"Strategies to Ease the Challenge of Standing Up with Age"

As people age, standing up from sitting or lying down can become more challenging due to muscle mass loss and decreased balance, coordination, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. To combat this, Consumer Reports suggests opting for firm seats, raising chair height, positioning oneself correctly before standing, using assistive devices if necessary, and consulting a doctor if problems persist. Additionally, four exercises are recommended to strengthen muscles involved in standing: standing up without using chair armrests, pausing midway while standing, lowering oneself slowly to a seat, and practicing standing from lower and softer surfaces. These exercises, performed regularly, can help improve the ability to stand.