Taiwan needs exercise testing, not just slogans, for aging population

Taiwan is not lacking in slogans promoting physical activity; instead, it needs a robust system to quantify health risks and monitor progress. With Taiwan officially entering super-aged society status in late June 2026, comprising 20.49% of its population over 65, the decline in muscle strength, balance, and cardiovascular function is a growing concern.

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Taiwan is not lacking in slogans promoting physical activity; instead, it needs a robust system to quantify health risks and monitor progress.

If policies continue to evaluate success solely based on participation numbers and activity counts, the visible enthusiasm may mask the creeping reality of disability. The true value of exercise testing lies in transforming the abstract concept of 'health' into trackable data. Metrics like waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, the 30-second chair stand test, single-leg stance, and timed up-and-go tests can reveal abdominal obesity, lower body strength, and balance capabilities.

Furthermore, tests like the three-minute step test and the two-minute knee-to-chest raise can assess cardiovascular endurance and recovery. These tests are not competitions or labels; they are diagnostic tools answering critical questions: Where are we now? What are the risks? What is the next step in training?

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The true value of exercise testing lies in transforming the abstract concept of 'health' into trackable data.

International data underscore the urgency. The World Health Organization reports that globally, about 31% of adults, nearly 1.8 billion people, do not meet recommended activity levels. Projections suggest this could rise to 35% by 2030. Research encompassing over 20.9 million observations found that for every 1 MET increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, all-cause mortality risk decreases by approximately 11% to 17%.

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Functional decline often precedes the visible onset of disease and disability.

Another study tracking 1,702 middle-aged and older adults revealed that those unable to complete a 10-second single-leg stance faced an 84% higher risk of all-cause mortality after adjustments. While this is correlational evidence, it serves as a stark reminder that functional decline often precedes the visible onset of disease and disability. Therefore, government initiatives for universal exercise, workplace health, and Long-Term Care 3.0 should prioritize a system of 'testing, grading, prescription, tracking, and referral' over mere course subsidies. This structured approach, coupled with standardized testing and long-term follow-up, can transform 'medical, exercise, and care' from a mere slogan into a vital public health infrastructure that delays disability and preserves independence.

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Without measurement, 'medical, exercise, and care' is just a slogan; with standardized testing and long-term tracking, it will become a public project to delay disability and protect autonomous living.