Falls become a very big deal as we age. Older adults often lose bone and muscle mass. That means a tumble is more likely to result in a broken bone. And worldwide, falls are the second-leading cause of death for those 65 and older.

A new study from Brazilian researchers suggests there is a better way to evaluate this risk in older adults.

Doctors typically evaluate if someone is more apt to fall by having them hold one of four positions for 10 seconds each. These positions include putting one foot directly in front of the other. A second test asks them to stand balanced on just one foot.

The other two positions are standing with your feet parallel or standing with one foot slightly in front of the other.

Ten seconds, however, isn’t enough time. Researchers found that, among the 153 people they studied ages 60 to 89, a longer time interval is required to catch early, subtle warning signs of fall risk. At least 23 seconds, they note, is ideal.

Additionally, scientists say only two positions are needed in the evaluation — the heel-to-toe and single-leg stances.

For every extra second beyond 23 that study participants could maintain the positions, their fall risk for the next six months dropped 5%.

It’s easy enough to test yourself, if you’ve got a friend and a stopwatch — that is, if you feel reasonably stable in the first place. Be careful. You don’t want to topple over and hurt yourself testing whether you’re at risk of, well, toppling over and hurting yourself.

If you can’t stay upright for 23 seconds, it wouldn’t hurt to let your doctor know. It might hurt if you don’t.