Aging is here to stay as more of us get older and live longer.
To test some of your knowledge (without exams or grades) about aging, take the following quiz. It is based on the "Facts on Aging Quiz" developed by emeritus professor of gerontology and sociology Linda Breytspraak and Lynn Badura, both from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. I have reworded some of the questions and updated the answers.
1. People age 65 and older currently make up about 10 percent of the U.S. population.
False. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it's 18 percent. By 2030, the entire baby boomer generation will be at least 65, which will increase the percentage of the 65-and-older group to 20 percent. That means, in five years, one out of five Americans will be an "older adult."
2. The majority of those age 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease.
False. It's actually 11 percent, or 1 in 9 people aged 65 and older. In 2025, that translates to 7.2 million people. Roughly two-thirds are women. The incidence increases with age. Among those age 85 and older, one in three people are living with the disease, according to the National. Institute on Aging.
True. The brain changes with age. Some people may not remember recent information as well as they once did or are not able to recall information as quickly. Misplacing things occasionally, such as keys or forgetting to pay a bill, is considered normal
5. All medical schools require students to take courses in geriatric medicine.
False. Research published in 2022 by the American Medical Association indicated three-quarters (76 percent) of medical schools provided an optional rather than a mandatory clinical experience in geriatrics. And less than half (45 percent) required a geriatric rotation. The percent varies among schools.
6. Clinical depression occurs more frequently in older adults than younger people.
False. Clinical depression is defined as experiencing five or more of the common symptoms most every day, nearly every day for at least two weeks. (see Warning Signs of Depression in Older Adults). In a 2023 Gallup poll, almost 25 percent of U.S. adults 18 to 29 reported having or being treated for depression, while 12 percent of those 65 and older reported the same.
7. Increased problems with constipation represent a normal change as people get older.
True. The Mayo Clinic identifies causes that include inadequate hydration, changes in diet and certain medical conditions. Furthermore, older adults may become less active, have inadequate fiber, decreased pelvic muscle tone and slowed transit through the gut which may contribute to constipation.
8. Reaction time increases with age.
False. Reaction times slow down with age because of slowed signals from the brain to nerves and muscles, reduced flexibility of joints and tendons and weaker muscles. Additionally, older adults tend to be less aware of the position of their hands and feet in space. Good news: reaction time can decrease with a combination of physical and cognitive exercise.
9. Most older adults consider their health as average or below average.
False. Roughly 80 percent of adults age 50 and older rate their health as very good or excellent, according to AARP. That's despite chronic arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease or other conditions. According to research published in 2025, almost all older adults aged 65 and older have at least one health condition.
10. Most older people lose interest in sexual relations.
False. The National Institute on Aging reports older adults strive for both a sexual and intimate relationship. Some are content with one without the other, and others may choose to avoid both sexual and intimate connections. In contrast, many older couples find greater satisfaction in their sex lives than they did when they were younger, given less distractions.
So, did you have any surprises? Let me know at [email protected]. I'll report back.
Stay well, everyone, and know that kindness is a gift for all seasons.