Are you aging well? Try these tests

There are several popular ways to assess how well you are aging. The Sitting-Rising Test, for example, asks you to start from a standing position, then sit on the floor, then stand back up. You get five points for sitting down and five for standing back up, but you lose one point for each hand, knee, elbow, or other body part that touches the floor. Adults under age 50 should aim for a perfect 10. Anyone over age 60 who scores an 8 is “in very good shape.”

Another test is the Walking Speed Assessment. Using your natural gait—not a speed walk—you should walk at least 1.2 meters per second (2.68 mph or about 16 feet in four seconds).

A third is the Single-Leg Stand. Adults should aim to stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds. For a more difficult challenge, try it with your eyes closed.

Note that each of these tests involves leg strength, which is why I promote walking so often in this column. A strong calf muscle also helps improve “venous sufficiency,” or the flow of blood up and out of the lower legs.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms of varicose veins—leg swelling, achiness, fatigue, etc.—you may be less likely to walk, leading to reduced leg strength and lower scores on aging tests. This can reduce overall health and accelerate aging.

If any of the following symptoms are preventing you from walking regularly, please give our office a call: leg pain or swelling • heaviness or fatigue • itching, tingling, or burning • inflammation • skin discoloration • restless legs syndrome.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and the UIP 2023 lead chair for scientific abstracts. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care and Elite Vascular Wellness, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System. The center is at 7200 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140 or visit YourHealthyVeins.com.