https://youtu.be/Eh-TMzjxFHAWhat if you could catch a glimpse into your future without relying on mysticism or fortune-tellers? Surprisingly, you can — it’s right in front of you every day, if you’re willing to look.
For active seniors who aspire to live their later years on their own terms, enjoying passions and relationships to the fullest, it’s crucial to take stock of any warning signs lurking in their lives.
These warning signs, or “red flags,” indicate that functional decline may be on the horizon. They’re signals that essential abilities for maintaining quality of life and independence are slipping away. As a seasoned physical therapist, I can spot these red flags from a mile away. While they may start subtly, dismissing them as natural effects of aging is a mistake. Left unaddressed, they can quickly lead to falls, loss of independence, reliance on assistive devices, and a host of health issues. Moreover, if illness or injury strikes on top of these red flags, functional loss can escalate dramatically.
Red flags are hidden in plain sight and often manifest in daily activities like standing from a chair, dressing, stairs, getting up off the floor or walking. If you’re finding these tasks increasingly challenging or requiring more assistance, you may be in the early stages of a downward spiral.
A straightforward way to test for red flags is what I call “The Elevator Test.” The Elevator Test, because of the space and time required. If you’re pain-free and have no medical contraindications, I strongly recommend performing The Elevator Test weekly, preferably with a supportive friend nearby as a backup.
Here’s how it works:
- Find an open area.
- Slowly lower yourself to the ground and lie on your back.
- Turn to one side.
- Turn onto your stomach.
- Get up on all fours (hands/knees).
- Stand up.
If you’re unable to complete The Elevator Test, it’s a clear indicator of red flags in your life.
Early detection is key. If you spot a red flag, address it immediately. Ignoring it will only worsen the issue over time, making it harder to correct.
The solution to a red flag often lies within the problem itself. If you struggle with stairs, practice climbing them more frequently. Use each encounter with stairs as an opportunity to improve, performing a few extra repetitions each time. Apply the same approach to any activity where you’ve identified a red flag. By doing so, you’ll regain mastery over these activities and significantly enhance your future quality of life.
Don’t make the mistake of attributing red flags to old age. Aging doesn’t mean becoming feeble or losing independence. While we may never recapture our 25-year-old selves, we all have the capacity to improve, regardless of our current baseline. At the very least, we can strive to maintain independence in our daily activities well into our later years.
The future is ours to shape, but we can’t afford to wait until tomorrow. The time to act is now. As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely said, “The future is literally in our hands to mold as we like. But we cannot wait until tomorrow. Tomorrow is now.”
*Erik Lehane, a dedicated physical therapist with expertise in preventive care, is the visionary founder behind The Gaitway Group (thegaitwaygroup.com). Through this venture, he empowers active seniors with the knowledge and tools to “add life to their years.” For inquiries, contact Erik at erik@eriklehane.com.
