#5 Steps / Stairs vs Single Level Living for Healthy Aging

Landers StratAGEy Newsletter #5 7/24/2024

Steps / Stairs vs Single Level Living for Healthy Aging

The Case for Stairs:
"Use it or lose it" aptly describes our muscles and cardiovascular health as we age. To preserve our function—our ability to "do stuff"—staying active is key. An effective way to achieve this? Stair climbing. It's not only excellent for leg strength and endurance but also free and easily integrated into daily life. I recall an employee health campaign at a hospital I worked at involving signs posted on elevators pointing to the stairs, highlighting them as "free exercise equipment." I recently enjoyed watching the Sardinia episode from the Netflix documentary, "Live to 100, Secrets of the Blue Zones," and I’m generally buying the idea that the hill walking mentioned in the show (which has some similarities to stair climbing) may be a factor contributing to longevity.

The Case for Single-Level Living:
Conversely, single-level living is a crucial feature in senior housing for good reasons. As we age, the prevalence of disabilities increases, making stairs a significant barrier. Conditions like vision impairment, joint diseases, or neurological issues can turn stairs into a formidable obstacle, hindering access to essential home areas, making it hard to leave the home, and sometimes increasing fall risks—a leading cause of death and injury among seniors.

Planning for the Future:
When planning for healthy aging and aging in place, the decision between stairs and stair-free living isn't one-size-fits-all. It largely depends on individual health trajectories. But, often changes in health and function can happen quickly, so planning ahead is important. Here are a few considerations:

1. Future Proofing: If your health deteriorates suddenly, how prepared is your home? Is there a bedroom or bathroom on the ground floor? Can you install ramps or lifts if needed?

2. Broader Considerations: Think beyond stairs. Does your home serve as a family hub? Are there emotional ties to it? How does staying impact your finances or access to social and health services?

3. Maintaining Activity: Regardless of where you live, maintaining physical activity is vital. Whether through a gym, tracks, or walking paths, ensure you have a plan to stay active safely.

As advocates for healthy aging, it's crucial to weigh both the benefits of exercise stairs can provide against the risks and barriers they might pose later in life. Planning ahead with a flexible mindset and considering adaptations as needed can help maintain both health and independence as we age.