I'm nothing if not an optimist.

It's Earth Day, and a beautiful Spring day to boot, sunny, warm breeze; the kind of day you're so happy to be alive you can't stop thinking about...

Death! According to the quiz below, I will be here to celebrate approximately 38 more Earth Days. If I make it through that last, cruel winter. Enjoy!

DEATH QUIZ:

Begin the quiz by awarding yourself a score of 79 (today's average life-expectancy). Next, answer the following questions. Based on your answers, you'll be asked to add or deduct years from your score. Your final tally will yield a score that represents an estimate of the number of years you can expect to live based on your current lifestyle habits.

LIFESTYLE QUESTIONS
Do you have an annual physical exam? If so, add three years to your score. If not, subtract three years from your score. Physicals for male boomers should include a prostate and testicular exam. Physicals for female boomers should include a breast and pelvic exam. Remember, most diseases in later life occur without clear symptoms or pain (high blood pressure, various cancers).

If your grandparents lived to be at least 80 years of age, add three years to your score. If they're not that old yet, then you can't answer this question. Sorry. No years added, but none deducted either.

Do you volunteer on a weekly basis? If so, add two years to your score. If not, one year deducted. Volunteering means non-paid service to unrelated individuals. Sorry, driving your grandmother to church doesn't count.

Do you live alone? If so, subtract three years. If not, no years subtracted. Singles tend to lead more passive lifestyles, and are less attentive to healthful dietary habits.

Are you able to laugh at, and learn from your mistakes. If not, subtract 3 years.

Do you have a confidant, a close friend who will listen to your problems, hopes, and dreams? If so, add one years to your score. If not, subtract two years.

Do you perform daily neurobic exercises to maintain mental fitness (reading, learning, word or card games like crossword or bridge or scrabble, jigsaw puzzles or dominoes, chess, teaching or tutoring, keeping a diary or journal)? If so, add four years to your life.

Do you engage in aerobic exercise (smooth, rhythmic, continuous walking, swimming, biking) at least four times a week for at least 30 minutes at a time? If so, add three years to your score. If not, no years added. Anaerobic (weight-lifting), although great for body-building, has far fewer cardiovascular benefits.

Do you eat a balanced diet including fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains? If yes, add two years. If no, subtract three years.

Do you smoke a pack of cigarettes daily? Subtract 4 years. Live or work with smokers? Subtract one year.

Do you constantly "yo-yo" on and off the latest diet crazes? If so, substract five years.

Do you own a pet? Add two years for interactive pets (dog, cat, bird). Add one year for passive pets (fish, reptile, tarantula).

If you are left-handed, subtract one year.

For every inch of your height that exceeds 5'8", subtract six months.

Are you a religious person, and do you practice your faith? If so, add two years.

Do you have two or more female children? If so, add three years to your score. Family support for elders in later life is predominately provided by an adult daughter. Sons, as a rule tend not to be actively engaged in eldercare. In fact, a daughter-in-law is more likely than your own son to provide direct care.

Do you use a stress management program (exercise, meditation, reading, journaling, spa)? If so, add four years. If not, subtract three years.

Do you walk to work? If so, add two years. Ride public transportation to work? If so, add one year. Do you drive yourself to work? If so, subtract three years.

Had cosmetic surgery after age 30? Once within a decade? Add five years. Subtract one year for every additional surgery done within the same decade.

Do you fear the uncertainties of growing old? If so, subtract two years. I always say, "If you don't long to live, then you won't live too long."

Are your friends roughly the same age as you? Subtract two years. An equal mix of younger, same age, and older? Add one year.

Have you written down specific life goals and timeframes for each goal's completion? If so, add one year.

Posted by Antigeist at April 22, 2004 09:30 AM