Stand on One Leg with Eyes Open–A Study of Physical, Cognitive, and Psychological Functions

[Purpose] This study was conducted to examine the significance of standing on one leg with eyes open. [Subjects] We categorized the subjects into two groups: 304 people who were able to stand on one leg with eyes open for fifteen seconds or longer and 203 people who were unable to do so. [Methods] We conducted age-adjusted covariance analyses of physical, cognitive, and psychological functions between the two groups. [Results] All scores for muscle strength and walking ability were markedly lower in the unable group. No significant differences in the cognitive functions were noted between the two groups. Scores for a subjective sense of well-being and the purpose in life were lower in the unable group. [Conclusion] Measurement of the time of being able to stand on one leg with eyes open served as a simple test which identified a decrease in the physical functions of the elderly. In addition, the inability to stand on one leg for fifteen seconds was associated with a decrease in subjects’ psychological functions.