--- title: Are you at risk of falling? Dr. Punam Krishan’s simple 12-second test could tell you... description: Are you at risk of falling? Dr. Punam Krishan’s simple 12-second test could tell you image: https://blog.stannah.com/hubfs/Timed%20up%20and%20go%20test.png --- - Stairlifts & homelifts - Stairlifts & homelifts - [Stairlifts](https://www.stannah.com/our-stairlifts) - [Homelifts](https://www.stannah.com/our-homelifts) - Servicing & aftercare - Servicing & aftercare - [Services](https://www.stannah.com/servicing-aftercare/services) - [Aftercare](https://www.stannah.com/servicing-aftercare/aftercare) - The Stannah story - The Stannah story - [About us](https://www.stannah.com/about-us) - [The Stannah promise](https://www.stannah.com/about-us/stannah-promise) - [Satisfaction guarantee](https://www.stannah.com/about-us/satisfaction-guarantee) - [Customer reviews](https://www.stannah.com/about-us/reviews) - [Accreditations](https://www.stannah.com/about-us/accreditations-awards-memberships) - [Partnerships](https://www.stannah.com/about-us/partnerships) - [Contact us](https://www.stannah.com/contact-us) ![English](https://blog.stannah.com/hubfs/templates/england.svg) United Kingdom Menu [Account](https://www.stannah.com/sign-in) [Basket](https://www.stannah.com/basket) ![English](https://blog.stannah.com/hubfs/templates/england.svg) - [Log in / Register](https://www.stannah.com/sign-in) - [Blog](https://blog.stannah.com) - [Corporate website](https://corporate.stannah.com) - [Commercial lifts](https://www.stannahlifts.co.uk) - [Careers](https://www.corporate.stannah.com/careers/) [Call us on 0800 715 485](tel:+44800715485) [Articles](https://blog.stannah.com/tag/articles) # Are you at risk of falling? Dr. Punam Krishan’s simple 12-second test could tell you... 28 July, 2025 ![](https://resources.stannahlifts.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Timed%20up%20and%20go%20test.png?width=800&name=Timed%20up%20and%20go%20test.png) Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, especially as we age - but how do you know if you’re at risk? TV GP and **Strictly Come Dancing** star [**Dr. Punam Krishan**](https://www.stannah.com/experts/dr-punam-krishan) has a quick and easy answer: a 12-second test anyone can do at home to check their mobility and fall risk. **Introducing the timed up & go test** In partnership with stairlift and home lift experts **Stannah**, Dr. Punam is raising awareness about simple ways to stay safe and mobile in your own home for as long as possible. The test is called the **Timed Up & Go Test**, and all you need is a standard kitchen or dining chair and a stopwatch (or your phone’s timer). Here’s how to do it: 1. Sit down on a firm, straight-backed chair - not a cushy armchair. 2. Without using your arms to help you stand, stand up from the chair. 3. Walk forward at a safe, steady pace for **3 metres** (about 10 feet). 4. Turn around, walk back to the chair. 5. Sit back down. That’s it! ![dr-punam-krishan (1)](https://blog.stannah.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dr-punam-krishan%20(1).jpg?width=606&height=414&name=dr-punam-krishan%20(1).jpg) **What your time means** Dr. Punam explains: “If you can complete the test in **less than 12 seconds**, it’s a good sign your fall risk is low. But if your time is between **12 and 15 seconds or longer**, especially if you’re over 60, this could indicate a higher risk of falling.” Why does this matter? Because **one in three people over 60 will experience a fall each year**, and over half of all falls happen in the home. Catching mobility issues early can help you - and your loved ones - stay safe and independent. **Tips to reduce falls at home** Stannah, experts in home accessibility, recommend these simple changes to make your home safer: - **Keep your home well lit -** see clearly to avoid hazards. - **Declutter hallways and stairs** to prevent tripping. - **Secure loose carpets and rugs** to stop slips. - **Remove trailing wires** from walkways. - Use **slip-resistant mats** in baths and showers. - If you have pets, put a **bell on their collar** to know where they are. **Stay active, stay safe** Physical fitness also plays a huge role. Occupational therapist [**Kate Sheehan**](https://www.stannah.com/experts/kate-sheehan) advises: “Staying active and doing exercises that improve flexibility, posture, and strength can reduce the risk of falls by nearly a quarter. You don’t need expensive classes - simple home exercises can make a big difference.” **Final thoughts** Taking just 12 seconds to check your mobility might be one of the easiest - and most important - things you do this week. Whether you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, this simple test is a smart step towards staying steady on your feet and safe in your home. Give it a try, and take control of your fall risk today! ### Latest Blogs #### [![](https://resources.stannahlifts.co.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/stannah-grand-designs-live.webp?height=100&name=stannah-grand-designs-live.webp) Rethink residential design with Stannah at Grand Designs Live 2026](https://blog.stannah.com/rethink-residential-design-with-stannah-at-grand-designs-live-2026) #### [![Stannah engineer supporting a customer following Stannah being named a Which? 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