• 20 to 49 years old: 24 to 28 seconds

• 50 to 59 years: 21 seconds

• 60 to 69 years: 10 seconds

• 70 to 79 years: 4 seconds

• 80 and older: Most cannot do it at all

If you are wise, whatever your age, you will want to strive for the norm of those younger than 50. To increase stability and strengthen the legs, stand with feet shoulder-width apart and arms straight out in front. Lift one foot behind, bending the knee at 45 degrees. Hold that position for five seconds or longer, if possible. Repeat this exercise five times. Then switch legs. As you improve, try one-leg stands with your eyes closed.

You can also incorporate one-leg stands into daily routines — while on the telephone, brushing your teeth, waiting in line or for a bus, or cooking and washing dishes.

Exercises to build a motor skill

“Remember, balance is a motor skill,” Dr Moffat, professor of physical therapy at New York University, said. “To enhance it, you have to train your balance in the same way you would have to train your muscles for strength and your heart for aerobic capacity.”

Dr Moffat pointed out that balance is twofold: static while standing still and dynamic when moving, as in walking and climbing stairs. Two main routes improve balance - exercises that increase the strength of the ankle, knee and hip muscles and exercises that improve the function of the vestibular system.

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