I recently heard the term “bungalow legs” for the first time. The term describes what happens to a person’s legs if they do not climb stairs.
The lack of regular stair climbing can impact leg strength and fitness, especially in the lower body muscles used for ascending and descending stairs.
This isn’t a problem that I have, as I own a home with two flights of stairs and am not afraid to use them.
Regular stair climbing is a form of exercise that helps maintain muscle strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. When stairs are not used regularly, it can lead to weakened leg muscles and potentially affect overall physical fitness.
A person can do squats, lunges, and calf raises instead of climbing stairs.
Aging in place can happen in a house with stairs if there is a railing, the stairs are kept clutter-free, and are well lit. On the other hand, we are all just one knee surgery or broken hip away from not being able to use the stairs.
