I'll be 70 in a couple of months, and these are still quite doable.
If You’re Over 70 And Can Still Do These 7 Things, You’re Doing Great
1. Standing up from a chair without using your hands
Standing up from a chair without using your hands shows your legs and core are still strong. It’s a great way to check your muscle strength and balance. If this feels tough, don’t stress. Practicing this move can help you get stronger and make daily life easier.Try it out by sitting and standing without pushing off. If you can do it, your body is working well and you’re less likely to lose your balance.2. Getting up from the floor without help
Getting up from the floor on your own is a real test of strength and coordination. It means your muscles and balance are working together.
This ability can boost your confidence and help you feel safer at home. If it’s challenging, simple exercises or working with a physical therapist can help you get better.
Practice slowly and safely. Each time you do it, you’re building strength that helps you stay independent.
(Yeah, I've practiced this in my walks in the woods a lot. I can only get up from my right side, so if I end up on my left side I have to roll over to that side. None of this was worked on with my therapists, I had to figure it all out myself.)
3. Walking a mile comfortably
Walking a mile without stopping is a solid sign your body is in good shape. It shows your heart, lungs, and joints are all working well.
You don’t need to walk fast—just moving at your own pace is enough. Regular walks can lift your mood and help manage stress.
If walking a mile still feels easy, you’re doing a great job staying active. Keep it up and your body will thank you.
(Not a problem and I do this in natural area trails, taking my saws with me to clear branches and trees. The 24 in diameter tree across one of the trails will not be removed since my battery chainsaw is only 14 inches and previous large trees removed bound up the saw causing lots of swearing and implementing plans B, C, and D to get the saw freed. I don't trust myself safely handling my 18-inch gas chainsaw. Used to do 10,000 daily steps very regularly- about 5 miles.)
4. Carrying groceries without strain
When you can carry groceries without feeling wiped out, your muscles and balance are working for you. It may seem like a small thing, but it keeps you independent.
Carrying bags uses your shoulders, core, and grip. If it’s getting harder, try lighter loads or split up your groceries.
Taking care with how you carry things can help you stay active and avoid injury.
(Not a problem, as long as they have carrying handles.)
5. Climbing a flight of stairs without pause
Climbing stairs without stopping is a good sign your heart, muscles, and joints are in sync. It’s a quick way to check your physical health.
Take stairs one step at a time and focus on your breathing. If it’s tough, moving slowly and using the handrail can help.
Even a flight or two each day can support your fitness and confidence.
(Easy. And because I just bought a 4-level condo with 7 steps to each floor I'll have enough practice doing steps, I'll still be doing them at age 100(currently 69). One level living means you didn't plan early enough to keep doing steps. Which means you can't travel to Europe since most bar/restaurant bathrooms are in the basement with no railings.)
6. Balancing on one foot for 30 seconds
Standing on one foot for 30 seconds might seem simple, but it says a lot about your balance. If you can do it, your muscles and nerves are working well together.
For anyone over 70, good balance lowers your risk of falling. If you struggle, start with short tries and practice every day.
No special equipment needed—just stand on one foot and add time as you get better. It’s a quick way to keep your balance sharp.
(I have always failed this on my bad leg in the Berg Balance Scale test.
My therapists failed me by never providing any rehab exercise to fix this when I failed this component in the Berg Balance Scale.
I don't see it ever getting better. I walk unimproved trails with standing water, rocks and roots which is challenging my balance constantly, so I'm not concerned at all about this bogus test.)
7. Cooking a full meal from scratch
There’s something special about preparing a meal from fresh ingredients, especially as we get older. If you’re over 70 and still whipping up dinners from scratch, that’s no small feat.
It takes energy, coordination, and a good memory to follow recipes. Choosing your own ingredients lets you adjust meals to your taste and health needs.Sometimes, simple recipes with just a few fresh items can be surprisingly quick to put together. Batch cooking can also make life easier.
Making several meals at once saves time and effort during the week. Labeling leftovers with dates helps you keep track of what to eat next.
Cooking isn’t just about the food. It’s a creative outlet and a way to stay active.
Trying out new recipes or inviting friends over for dinner brings a sense of connection. Sharing a meal you made yourself is something to feel good about.
(Nope, not occurring. Since my medical team completely failed at recovering my left hand, cutting anything is a recipe for danger. I am currently getting meals from Home Chef with very limited cutting needed. That will allow me to live independently for decades to come.)
