Here’s How to Tell if You’re Aging Well

A few years ago, social media was full of people trying to stand up from the floor without using their hands.

Now the trend is about how long you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth.

These kinds of challenges are supposed to tell us something about how well we’re aging. But do they really?

The Answer Might Still Be In Our Legs

When we talk about aging well, we usually mean more than just physical health. It’s about how we feel mentally, emotionally, and socially, writes Videnskab.

That includes things like life satisfaction and a sense of meaning. Staying active and paying attention to how we feel plays a part in all of it.

One popular measure is walking speed. In a well-known study, people who walked faster than 1.32 meters per second were less likely to die within the next three years.

The researchers joked they were simply “too fast for Death to catch.” On the other hand, walking slowly – under 0.8 meters per second – might signal loss of muscle strength, which is linked to age-related decline.

The Problem with Equipment

The problem is that many of these tests aren’t easy to do at home. Most people don’t have equipment like grip strength meters.

But simple tasks, like timing how fast you can sit and stand from a chair five times in a row, are useful and doable.

It’s also a good idea to test how sharp your brain is. That includes your memory, attention, and ability to switch between tasks.

Try drawing lines between numbers and letters in order. Or walk while counting backwards from 100 by threes. You’ll quickly see if your brain is working harder than expected.

These home tests won’t tell you everything. Even if you improve at one, it doesn’t always mean you’re aging “better.” Your grip might stay the same for years, while your memory sharpens with puzzles or practice.

There’s no single answer to how well you’re aging. But if you feel connected, mentally engaged, and physically active, you’re probably on the right track.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about paying attention – and feeling good about your life.