Science has asked this question and a lot of research has been done. Studies lead to simple or not so simple tests to reveal how well we are ageing.
Do you dare to take a few minutes to find out more about how well you are actually ageing?
A little (Feldenkrais) test move #5
One of the easy ones is the Sit-To-Stand (STS) test.
What you need:
- a firm chair
- a stopwatch
- 30 seconds of your time (plus looking up the results)
How you do it:
- Sit on the chair and place your feet comfortably on the floor. Aim for ankles under your knees or even a bit further back.
- Cross your arms and place your hands on opposite shoulders. Try to keep them there during the test.
- Start the timer counting down 30 seconds.
- Then come up to stand erect in front of the chair and sit down. Count each sit-to-stand move.
- Stop after 30 seconds.
How did it go?
- Easy peasy? You counted over 20+ repetitions. Well done you!
- Mhmm, not as easy going as you thought it would be? There’s always room for improvement!
In general this test is mostly used for people over 60 to assess their general state of health. See the numbers below. Scores which are below the average could then indicate a risk for poor health outcomes, such as falls.
By improving your general organisation of our body you’ll be able to recover your balance more quickly.
Check how well you performed. According to the CDC*, the average STS test scores for each age group are:
The average score for men•
- age 60–64 : 14
- age 65–74 : 12
- age 75–79 : 11
- age 80–84 : 10
- age 85–89 : 8
- age 90–94 : 7
The average score for women
- age 60–64 : 12
- age 65–69 : 11
- age 70–79 : 10
- age 80–84 : 9
- age 85–89 : 8
- age 90–94 : 4
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
If you accept a limiting belief, then it will become a truth for you.
Louise Hay
Your next steps
If you would like to stay mobile and ace this little test next time then my online Feldenkrais classes are for you. You can improve with my online groups or in private one-to-one’s.
As little as one hour a week might do wonders your own mobility and flexibility. By bringing attention to the way you move you can counteract the stiffness in your body.
Take an important step towards a more active and fulfilling life.
Join my regular online Feldenkrais sessions or work with me one to one on Zoom.
Imagine how nice it would be to:
- feel stable when queuing.
- stand easily on one leg while brushing your teeth which is btw a brilliant exercise for your brain!
- reach higher when taking things out of the cupboard.
- improve your dance technique (e.g. ochos, giros, boleos).
- become more active again as the fear of falling or tripping over fades away.
Just one Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement online class can make a difference.
Most likely you’ll end up more relaxed and want more.
My current Feldenkrais program
Help yourself to better balance and more grounding.
