Compiled by Gary Geyer and The National Institute of Aging
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Or, can you?
Below are 20 True or False questions about aging that we know you’re just too young to think about. Hey, let’s just pretend they only pertain to our parents.
The answers are below the questions. Read them carefully; there are a few surprises.
Score:
20 correct answers: You are a “Let Life In” person and a keen observer of what’s going on around you …or you peeked at the answers.
17-19 correct: Who are you kidding? You are older than you say you are.
14-16 correct: You are a wonderful person and your aged parent or parents must be living with you.
Less than 14 correct: Wake up! You are getting older even as we speak.
True or False
1. We Boomers are the fastest growing segment of the population.
2. Sad, but older people seldom see their families.
3. If you live long enough, it’s inevitable that you’ll become confused or forgetful.
4. You’re never too old to exercise.
5. Heart disease is a much bigger problem for older men than for older women.
6. The older you get, the less sleep you need.
7. Good news! After a certain age, you can forget about dieting.
8. Depression is natural as you age. Don’t worry about it.
9. Don’t bother screening for cancer as you get older. There’s usually nothing they can do about it.
10. Older people take more medications than younger people do.
11. People begin to lose interest in sex around age 55.
12. If your parent had Alzheimer’s, you will most likely get it.
13. Climate, not diet and exercise have a bearing on osteoporosis.
14. As your body changes so does your personality. Watch for symptoms.
15. It’s a cliché, but urinary accidents are a fact of life.
16. Suicide: Teenagers top the list; then come Boomers; Seniors are third.
17. Falls and injuries are a natural occurrence as you get older.
18. Face it. Everyone eventually gets cataracts.
19. As you get older your body more easily adapts to changes in temperature.
20. Why bother? You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Answers:
1. False. The over 85 population is the fastest growing age group in the U.S. There are more than 3 million Americans over 85. That number is expected to quadruple by the year 2040 when there will be more than 12 million people in that age group.
2. False. Most older people live close to their children and see them often. Many live with their spouses. An estimated 80% of men and 60% of women live in family settings. Only 5% live in nursing homes.
3. False. Confusion and serious forgetfulness in old age can be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions that result in irreversible damage to the brain. But at least 100 other problems, not age related, can bring on the same symptoms. A minor head injury, high fever, poor nutrition, adverse drug reactions, and depression also can lead to confusion. These conditions are treatable and often the confusion they cause can be eliminated.
4. True. Exercise at any age can help strengthen the heart and lungs and lower blood pressure. (Within reason, of course.) It also can improve muscle strength, and, if carefully chosen, lessen bone loss with age.
5. False. By age 65, both men and women have a one in three chance of showing symptoms. But, the risk of heart disease increases dramatically for women after menopause. Risks, however, can be significantly reduced with a healthy diet and exercising.
6. False. In later life, it’s the quality of sleep that declines, not total sleep time. Researchers found that sleep tends to become more fragmented as people age. A number of reports suggest that older people are less likely than younger people to stay awake throughout the day and that they tend to take more naps.
7. False. Most people gain weight as they age. Because of changes in the body and decreasing physical activity, older people usually need fewer calories. Still, a balanced diet is important. Older people require essential nutrients just like younger adults. You should be concerned about your weight if there has been an involuntary gain or loss of 10 pounds in the past 6 months.
8. False. Most older people are not depressed. When it does occur, depression is treatable using a variety of approaches, such as family support, psychotherapy, or antidepressant medications. A physician can determine whether the depression is caused by medication an older person might be taking, by physical illness, stress, or other factors.
9. False. Many older people can beat cancer, especially if it’s found early. Over half of all cancers occur in people 65 and older, which means that screening for cancer in this age group is especially important.
10. True. Older people often have a combination of conditions that require drugs. They account for more than 25 percent of all medications and can have many more problems with adverse reactions. Check with your doctor to make sure all drugs and dosages are appropriate.
11. False. No reason why most people at 55 and above can’t lead an active, satisfying sex life.
12. False. The overwhelming number of people with Alzheimer’s disease have not inherited the disorder. In a few families, scientists have seen an extremely high incidence of the disease and have identified genes in these families which they think may be responsible.
13. False. Women are at particular risk for osteoporosis. They can help prevent bone loss by eating foods rich in calcium and exercising regularly throughout life. Foods such as milk and other dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, and tofu promote new bone growth. Activities such as walking, biking, and simple exercises to strengthen the upper body also can be effective.
14. False. Research has found that, except for the changes that can result from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, personality is one of the few constants of life.
15. False. Urinary incontinence is a symptom, not a disease. Usually, it is caused by specific changes in body function that can result from infection, diseases or the use of certain medications. A variety of treatment options are available for people who seek medical attention.
16. False. Suicide is most prevalent among people age 65 and older. An older person’s concern with suicide should be taken very seriously and professional help should be sought quickly.
17. False. Falls are the most common cause of injuries among people over age 65. But many of these injuries, which result in broken bones, can be avoided. Regular vision and hearing tests and good safety habits can help prevent accidents. Knowing whether your medications affect balance and coordination is also a good idea.
18. False. Not everyone gets cataracts, although a great many older people do. Some 18 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 74 have cataracts, while more than 40 percent of those between 75 and 85 have the problem. Cataracts can be treated very successfully with surgery; more than 90 percent of people say they can see better after the procedure.
19. False. The body’s thermostat tends to function less efficiently with age, making the older person’s body less able to adapt to heat or cold.
20. False. People at any age can learn new information and skills. Research indicates that older people can obtain new skills and improve old ones, including how to use a computer.
The information in this article was compiled from The National Institute of Aging of the National Institutes of Health.
Gary Geyer is Chief Editor of Let Life In.
Comments