A recent study from the University of East Anglia has found that regular stair climbing is associated with significant health benefits, including a 39 percent reduction in mortality from heart-related conditions and a 24 percent lower overall risk of death compared to individuals who rarely climb stairs. The research also suggests that stair climbers are less likely to experience strokes, likely because the activity engages both leg and respiratory muscles.

Despite these findings, the practical realities of living in multi-storey homes present a more nuanced picture. In an essay reflecting on the research, writer Carol Midgley discusses the trade-offs involved in choosing between single-storey and multi-storey residences. While climbing stairs may contribute to better cardiovascular health and improved balance, it also carries risks, particularly for older individuals or those with underlying health conditions. Midgley recounts a personal incident where her husband suffered vasovagal syncope and fell down a flight of stairs, sustaining serious injuries. This episode prompted consideration of moving to a bungalow—a single-storey home often preferred for its perceived safety.

However, there are cultural and emotional factors at play. Midgley notes that some people, including her husband, associate bungalows with negative aging stereotypes or discomfort, viewing them as symbols of decline or even relating them to coffins, sometimes referred to colloquially as “six-foot bungalows.” This reflects broader societal attitudes that can influence housing choices beyond purely health considerations.

The discussion also raises questions about the cause of what some refer to colloquially as “bungalow legs”—a term humorously describing weaker or less toned legs among those who live in single-storey homes with little need to climb stairs. While the study indicates stair climbing benefits muscle tone and cardiovascular health, Midgley suggests that many bungalow dwellers tend to be older adults whose underlying health status might partly explain such differences.

She further points out that people living in apartment buildings, often using elevators instead of stairs, do not commonly encounter similar issues or associated nicknames, suggesting that lifestyle and activity level rather than housing type alone influence physical fitness.

Ultimately, the choice between multi-storey homes and bungalows involves balancing health benefits against safety concerns. While stair climbing may promote cardiovascular health and balance, the risk of falls and injury on stairs, particularly among older adults, cannot be overlooked. Midgley concludes that although stairs can contribute positively to physical fitness, for some, the safer environment of a bungalow may outweigh the benefits of daily stair use, especially given the risks associated with falls.