Web Content Viewer (JSR 286) - Healthy Weight

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Healthy weight for over 65s

 

If you are over 65 years of age, you might need to take a slightly different approach to healthy weight. Test your knowledge by answering the following 10 questions. After submitting your answers, click on the link next to each question to find out more about the topic it covers.

Thanks for participating in our quiz. You have scored x out of y

 

If you scored 8 points or over, congratulations! You have a pretty good understanding of what’s involved in maintaining a healthy weight for someone over 65. If you want to learn more, check out the extra information linked to each question, starting with any you answered incorrectly.

If you scored 6 or 7 points, you might want to brush up on your knowledge of physical activity and dietary habits for people aged over 65. Read the information provided by clicking on the links next to each question, starting with those you got wrong – and keep at it!

If you scored less than 6 points, you’ll really benefit from reading more about healthy weight for people in your age group. There is also plenty of other information about healthy weight on this site. So don’t worry: finding out more is easy.

Q1:
If you've been overweight all your life, should you try to lose weight now?
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a.   It depends on your age, your health, your diet and physical activity levels, and how overweight you are – start by talking to your health professional
b.   Yes – no-one should be overweight
c.   No – it's too late to do anything now
Q2:
What foods should you eat to help achieve and maintain a healthy weight?
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a.   Lots of meat and full-fat dairy foods, every day
b.   Avoid heavy foods and just have a biscuit with your cup of tea
c.   Enjoy a wide range of nutritious foods from each of the five major food groups
Q3:
How active should you be?
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a.   You should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week
b.   You should only do light, gentle exercise
c.   You should walk briskly for at least an hour every day
Q4:
What types of physical activity should people over 65 do to benefit their health?
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a.   Moderate fitness and strength activities
b.   Flexibility and balancing activities
c.   All of the above
Q5:
What precautions should you take?
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a.   Stay indoors to avoid the sun
b.   Limit your water intake to stop you feeling sick
c.   Start slowly and increase your activity over time
Q6:
Should you follow a strict physical activity routine?
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a.   Yes – it's simpler to stick to the same routine every day
b.   Not at all – it’s best to do something different each time
c.   No – varying your physical activity routine can keep things interesting and help you to stay motivated
Q7:
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of being physically active?
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a.   It keeps you from meeting new people
b.   It reduces depression and the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers
c.   It builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles and joints
Q8:
Which of the following is NOT a benefit of being a healthy weight?
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a.   It helps reduce your risk of getting chronic diseases or developing complications from them
b.   It increases your chance of living longer
c.   It stops you enjoying life
Q9:
Which of the following will NOT increase your level of physical activity?
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a.   Keeping mentally active by doing the crossword, playing cards and board games
b.   Doing everyday activities such as housework, gardening and vacuum cleaning
c.   Playing lawn bowls or dancing
Q10:
Can you still be physically active if you have a chronic illness?
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a.   No – you need to take it easy
b.   Yes – but check with your health professional first and take precautions
c.   Yes– the more vigorous the better