'Tests' are only one way to gauge the ageing process

A few years ago, a social media trend challenged people to see if they could stand up from the floor without using their hands, write Alexander Nigel William Taylor, lecturer in psychology, and Marco Arkesteijn, lecturer in sport and exercise biomechanics, at Aberystwyth University.

- Alexander Nigel William Taylor,Marco Arkesteijn

Now, it’s all about how long you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth. These quirky “tests” promise to tell us how well we're ageing - but do they really?

When we talk about “ageing well”, we're usually referring to both physical and psychological wellbeing. That includes feeling good (hedonic wellbeing) and finding meaning and purpose (eudaimonic wellbeing). Engaging in activities and monitoring ourselves plays a role in both.

But ageing isn’t just about how strong your grip is or how fast you can walk. It’s a complex mix of physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes - and no single test captures the whole picture.