Between 65 and 85 years old: if you still retain these 5 abilities, you are aging better than most

January 28, 2026 by youssef

4. Standing on one leg for 30 seconds

Balance is one of the pillars of independence in older age. Standing on one leg assesses strength, coordination, stability, and the nervous system’s ability to respond to small imbalances.

When this ability is lost, the risk of falls increases—one of the leading causes of serious injuries in older adults. The good news is that balance can be trained and improved even at advanced ages.

Keeping this ability is a clear sign that your body still responds well to environmental challenges.

5. Getting up from the floor without using your hands

This is one of the most comprehensive—and at the same time most overlooked—abilities. Getting up from the floor requires strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance working together.

Being able to do it without help indicates that the body has a good functional reserve. That reserve is what makes the difference between recovering quickly from a fall or suffering more serious consequences.

When this ability is lost, a significant part of physical autonomy is lost as well.

Why these abilities matter more than you think

Individually, each of these skills may seem insignificant. Together, however, they form a kind of “early warning system” for aging. When one begins to fail, the others often follow over time.

The good news is that none of them are lost forever. The human body responds to stimulation even at advanced ages. Simple movements, repeated consistently, can restore strength, balance, and coordination.

Practical tips to preserve and regain these abilities

Assess yourself once a month and be honest with yourself.

Practice functional movements daily, even if it’s only for five minutes.

Prioritize consistency over intensity.