Blog

At what age do stairs become difficult?

Research carried out this year has revealed what age most Brits begin to struggle with day-to-day activities such as going up the stairs.

The research of 1,000 UK adults, commissioned by Total Fitness in January 2020 revealed what age most Brits begin to struggle with day to day activities and the results may surprise you.

So, what is the age?

You may be surprised to read that 60 is the age when many activities become more difficult to do. If you’re in the age range 60 and above and you’re finding activities like walking or climbing up the stairs difficult you certainly aren’t alone. The findings did reveal that the biggest factor that influences this is exercise.

Key results from the study:

  • 28% of over 65s who don’t exercise regularly struggle with daily activities like walking and going upstairs
  • 1 in 4 participants who did little to no exercise each day found they experience difficulty with everyday activities around the age of 60
  • 14% of over 65s who carry out moderate exercise found things like walking and climbing up and down the stairs a challenge
  • Just 7% of over 65s who exercise more than three times a week found things like walking and climbing up and down the stairs a challenge

Why does it become more difficult?

  • Mobility Issues
    Many elderly people will experience health conditions that lead to a lack of mobility. Some conditions may be acute and temporary however unfortunately some may be chronic.
  • Lack of exercise
    Backed up by these findings, a lack of exercise can make a real difference when it comes to mobility and carrying out day to day activities. Carrying out regular ‘low-impact’ exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga will place less stress on joints whilst still getting your heart rate up and improving your range of movement.

 

Do you feel like you are starting to feel the strain from climbing the stairs? Our recent blog article ‘Signs that it may be time to install a stairlift’ could help you decide. There’s no reason to struggle, we’d love to discuss with you how we could help.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a friendly, no pressure chat about your current situation. Sykes Stairlifts are a family run business and have been established for over 35 years, trading from our Woodseats, Sheffield showroom.

We offer stairlifts and stairlift services to Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham. Chesterfield, Peak District Derby, Mansfield & Nottingham.