Stairs: questions and Band 8 answers

Yes, I try to take the stairs whenever possible, mostly to stay active. My office is on the third floor, so walking up gives me a quick burst of exercise in the morning, though if I'm carrying heavy bags of groceries, I'll definitely take the lift.

Not at the moment, no. I live in a modern flat on the fourth floor, so everything is on one level. However, growing up, we had a lovely wooden staircase with a banister that my sister and I used to slide down occasionally.

I did, all the time. My cousins and I used to build forts at the top of the landing or race toy cars down the steps. Looking back, it was probably quite dangerous, and my mum was always telling us to be careful.

It really depends on how rushed I am. If I'm commuting during rush hour on the underground, I usually walk up the escalator to save time. But in quiet shopping centres, I actually prefer taking regular stairs just to stretch my legs.

I suppose I might have to if my joints start giving me trouble. My grandfather finds steps quite challenging now because of his knees, so I'd probably prefer a bungalow or a home with a lift when I reach that stage in life.