Back by popular demand is my short quiz to start your new year off. So, take a moment, have a cup of tea or coffee, or better yet, a glass of water and get comfortable. As in the last few years, the answers to the questions are true or false and can be found in previous articles written by me. The answer key is at the end of the quiz. Have fun!
1. The percentage of seniors who own their own home is 20 per cent. True or false?
2. The only thing all seniors have in common is that they are all older than the rest of the population. True or false?
3. Ninety-five per cent of British Columbia seniors aged 65 years and older live independently. True or false?
4. Dementia is an inevitable part of aging. True or false?
5. People of all ages can be victims of fraud, but older people get targeted less often than others. True or false?
6. There are no homeless or people at risk for homelessness on the North Shore. True or false?
7. Stress isn’t easy to manage at any age, however seniors cope more easily than younger people. True or false?
8. Being isolated for a senior is as unhealthy as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. True or false?
9. Keeping up good oral hygiene is less necessary as seniors age. True or false?
10. It is impossible to prevent, delay or reduce bone loss. True or false?
11. Older people supply much of the caregiving needs in Canada for their aging family and friends. True or false?
12. Retired seniors add important economic value to our communities. True or false?
13. Our long-term care system is working very well in the interests of seniors in Canada. True or false?
14. Volunteering is merely a way to pass the time and doesn’t add much value to the community. True or false?
15. Seniors’ centres are fun places to go to but are not a necessary service in our community. True or false?
16. Getting a flu or Covid shot is not that necessary in protecting the health of others. True or false?
17. The digital divide for seniors is decreasing. True or false?
18. Older people are at higher risk of dehydration because as we grow older, our bodies have less ability to hold onto water and to feel thirsty. True or false?
19. Picking only one or two resolutions for the new year increases your chances of success. True or false?
20. The major reason older people still work is because they want to. True or false?
21. Staying active both mentally and physically is one of the top ways that older people can age well. True or false?
22. Falls are the main reason why older adults lose their independence. True or False?
23. Older people are resistant to change and are unable to learn new skills such as using computers or tablets. True or false?
24. Older people are often assumed to be frail or dependent and a burden to society. True or false?
(Answer key: Statements 2, 3, 8, 11, 12, 17,18, 19, 21, 22 and 24 are true. All others are false.)
Happy New Year, everyone.
Margaret Coates is the co-ordinator of Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society. She has lived on the North Shore for 51 years and has worked for and with seniors for 26 of those years. Ideas for future columns are welcome – email [email protected].
