Want to know how to extend your life while improving your health? Our quiz will help.
Forget about your genes, circumstances or luck. For most of us, how we age is influenced by our attitude, diet, and lifestyle. Answer the following, then read our expert advice on what you can do to change things.
1. How would you describe your attitude
towards life?
A Happy and optimistic
B I try to remain positive.
C Negative and unhappy.
2. Do you feel well supported by family and friends?
A Yes, I have my family and good friends to
support me.
B Mostly, though I could make more effort myself.
C I try not to rely on others too much.
3. Which of these do you do most often to keep
your mind active?
A Puzzles.
B Read the paper.
C Watch TV.
4. Which of these foods do you think would
give you the best antioxidant protection?
A Red and green peppers, nuts and green tea.
B Bread and garlic.
C Chicken, eggs and milk.
5. How much exercise do you do a week?
A Household chores are enough.
B About 30 minutes most days.
C An exercise class or swimming session once
a week.
6. How much sleep a night do you need?
A At least nine hours.
B Between six and nine hours.
C About four or five hours.
7. How often do you visit the dentist?
A Once a year.
B Every three to four years.
C Only when there's a problem.
8. When do you protect your skin from
strong sunshine?
A Only when I'm abroad.
B If I'm sunbathing.
C In the summer, I always use sunscreen and
wear a hat.
9. How careful are you with prescribed
medicines?
A I often forget to take them at the right times.
B I don't take the ones I feel don't agree with me
or don't do me much good.
C I follow the instructions.
10. What’s your weekly intake of fizzy drinks?
A A glass or two.
B A glass every day.
C A couple of glasses every day.
How did you score?
Each of your answers will, in what can obviously only be a rough guide, suggest the effect that your lifestyle might have on your lifespan. Add up the numbers as you go along.
1
A + 8 years
B + 2 years
C – 5 years
Why? A positive outlook means you're more likely to look after yourself. If you're not a naturally positive person, use tricks to change this, such as stopping negative thoughts as soon as you have them, or doing something positive when you feel down, like going for a walk, seeing a friend, or visiting an art gallery.
2
A + 6 years
B + 2 years
C – 3 years
Why? A supportive network of friends and family are vital for health. People who have this fare much better when they do get ill - it gives them a reason to live as well as practical help.
* Join a club to meet people who share
your interests.
* Go regularly to a gym or local sports centre.
* Volunteer - start doing things for others.
* Use local shops and services.
3
A + 4 years
B + 2 years
C – 1 year
Why? “Studies suggest that keeping your brain active by learning new skills may reduce your risk of developing dementia. The key is to find something you enjoy; a hobby you enjoyed in your youth, a book club, going to the theatre, learning a new language…
4
A + 2 years
B + 1 year
C 0 years
Why? It's thought that an antioxidant diet (rich in vitamins A, C and E) can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and protect your sight. Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for vitamins A and C. Nuts, vegetable oils and avocados are good for vitamin E.
5
A + 1 year
B + 5 years
C + 2 years
Why? At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise -brisk walking, carrying heavy shopping, digging the garden - five days a week to halve your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Try to fit in vigorous exercise once or twice a week, too. For example, swimming, tennis, exercise classes or cycling.
6
A – 1 year
B + 5 years
C – 2 years
Why? Studies show that regularly getting less than six hours a night is linked to a shorter lifespan. Lack of sleep reduces our immunity to disease and affects hormone function. It also increases our risk of obesity, diabetes, depression and heart disease. But too much sleep may increase a woman's risk of stroke. Stick to a bedtime routine. Cut out tea and coffee in the evenings and restrict a daytime nap to 20 minutes.
7
A + 5 years
B + 1 year
C – 2 years
Why? Evidence suggests links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and strokes. Regular dental check-ups bring the benefits of professional cleaning, while your dentist will be able to spot problems.
8
A – 2 years
B + 1 years
C + 3 years
Why? Between 50 and 60 per cent of wrinkles are due to sun exposure and if you were badly sunburned in childhood, your skin-cancer-risk is increased by half. Use an SPF 15 sunscreen daily. Our bodies need sun to make vitamin D, but you only need 10-15 minutes of sun twice a week.
9
A – 2 years
B – 5 years
C + 10 years
Why? Prescribed medicines are given to increase not only longevity but quality of life. Poor medicine-taking can mean not taking them at the right time.
10
A – 1 year
B – 2 years
C – 4 years
Why? Fizzy drinks are a complete No No! So try to avoid them as much as possible.
Your Score
+10 years or more to your lifespan Well done - you've a good chance of living a long and healthy life. Keep up the good work!
0 to +10 years You're doing well, but you could do a bit more. Have a look through your answers to see where you can make improvements.
0 to -10 years or more You could do a lot more to reduce your risk of getting a serious disease as you get older. Have another good read through our expert tips in 'How did you score?' section of the quiz.
