These are 10 solid home health checks you can do today. Each can be done at home and require no-equipment or just everyday household items.
Most tests are provided as a downloadable document you can use on your device or print out to keep on hand.
If you feel challenged in any of these functional areas these tests will help you understand if you are doing well or need to seek medical help

1. Fall Risk The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test — Fall Risk Sit in a chair, stand up, walk 10 feet, turn around, walk back, sit down. Over 12 seconds signals elevated fall risk. 📄 CDC Printable PDF (STEADI Program) 

2. Fall Risk The 30-Second Chair Stand Test — Leg Strength Count full stands from a chair in 30 seconds, no arms. Compare to age- and gender-based norms. 📄 Protocol, norms & scoring chart by age

3. Vision Test The Snellen Eye Chart — Vision Print and post 10 feet away. Test each eye separately to catch gradual vision decline. 📄 Multiple free printable versions with instructions (Disabled World)

4. Hearing Test The Whisper Test — Hearing This is a pure technique test — no printed form needed. Stand 2 feet behind the person, whisper a 3-word combination, and they must respond without lip-reading. For those who prefer a structured format, the HRSA provides a simple hearing screen protocol alongside their foot exam tools. 📄 HRSA Clinical Screening Resource (pair with a hearing screen note) Alternatively, the National Institute on Aging has a plain-language hearing loss guide at nia.nih.gov.

5. depression Test The PHQ-9 — Depression Screening A validated 9-question self-report screen for depression symptoms over the past two weeks. Score of 10+ warrants a conversation with a doctor. 📄 American Psychological Association Direct PDF

6. Cognitive Test The SAGE Test — Cognitive Self-Assessment Ohio State’s free 15-minute written test covering memory, language, reasoning, and problem-solving. Bring results to your doctor. 📄 Ohio State Wexner Medical Center — Download Page (four versions available for repeat testing)

7. Cardiovasular Test Blood Pressure Log — Cardiovascular Track readings consistently — same time, same arm, 5 minutes of rest first. Trends matter more than single readings. 📄 American Heart Association Printable Log (PDF)

8. Grip Strength — Overall Vitality Proxy Grip strength is one of the strongest predictors of longevity. No formal downloadable form needed for the towel test, but a $20 hand dynamometer makes this trackable. The CDC’s STEADI toolkit includes a general functional strength context. 📄 STEADI Older Adult Fall Prevention Toolkit (includes functional strength assessment resources)

9. Neuropathy Test  Monofilament Foot Sensation Test — Neuropathy Risk Using a soft bristle or inexpensive clinical monofilament (under $10 online), test 5–10 spots on the bottom of each foot with eyes closed. Lost sensation = red flag. 📄 HRSA Step-by-Step Monofilament Instructions (printable version available on that page)

10. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) Malnutrition Risk An 18-question validated screen covering appetite, weight change, mobility, and diet. The Self-MNA version is designed specifically for seniors to complete on their own. 📄 Nestlé MNA Forms — Self-MNA Download Page (English and metric versions, no signup required)