Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Why the Deep Squat Matters More as You Age
As people get older, some everyday movements can become harder.
These include sitting on the floor, standing up without help and squatting down.
Dr Amy Shah showed a deep squat that keeps both feet flat on the ground.
This position is also called the “Asian squat.”
People traditionally used it for resting and using squat toilets.
Shah said practicing such movements may help with flexibility, posture and balance.
She also said it is useful to keep practicing getting up from the floor.
The goal is to help preserve movements that people may use in daily life.
Dr Amy Shah demonstrated the deep, or “Asian,” squat in a video featuring BBC journalists.
The position involves keeping the feet flat while sitting very low to the ground.
The squat was traditionally used as a resting posture and with squat toilets.
Shah said it may support joint flexibility, posture, lower-body flexibility and balance.
She encouraged older people to retain movements such as rising from the floor without support.
- Who
- Nutritionist Dr Amy Shah demonstrated and discussed the deep squat.
- What
- She highlighted the importance of retaining the ability to squat deeply and rise from the ground without support.
- When
- The advice concerns movement and mobility as people get older; the article does not give a specific date for the video.
- Where
- The demonstration appeared in a video featuring BBC journalists; no filming location is specified.
- Why
- Shah cited potential benefits including joint flexibility, posture, lower-body flexibility and balance.
- Movement
- The deep or “Asian” squat, performed with the feet flat and the body sitting very low.
- Demonstrator
- Nutritionist Dr Amy Shah.
- Traditional uses
- Resting and using squat toilets.
- Potential benefits
- Joint flexibility, posture, lower-body flexibility and balance.
- Aging concern
- Sitting on the floor, standing without support and squatting may become harder with age.
- Video context
- The demonstration featured BBC journalists.