Bungalow legs.

Oh I’ve never heard of this, I will make sure when we decide to downsize it will be to a house, great post

I'm 71,live in a council house,so could downsize to a bungalow,but don't really want one.I like having stairs,I'm sure using stairs is good exercise.

I recall when a Physiotherapist gave a talk to a ladies evening. “Ladies”, she said, “don’t move to a bungalow unless you really, really have to - keep your stairs”.

I've lived in a bungalow for almost 49 years. My legs are fine albeit fat and a bit knobbly.
Could be something to do with living on a very steep hill I guess. ?

Just to add that at the start of the first lockdown when DH and I went for a daily walk, one route we took had a flight of 54 steps. It used to take me several minutes to climb them with a couple of stops in between. At the start of this year, I could do it in 56 seconds and no stopping.

I'd say that if you're lucky enough to not have joint (or other) issues, stairs won't be a problem even if your home is single story. If you have mobility issues, then stairs will be a challenge, even if you have plenty of them to 'practice' on!

NannaPat
That's the most sensible remark I've read on this thread.

kircubbin I can sympathise - we never know when mobility issues may suddenly come upon us or if we might injure ourselves, making stairs difficult to negotiate.
We do have stairs but I'm thankful for our downstairs loo.

Yes, I've heard of "bungalow legs" but it's not always a case of use it or lose it.

I recall when a Physiotherapist gave a talk to a ladies evening. “Ladies”, she said, “don’t move to a bungalow unless you really, really have to - keep your stairs ”.

And when you suddenly have to then it's not always easy to find somewhere suitable or even have the energy to deal with a move and all it entails.

I moved to my bungalow 8 years ago from s terraced house with very steep stairs. I’m waiting for a hip replacement and I’m so glad I don’t have to negotiate those stairs, I’d probably have to come down on my BTM and my slow ascent might require Tena ladies ?

I live in an ‘upside down’ house (living rooms and kitchen upstairs and bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs). I also have steps to my garden, car and waste bins.

I had a knee replacement four years ago and credit my stairs with helping a quick and complete recovery. Having the living rooms upstairs, it is amazing how much more often the stairs are used.

We live I. A bungalow and I am unsteady using stairs outside. But I love my bungalow.

First of all, I have never heard of Bungalow legs before, I like it.

I live in a dorma bungalow, there are 2 bedrooms upstairs and 1 bedroom with en-suite downstairs, the main bathroom is also downstairs.

The stairs are wood. I have mobility problems and view the stairs as a blessing actually. I see them in a positive way, that I am getting exercise even if it is just mounting them at bedtime.

I have a cut off time ( 7.30pm ) for consuming liquid which presents me up and down the stairs during the night ( I don't look on THAT in a positive way at all hahahah )

I think this discussion has to come from an age point of view. For instance no matter how fit you are, you are never going to be able to do at 76years of age. What you did at 66 years of age. I also think that like children have spurts in grown, so older people have. Spurts, or spells in life were they become more immobile. IE. I have felt that I became less agile from age 70 years to 75 years. More than I did from age 60 years to 70 years. We went to Australia for a month when we were 71 years. Now at 76 years we are looking for a bungalow. The stairs are a real problem, but my motto is move whilst you are able. Everyone thinks differently.

I live in a ground floor flat and have slightly arthritic knees, but make sure to include steps in my daily walk - usually up and down about 30 per day, which is better than nothing.

I think this discussion has to come from an age point of view

I agree.
None of us know what's around the corner and it's a good idea to future-proof in whatever ways we think best.

I am not sure I agree Callistemon, I think it better live as you wish regardless and not draw in your wings until absolutely essential, but always bear in mind that you may have to do that one day.

We live in a house that is utterly impractical if either of us had any serious disability, but we are OK at the moment and intend to stay here as long as we can, 25 years to date. But we also know that at some time a move may well be necessary and always bear this in mind. We have no intention of struggling to live in an unsuitable house, should that situation arise.

Up and down those stairs so many times a day- luckily they are not steed, not too high rise, and with a good banister (which I don't use now). Easy to put on a stairlift or vertical lift. No intention of moving for a very long time, stairs or not, we will find ways to deal with anything thrown at us.