Ideal Aging Quiz

Jeanne Carlson Smith

Welcome to the Ideal Aging Quiz.

I’m Jeanne Smith, CFP® RN, President and CEO of Marca Life Planning and champion of your financial well-being.

This short quiz introduces the exciting concept of Ideal Aging. We have found that learning about Ideal Aging and knowing that it is achievable has inspired many people just like you to improve their current retirement trajectory.

The Ideal Aging Quiz is organized in five areas:

Flourishing:
A measure of your well-being determined by self-report in 5 areas: positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment.
Functioning:
A measure of your physical functioning determined by self-report in 7 areas: sleep and rest, thinking and memory, vision and hearing, gait and balance, touch and sensation, strength and endurance, and nutrition and elimination.
Preparing, Protecting, And Preventing:
A measure of readiness for unexpected events determined by self-report in 3 areas: medical emergency, identity theft and fraud, health and safety.
Designing Your Lifestyle:
A measure of aging well determined by self-report in 3 areas: home, community, and housing in later life.
Living To 100+:
A measure of advanced planning determined by self-report in 2 areas: social support and advanced care planning.

We at Marca Life Planning are passionate about helping our clients live their best lives for as long as possible, no matter their age and financial resources. We want YOU to go for Ideal Aging! It requires that we accept that we’re getting older, taking a planful approach to our own aging, and committing to doing some things differently.

So, without further ado, let’s start your quiz…

Select the response that best fits how you live your life today.

Name*
First Last
Age*
Email Address*
Your results will be emailed to you
Today's Date*
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Section 1: Flourishing

Have I prepared for the psychological changes that come with getting older?
1. I live a pleasant life, experiencing as many positive emotions as I can. (e.g. joy, interest, gratitude, hope, enjoyment, serenity, love, awe).*
2. I have one or more hobbies that I engage in at least weekly, (either alone or with others) where I become so absorbed that I lose track of time.*
3. I understand the value of a strong social network, and I avoid people whose company is toxic or who are simply not good company for me.*
4. I enjoy making plans for the future and working to make them a reality.*
5. Despite my age or living with chronic conditions, I still feel my life is meaningful and that I have a purpose in being alive.*
Section 2: Functioning

Have I prepared for the physical changes that come with getting older?
6. I use long lasting “daylight” or full spectrum light bulbs to reduce eyestrain and improve concentration.*
7. I work crossword puzzles and/or read for at least one hour, 3-4 times per week simply for enjoyment or to prevent age-related memory decline.*
8. I have installed photocell dawn-dusk lighting outside my home and motion-activated lighting between the bedroom and bathroom.*
9. I do moderate aerobic activity (treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, step classes, etc.) at least 2½ hours per week.*
10. I exercise my core muscles (e.g. back, sides, pelvis, hips, and buttocks) at least 2x per week to help prevent falls.*
Section 3: Preparing, Protecting, & Preventing

Have I prepared, protected, and prevented events that could result in declines in my health or my finances?
11. I have an information packet readily accessible with my medical history, physicians and medications, insurance information, advance directives, and emergency contacts.*
12. I consider myself a financial novice and plan to seek professional guidance to select and manage my investments OR I consider myself above average in financial intelligence but plan to consult with a trusted adviser as I age.*
13. I have removed clutter from pathways; heirlooms, pictures, and memorabilia are organized and I have discarded what I do not wish to preserve (all must apply or select “no”).*
14. I have my skin examined every year by a medical professional.*
15. I have applied reflective or contrasting tape on top & bottom steps of all stairs to minimize falls.*
Section 4: Designing Your Lifestyle

Have I prepared to age in my own home successfully?
16. Bathroom safety aids have been installed including: grab bars in the shower and toilet area, 18” high toilet or raised toilet seat, hand-held shower head with walk-in tub or shower stall with a bench and non-skid tile (all must apply or select “no”).*
17. Outside surfaces (decks, sidewalks) are regularly maintained and debris (leaves, twigs, branches) is removed promptly.*
18. I have determined if my home is wheelchair accessible, secured handrails inside and outside, and removed or modified thresholds to prevent tripping (all must apply or check “no”).*
19. My preferred hospital, doctor’s office, place of worship, grocery, and pharmacy are easily accessible without a vehicle, OR I can hire or access public or friendly transportation when I need to get to these places.*
20. I have determined where I should move when I decline, made plans for a successful transition, and have communicated them to those who will help.*
Section 5: Living to 100+

Have I prepared for a good end of life with the social support I need?
21. I spend time with someone who does not live with me at least twice per week. Either I go to see them, they visit me, or we go out together.*
22. I have someone who would give me any help I needed if I became sick or disabled.*
23. I have a living will or have completed a health decision worksheet to define my end of life preferences and values.*
24. I have given my health care agent or proxy and my alternate a copy of the advance directives, healthcare power of attorney, and living will.*
25. I have given my primary care doctor all the legal documents, and I have personally communicated my preferences for care.*
Ideal Aging Quiz Total Score
Total Score*
21-25: Impressive! You are fully aware of what is needed and have made the necessary changes to optimize your Retirement Success.

16-20: Keep up the good work! You are doing much better than the average person. Doing what you can to adjust your lifestyle for aging will positively impact your Retirement Success.

11-15: Good job! The more you can set healthy goals and control bad habits, the quicker you’ll reach Retirement Success.

6-10: Good habits start with small changes! People who are optimistic about their aging fare much better. Begin taking real steps to reach Retirement Success.

1-5: There is room for growth! Decide today to live your best life for as long as possible. To reach Retirement Success, work with likeminded people to set goals and be willing to change.
Next Steps
Action List*
List your priorities and what you need to focus on to raise your Ideal Aging Quiz score (press the + button to add more fields)
Get Your Results By Email!

Thank you for completing our Ideal Aging Quiz! Click the Email My Results button to have your results emailed to you along with some additional insights and action items.

The Ideal Aging Quiz is organized in five areas:

Ideal Aging Quiz

Section 1: Flourishing

Section 2: Functioning

Section 3: Preparing, Protecting, & Preventing

Section 4: Designing Your Lifestyle

Section 5: Living to 100+

Ideal Aging Quiz Total Score

Next Steps

Get Your Results By Email!