How old do you feel? Not your actual age—but the version of yourself that gets up in the morning, navigates stairs, or maybe even attempts a cartwheel.
Aging well isn’t about avoiding wrinkles—it’s about staying mobile, mentally sharp, and socially engaged. And according to Stephanie and Tammy, there are a few quick self-tests that can tell you a lot about how your body is doing.
Try these:
Balance on one foot for 30 seconds.
Sit and stand from a chair without arms for 30 seconds—how many times can you do it?
Get up from the floor without using your arms—core strength counts!
Stephanie says she’s about to turn 56 and feels great. “I may not love exactly how I look, but I feel like I’m aging well. I’m a vegan—that helps. And I can still do a cartwheel.”
Tammy, 71, shared a powerful perspective. “I’m engaged in my community, my friends, I’m mindful. I had two knees and two shoulders replaced last year. My body parts may outlive me, but I can still enjoy life. Who knows—maybe I’ve got 10 or 15 more years.”
And because of her titanium knees? “If someone hit me with a bat, the bat would break,” she joked. “I’m like a gazelle—kind of.”
Stephanie agreed that staying active is crucial, especially living alone. “I do all the tests, but my big one is: can I still do a cartwheel? And I can!”
The takeaway? No matter your age, staying engaged—physically and socially—is what really counts. So maybe it’s time to test your balance… and your cartwheel.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
June 11, 2025
