1 If you answered a or b, give yourself 1 point. You are taking good care of your skin, and will continue to look young for your age.
2 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Congratulations - you have the balance of a 25 year old. And if you're over 60, give yourself 1 point for a b (your balance is younger than you are). This is a good test of your balance, which is a key factor in preventing falls. If you have trouble with this exercise, next for advice on improving your balance.
3 If you answered, give yourself 1 point. But if the internet had yet to be invented the last time you touched your toes, then you're facing some serious issues with flexibility. Flexibility is important
if you want to remain physically active, which is critical to overall health. See on next for exercises designed to keep you flexible.
4 If you answered b, give yourself 2 points. If you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, turn to next 301 for tips on combating insomnia. And while answer c doesn't really signify a problem, some evidence suggests that people who sleep more than 8 hours don't fare as well as they age. Sleeping too much could be a sign of depression.
5 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. Waking feeling rested is not only a sign that you had a good night's sleep but also an indicator of your overall health.
6 If you answered c, give yourself 3 points. With the exception of exercise, perhaps nothing is as important to your overall health and well-being as your diet. If you think of vegetables as the garnish on your palte, then you need to pay particular attention to topic 'Eat to Feel Good', beginning on next. Vegetables are without question the most important food for you to eat for disease prevention.
7 If you answered, give yourself 3 points. As mentioned elsewhere, there is strong evidence to support the importance of social relationships for healthy ageing. It's vital to maintain the social connections you have and to continue to make new friends and join in social events. Numerous research studies show that shared activities, having someone to confide in and relationships that offer mutual support keep you healthy in mind, body and spirit. You'll find tips on building social networks throughout this discussion.
8 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Sedentary living is a serious health problem, and its antinode, physical activity, is literally the backbone of healthy ageing. Without lots of movement, your muscles weaken and you put yourself at risk of frailty, not to mention a whole host of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Check out the chapter 'Move to feel good', beginning on next.
9 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Being outdoors is a strong indicator of whether you have active hobbies such as sports, hiking or gardening. Not only is physical activity important but being able to enjoy the sheer pleasure of your body in movement and the joy of many productive and fun activities has been shown to keep you vital and young. It also keeps you socially connected and can recharge your spirit.
10 If you answered, give yourself 1 point. There's more to fitness than just formal exercise routines. Living life energetically, which in large part means keeping your body moving, ensures that you get the blood circulation and oxygen you need, as well as stretching your muscles in every corner of your being, including your mind.
11 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. A cautious approach to life isn't bad - infact, being averse to risk can help you to live longer. But study after study shows that optimism and happiness are powerful healers and age-extenders. And life is so much more fulfilling for positive thinkers. An overly guarded, concerned or worried approach limits your opportunities for learning and personal growth. Plus, people who are happy are more fun to be around, and those who are optimistic just seem to find the good in life.
12. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Taking care of your teeth means more than an attractive smile: it could make a difference to your cardiovascular health as well, Adults should floss their teeth daily. You can learn more about what good dental health is all about on next.
13. If you answered b, given yourself 1 point. Healthy teeth and gums are the proverbal 'canary in the coal mine' when it comes to levels of inflammation in your body.
14. If you answered a, give yourself 4 points. Numerous studies worldwide have shown that people who rate their health as make only 'fair' or 'poor' have worse health outcomes, more disability and a higher mortality in the ensuring years - and this applies even after taking account of their actual starting level of health. In one Australian study of more than 12,000 women aged 70 to 75 at the start of the study, 52.3 percent of those who rated their health as 'poor' died over the nine-year follow-up period, compared with only 11.5 percent of those who said they were in 'good' health at the start.
15 If you answered b, give yourself 3 points. Different people respond in different ways to various health problems in terms of the effect on their lifestyles. For example, as we age, nearly everyone develops some degree of arthritis, but only for some people does it significantly limit daily activities. The less you allow your health problems to get in the way of your life, the better you will age.
16 If you answered b, give yourself 2 points. However, the mere fact that you had a lapse in memory tells you nothing about your brain's health or age. Memory problems are rarely a sign of ageing; more commonly, they are a sign of a hectic, stress-filled lifestyle. See on next for more on protecting your memory as you age.
17 If you answered a, give yourself 4 points. The simplest definition of ageing well is waking up feeling refreshed and optimistic each day. For a long time, doctors who worked with older people struggled to understand why so many older adults reported being generally satisfied with their lives
despite such obvious signs of poor quality of life, such as illness, disability or bereavement. Scientists
now understand that the ability to make the best of our situation is one important component of successful ageing.
18 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Even among cententarians, maintaining an active involvement in social, recreational or productive activities is an important predictor of decreased disability and of a lower risk of death.
19. If you answered a, give yourself 3 points As we've shown, older people who have at least one close relationship with someone in whom they can confide tend to have much better health and survival than those who are isolated.
20. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Exercise to environmental toxins not only has potentially detrimental effects on our physical health but can also limit our enjoyment of life.
21. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points; if you answered b, give yourself 1 point. You don't need to have in-depth medical knowledge, but it's important to understand how factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure affect your overall health. And knowing when to have certain issues (including suddenly losing weight, losing your balance or having unusual pain) medically evaluated can help you to stave off problems before they permanently affect your health.
22 If you answered b, give yourself 1 point; If you answered a, give yourself 1 point (but only if you made sure the seafood was raised and harvested from healthy waters - sadly, it's a proven fact that fish from open seas contain high levels of toxins). Fish is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which studies find can help to maintain a healthy heart and keep your brain young. They can also help to reduce the inflammation that contributes to the aches and pains many of us experience with age.
23. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Any form of calm contemplation, meditation or relaxation gives our minds a chance to wind down and our bodies the opportunity to combat the toxic effects of stress that so easily build up during daily living.
24. If you answered b, give yourself 1 point. On average, most people spend most of their lives healthy. If you've having repeated headaches, chronic pain or more than one cold or other infectious illness a season, something is wrong. You need to reevaluate how you live your life, including taking a close look at your diet, exercise routine and stress management.
25 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. There is just nothing to be gained from drinking fizzy or other pre-sweetened drinks except weight. Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea (try green tea for a
change) or the occasional glass of wine. If you do want to drink juices, dilute them with sparkling water.
26 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. The first person you need to take care of in your life is you, and that means finding time to relax, de-stress or, as some like to call it, chillax (short for 'chill and relax'). Doing so will stem the damaging effects of stress hormones, adding years of life to your heart, keeping your memory sharp and even reducing your risk of conditions such as insulin resistance and obesity.
27 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. You wouldn't drive a car with an empty petrol tank, would you? So why would you start your day on empty? If you don't get some glucose into your brain, and some fat and protein into your stomach, you're going to find yourself desperate for chocolate and crisps. And that's not good for anything - particularly your waistline. Many studies show huge health benefits from having a small, healthy breakfast each day.
28 If you answered b, give yourself 1 point, Learning to let go of frustrating events, rather than ruminating on them, protects you against mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as the ageing effects of stress-related chemicals.
29 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. You have good arm strength and also good abdominal or 'core' strength, which is critical to reducing the risk of falls and back pain. Maintaining strength is crucial to remaining healthy and active in your future.
30 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. Staying hydrated becomes more difficult as you age because your thirst mechanism fades. And yet it also becomes more important for your overall health. If you always keep a bottle or glass of water nearby, you won't have to worry about it.
31 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points; if you answered b, give yourself 1 point. Raw fruit provides valuable fibre and healthy glucose for cellular energy, not to mention disease-fighting antioxidants (even the best vitamins in the world can't compare). Consider fresh fruit a crucial part of a healthy, long-life diet.
32 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. You're managing to stay in shape quite nicely. This test challenge your aerobic fitness - that is, how well your heart and lungs can deliver oxygen quickly to your muscles. It also tests your thigh and abdominal muscles.
33 If you answered a or b, give yourself 1 point. Frequently washing your hands with hot, soapy water is the best way to avoid becoming infected with cold, flu and other virus or bacteria. Many people don't realise how often they touch their faces with their hands. And it's often your hands that pick up other people's germs from counters, doorknobs or other often-touched surfaces.
34 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. While you can't necessairly eliminate or even reduce stressful events in your life, you do have control over how you let them affect you. Finding healthy ways to cope (and no, that leftover chocolate cake doesn't count) will add years to your life.
35 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. An overlooked but important part of good health is constantly monitoring yourself. If you know how to take your pulse, It's indicative that you have invested a little time and thought to into understanding your body's signals.
Am I leading a healthy life?
SCORE SHEET
Answer all 35 questions first, then score your results and tally up all the points you've earned in the
'Total points' box below. Check your score against the key on the left to see how you fare.
1 __________ 19 ____________
2 __________ 20 ____________
3 __________ 21 _____________
4 ___________ 22 _____________
5 ___________ 23 ______________
6 __________ 24 ______________
7 __________ 25 ______________
8 __________ 26 _______________
9 ___________ 27 _______________
10 ___________ 28 _______________
11 __________ 29 _______________
12 __________ 30 _______________
13 __________ 31 ________________
14 ___________ 32 _________________
15 ___________ 33 _________________
16 ___________ 34 _________________
17 ____________ 35 __________________
18 _____________
TOTAL POINTS:
The Score Key
55-65
Congratulations! You are doing most of the things you should to be healthy today -- and many years from now. Be proud of yourself, but don't be complacent. With your healthy mindset, it should be easy to take on some more health-enhancing lifestyle choices that will make you even more likely to thrive for the rest of your life.
40-54
You're not doing badly in terms of your ageing potential, but there is definitely room for improvement. Look back at the questionsand see if there are patients to your answers. For example, did you do particulary poorly on the diet questions? Make a commitment to start there, then revisit this quiz in a few months.
Below 40
This quiz should be a wake-up call. It should have made clear, for example, that good health is not merely the absence of disease. It's time to ask yourself, 'what do I want the next 20, 30 or 40 years to look like?', then make the changes necessary to get there. If you keep going the way you're going, you'll face a host of age-related issues, ranging from frailty to memory loss to chronic health conditions, all of which will make your later years a burden, rather than a joy.
2 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Congratulations - you have the balance of a 25 year old. And if you're over 60, give yourself 1 point for a b (your balance is younger than you are). This is a good test of your balance, which is a key factor in preventing falls. If you have trouble with this exercise, next for advice on improving your balance.
3 If you answered, give yourself 1 point. But if the internet had yet to be invented the last time you touched your toes, then you're facing some serious issues with flexibility. Flexibility is important
if you want to remain physically active, which is critical to overall health. See on next for exercises designed to keep you flexible.
4 If you answered b, give yourself 2 points. If you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, turn to next 301 for tips on combating insomnia. And while answer c doesn't really signify a problem, some evidence suggests that people who sleep more than 8 hours don't fare as well as they age. Sleeping too much could be a sign of depression.
5 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. Waking feeling rested is not only a sign that you had a good night's sleep but also an indicator of your overall health.
6 If you answered c, give yourself 3 points. With the exception of exercise, perhaps nothing is as important to your overall health and well-being as your diet. If you think of vegetables as the garnish on your palte, then you need to pay particular attention to topic 'Eat to Feel Good', beginning on next. Vegetables are without question the most important food for you to eat for disease prevention.
7 If you answered, give yourself 3 points. As mentioned elsewhere, there is strong evidence to support the importance of social relationships for healthy ageing. It's vital to maintain the social connections you have and to continue to make new friends and join in social events. Numerous research studies show that shared activities, having someone to confide in and relationships that offer mutual support keep you healthy in mind, body and spirit. You'll find tips on building social networks throughout this discussion.
8 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Sedentary living is a serious health problem, and its antinode, physical activity, is literally the backbone of healthy ageing. Without lots of movement, your muscles weaken and you put yourself at risk of frailty, not to mention a whole host of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's. Check out the chapter 'Move to feel good', beginning on next.
9 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Being outdoors is a strong indicator of whether you have active hobbies such as sports, hiking or gardening. Not only is physical activity important but being able to enjoy the sheer pleasure of your body in movement and the joy of many productive and fun activities has been shown to keep you vital and young. It also keeps you socially connected and can recharge your spirit.
10 If you answered, give yourself 1 point. There's more to fitness than just formal exercise routines. Living life energetically, which in large part means keeping your body moving, ensures that you get the blood circulation and oxygen you need, as well as stretching your muscles in every corner of your being, including your mind.
11 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. A cautious approach to life isn't bad - infact, being averse to risk can help you to live longer. But study after study shows that optimism and happiness are powerful healers and age-extenders. And life is so much more fulfilling for positive thinkers. An overly guarded, concerned or worried approach limits your opportunities for learning and personal growth. Plus, people who are happy are more fun to be around, and those who are optimistic just seem to find the good in life.
12. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Taking care of your teeth means more than an attractive smile: it could make a difference to your cardiovascular health as well, Adults should floss their teeth daily. You can learn more about what good dental health is all about on next.
13. If you answered b, given yourself 1 point. Healthy teeth and gums are the proverbal 'canary in the coal mine' when it comes to levels of inflammation in your body.
14. If you answered a, give yourself 4 points. Numerous studies worldwide have shown that people who rate their health as make only 'fair' or 'poor' have worse health outcomes, more disability and a higher mortality in the ensuring years - and this applies even after taking account of their actual starting level of health. In one Australian study of more than 12,000 women aged 70 to 75 at the start of the study, 52.3 percent of those who rated their health as 'poor' died over the nine-year follow-up period, compared with only 11.5 percent of those who said they were in 'good' health at the start.
15 If you answered b, give yourself 3 points. Different people respond in different ways to various health problems in terms of the effect on their lifestyles. For example, as we age, nearly everyone develops some degree of arthritis, but only for some people does it significantly limit daily activities. The less you allow your health problems to get in the way of your life, the better you will age.
16 If you answered b, give yourself 2 points. However, the mere fact that you had a lapse in memory tells you nothing about your brain's health or age. Memory problems are rarely a sign of ageing; more commonly, they are a sign of a hectic, stress-filled lifestyle. See on next for more on protecting your memory as you age.
17 If you answered a, give yourself 4 points. The simplest definition of ageing well is waking up feeling refreshed and optimistic each day. For a long time, doctors who worked with older people struggled to understand why so many older adults reported being generally satisfied with their lives
despite such obvious signs of poor quality of life, such as illness, disability or bereavement. Scientists
now understand that the ability to make the best of our situation is one important component of successful ageing.
18 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Even among cententarians, maintaining an active involvement in social, recreational or productive activities is an important predictor of decreased disability and of a lower risk of death.
19. If you answered a, give yourself 3 points As we've shown, older people who have at least one close relationship with someone in whom they can confide tend to have much better health and survival than those who are isolated.
20. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Exercise to environmental toxins not only has potentially detrimental effects on our physical health but can also limit our enjoyment of life.
21. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points; if you answered b, give yourself 1 point. You don't need to have in-depth medical knowledge, but it's important to understand how factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure affect your overall health. And knowing when to have certain issues (including suddenly losing weight, losing your balance or having unusual pain) medically evaluated can help you to stave off problems before they permanently affect your health.
22 If you answered b, give yourself 1 point; If you answered a, give yourself 1 point (but only if you made sure the seafood was raised and harvested from healthy waters - sadly, it's a proven fact that fish from open seas contain high levels of toxins). Fish is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, which studies find can help to maintain a healthy heart and keep your brain young. They can also help to reduce the inflammation that contributes to the aches and pains many of us experience with age.
23. If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. Any form of calm contemplation, meditation or relaxation gives our minds a chance to wind down and our bodies the opportunity to combat the toxic effects of stress that so easily build up during daily living.
24. If you answered b, give yourself 1 point. On average, most people spend most of their lives healthy. If you've having repeated headaches, chronic pain or more than one cold or other infectious illness a season, something is wrong. You need to reevaluate how you live your life, including taking a close look at your diet, exercise routine and stress management.
25 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. There is just nothing to be gained from drinking fizzy or other pre-sweetened drinks except weight. Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea (try green tea for a
change) or the occasional glass of wine. If you do want to drink juices, dilute them with sparkling water.
26 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. The first person you need to take care of in your life is you, and that means finding time to relax, de-stress or, as some like to call it, chillax (short for 'chill and relax'). Doing so will stem the damaging effects of stress hormones, adding years of life to your heart, keeping your memory sharp and even reducing your risk of conditions such as insulin resistance and obesity.
27 If you answered a, give yourself 2 points. You wouldn't drive a car with an empty petrol tank, would you? So why would you start your day on empty? If you don't get some glucose into your brain, and some fat and protein into your stomach, you're going to find yourself desperate for chocolate and crisps. And that's not good for anything - particularly your waistline. Many studies show huge health benefits from having a small, healthy breakfast each day.
28 If you answered b, give yourself 1 point, Learning to let go of frustrating events, rather than ruminating on them, protects you against mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, as well as the ageing effects of stress-related chemicals.
29 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. You have good arm strength and also good abdominal or 'core' strength, which is critical to reducing the risk of falls and back pain. Maintaining strength is crucial to remaining healthy and active in your future.
30 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. Staying hydrated becomes more difficult as you age because your thirst mechanism fades. And yet it also becomes more important for your overall health. If you always keep a bottle or glass of water nearby, you won't have to worry about it.
31 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points; if you answered b, give yourself 1 point. Raw fruit provides valuable fibre and healthy glucose for cellular energy, not to mention disease-fighting antioxidants (even the best vitamins in the world can't compare). Consider fresh fruit a crucial part of a healthy, long-life diet.
32 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. You're managing to stay in shape quite nicely. This test challenge your aerobic fitness - that is, how well your heart and lungs can deliver oxygen quickly to your muscles. It also tests your thigh and abdominal muscles.
33 If you answered a or b, give yourself 1 point. Frequently washing your hands with hot, soapy water is the best way to avoid becoming infected with cold, flu and other virus or bacteria. Many people don't realise how often they touch their faces with their hands. And it's often your hands that pick up other people's germs from counters, doorknobs or other often-touched surfaces.
34 If you answered c, give yourself 2 points. While you can't necessairly eliminate or even reduce stressful events in your life, you do have control over how you let them affect you. Finding healthy ways to cope (and no, that leftover chocolate cake doesn't count) will add years to your life.
35 If you answered a, give yourself 1 point. An overlooked but important part of good health is constantly monitoring yourself. If you know how to take your pulse, It's indicative that you have invested a little time and thought to into understanding your body's signals.
Am I leading a healthy life?
SCORE SHEET
Answer all 35 questions first, then score your results and tally up all the points you've earned in the
'Total points' box below. Check your score against the key on the left to see how you fare.
1 __________ 19 ____________
2 __________ 20 ____________
3 __________ 21 _____________
4 ___________ 22 _____________
5 ___________ 23 ______________
6 __________ 24 ______________
7 __________ 25 ______________
8 __________ 26 _______________
9 ___________ 27 _______________
10 ___________ 28 _______________
11 __________ 29 _______________
12 __________ 30 _______________
13 __________ 31 ________________
14 ___________ 32 _________________
15 ___________ 33 _________________
16 ___________ 34 _________________
17 ____________ 35 __________________
18 _____________
TOTAL POINTS:
The Score Key
55-65
Congratulations! You are doing most of the things you should to be healthy today -- and many years from now. Be proud of yourself, but don't be complacent. With your healthy mindset, it should be easy to take on some more health-enhancing lifestyle choices that will make you even more likely to thrive for the rest of your life.
40-54
You're not doing badly in terms of your ageing potential, but there is definitely room for improvement. Look back at the questionsand see if there are patients to your answers. For example, did you do particulary poorly on the diet questions? Make a commitment to start there, then revisit this quiz in a few months.
Below 40
This quiz should be a wake-up call. It should have made clear, for example, that good health is not merely the absence of disease. It's time to ask yourself, 'what do I want the next 20, 30 or 40 years to look like?', then make the changes necessary to get there. If you keep going the way you're going, you'll face a host of age-related issues, ranging from frailty to memory loss to chronic health conditions, all of which will make your later years a burden, rather than a joy.
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