Healthy ageing quiz, a one-stop shop

Older Australians will be able to exercise more control over their own health using a new positive ageing resource, released by National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre (NSPAC) this week.

The new report- which contains a quiz for older people to complete along with a series of tips about how to age well- has been created in a bid to provide a one-stop shop of evidence-based positive ageing strategies.

NSPAC’s general manager of policy and research, Peter Matwijiw, said that the quiz provides older adults with an opportunity to assess their health and learn how to improve it, should they so choose.

“The idea is that there is a lot of information about healthy ageing but you are not sure what is right, and what is based on science,” said Mr Matwijiw.

“We all know we mean to age well but not everyone knows what it means.”

Each answer within the quiz correlates to a certain score and a healthy ageing tip for the particular topic. A phone number or email address for more information or specialist advice has also been provided at the base of each section.

Using the example of a fine wine ageing well in the cellar, Mr Matwijiw said: “Well human beings are more complicated than that. So here is one central plan of information that will save you running around.

“We are not asking you to read it so we can preach to you about what is good or not. But by doing the quiz, you will have a bit of fun and [you will be able to] decide where you fit and what you want to do about it.

The quiz, which is based on research provided by National Ageing Research Institute (NARI), includes topics such as exercise, weight and diet, chronic conditions, sleep, mental stimulation, social connections and optimism.

“It’s not just about going to the gym and pumping iron”, he said. ”There are a lot of factors that have a role in whether or not you age well. [The quiz] will not say, ‘You can’t drink.’ But it will recognise that a drop of red wine every now and again is fine, if it is in perspective.”

Mr Matwijiw said that the quiz will be a valuable tool for both aged and community care staff and older people who live at home on their own.  

“It is designed to help older people to help themselves. It will also give you some guidance as to what areas they need to address to improve the quality of life for people in your facility.

“It’s very much about giving people more power and control over their own lifestyle choices. After doing the quiz, you will then be in a position to say, based on the research, should I do something? Am I happy to live with what I’ve got? Then it is up to the individual to make that decision.

The report is available online at www.productiveageing.com.au