Dr Punam Krishan’s 12-Second Test Reveals Whether You’re At A Higher Risk Of Falls

If you’re getting older, my 12-second test will reveal whether you’re at a higher risk of falls.

I’ve joined forces with stairlift and home lift company Stannah as its resident health expert, raising awareness of the signs we can spot in ourselves and loved ones to ensure we enjoy our homes for as long as possible.

What’s more, all you’ll need is a kitchen/dining chair to take the test.

I typically recommend this test – the Timed Up & Go Test – to patients in later life, but its principles can apply to anyone; it’s fully accessible and gives a good indication of how mobile you are and whether you might want to have your mobility checked.

To take the test, simply sit yourself on a standard chair (preferably a dining chair rather than your comfy living room armchair) and time how long it takes you to go from sitting to walking three metres before turning around and returning to your seated position in the chair. It’s really that easy.

There are a couple of caveats to note, though. For the test to give an accurate result, ensure you aren’t using your arms to stand up from your chair. You also shouldn’t run; the obvious reason being that it would sway your results, but doing so could in itself lead to falls. Instead, safely walk with purpose.

Now, take a look at your phone or stopwatch. If you’ve managed to take the test in less than 12 seconds, there’s a good chance you have a low risk of falls. A score of 12-15 seconds – or longer – has been shown to indicate a higher risk of falls in older people, particularly.

While you may not think you’re at risk of falls, double-checking is never a bad idea. Over half of all falls happen around the home, while one in three people over 60 will experience a fall every year. By checking your balance with this simple test, you – and your loved ones – can rest easy.

How can falls around the home be prevented?

The home accessibility experts at Stannah recommend the following to reduce the risk of falls at home:

• Ensure your home is well lit, so you can see where you’re going
• Keep all hallways and stairs clutter-free, and consider installing a stairlift to avoid tripping on steps
• Secure loose carpets and rugs
• Remove trailing wires from walkways
• Use slip-resistant mats in the bath and shower
• Buy any pets a collar with a bell so you know where they are