Ageing well is not just about avoiding illness, but also embracing the strange and seemingly random signs of good health. Here are six weird indicators that you're actually ageing well, backed by expert insights and research.
1. Putting on Socks While Standing Up
It might seem like a simple task, but being able to put on a sock while standing up is a testament to your physical prowess. This seemingly mundane activity requires the seamless integration of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory information to maintain balance and control your body's centre of mass over the foot. Simultaneously, it demands coordination with other limbs.
Research highlights the importance of balance in ageing well. A 2022 study found that poor one-leg balance is associated with a higher risk of falls and increased mortality. Those who couldn't stand on one leg for at least 10 seconds were 84% more likely to die from any cause over a 7-year period. As Associate Professor Kim van Schooten explains, balance is crucial for safe movement and responding to everyday challenges, such as uneven ground.
2. Holding a Deep, Flat-Footed Squat
The ability to hold a deep squat is not anatomy-dependent, but it's a strong indicator of functional capacity. It reflects hip and ankle mobility, as well as the strength of your posterior chain. Van Schooten emphasizes the importance of everyday activities like getting out of a chair or negotiating stairs.
Regular resistance training, combined with staying physically active, is key to preserving these abilities. This includes activities that challenge balance and strength, ensuring you can maintain independence and safety as you age.
3. Getting Up from the Floor Without Hands
This seemingly complex movement requires a combination of strength, balance, coordination, joint range of motion, and power. It's crucial for independence and safety, as falling and spending time on the floor can lead to serious complications.
Van Schooten stresses the importance of regular strength and balance training, as well as practising the movement in a safe and supported environment. This builds physical ability and confidence, allowing you to continue doing the activities that matter to you.
4. Passing Gas Regularly
Passing wind multiple times a day is a sign of a healthy gut microbiome. Dr Joanna McMillan estimates the average person passes gas 13 to 21 times a day, largely due to fibre fermentation by gut bacteria.
Maintaining good gut health involves activity, not necessarily intense exercise. A 2024 study linked 'high light' physical activity like gardening with faster colonic transit. Experts recommend a 10-minute walk after meals to encourage digestion and low to moderate activity.
5. Sweating Early When You Exercise
An efficient, early sweat response during exercise is a sign of good thermoregulation. Professor Garron Dodd explains that a well-trained cooling system anticipates heat load, switching on at a lower rise in core temperature.
Sweating and flushing during exercise are visible signs of your autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular system working. As we age, we lose this capacity, making heatwaves particularly dangerous for older people. Regular aerobic exercise and deliberate heat exposure can encourage healthy thermoregulation.
6. Having a Firm Grip
Grip strength is a strong indicator of overall health and musculoskeletal strength. It's a better predictor of premature death than factors like blood pressure, according to a 2015 study. Grip strength improves with overall strength, especially through gripping movements like carrying heavy bags or doing pull-ups.
Regular resistance training, at least twice a week for adults and three times for older adults, challenges the muscles of the hands and forearms while training larger muscles. This ensures you can maintain independence and safety as you age.
In conclusion, these weird signs of good health are not just fascinating but also essential indicators of your overall well-being. By embracing these indicators and adopting a proactive approach to health, you can age well and enjoy a fulfilling life.
