Healthy Aging mini quiz:
Test your aging IQ

A. Babies and children under age 5 B. Children age 15-19 C. People over age 85

Today, there are over 6 million Americans age 85 and older. That number may more than triple by the year 2050, when the youngest baby boomers turn 86.

2. Sylvia, 65, has osteoporosis. Her doctor wants her (and her husband) to start doing weight-bearing exercise to increase bone density. Is Sylvia too old to exercise?

Yes No

Physical activity at any age is beneficial. It can strengthen the heart, lungs and muscles, and might help slow bone loss.

3. What about Sylvia's husband? Should he worry about his bones?

Yes No

Men can get osteoporosis: one in five Americans who have this disease or are at risk for developing it are men.

4. Joan, 65, has smoked cigarettes since she was 20. Her children and grandchildren want her to quit. Several of Joan's family members died of cancer in their old age. Does it still make sense for her to quit?

Yes No

Stopping smoking is smart at any age. Soon after quitting, blood flow improves in the arms and legs; in a few months, breathing usually becomes easier. People who quit feel better, possibly live longer, save money and enjoy their food more.

5. Getting tested for cancer is as important when you're older as it is when you're younger.

True False

Many older people can beat cancer, especially if it's found early enough.

6. Harry, 80, seems to be having vision changes. The doctor says he has a cataract in one eye and needs surgery. Is cataract surgery likely to help him see better?

Yes No

More than half of people over age 80 have a cataract or had one removed in the past. More than 90 percent of people can see better after this surgery.

7. Sam, 70, has a younger brother who was just diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Sam is worried because he seems to be forgetting things, and sometimes feels confused. Could he have Alzheimer's, too?

Yes No

While having a family member with Alzheimer's may make it more likely that Sam will develop the disease, as well, it is by no means a certainty.

8. As a general rule, the senses of sight and sound tend to become impaired in late adulthood but our senses of taste and smell become sharper.

True False

While vision and hearing may be the senses that are most affected, all five of the senses tend to decline in older age: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/004013.htm