Staying healthy through the ages

Some of the information is not unexpected: People in middle age have an increased risk of poisoning from misuse of medications, while older people need to be especially concerned about bone health and fall prevention. And everyone, no matter what the age, should buckle up and drive sober: car crashes remain one of the biggest causes of death across all age groups.

Here's a look at what Zoomers need to know to reduce common health risks as they age, according to the report.

Cancer. Cancer is the main cause of death among people 45 to 64 and for other age groups, it is the second-leading killer. But the risks for certain kinds of cancer shift over time and sometimes, depending on gender.

Breast cancer continues to be a special concern for women 20 to 59, particularly around menopause when the levels of estrogen and progesterone change.

Colon and lung cancers become major threats for both men and women after about 40, as smoking and other unhealthy lifestyle factors (such as poor diet and exercise habits) adopted earlier in life take their toll.

By the time men reach their 90s, most have some malignant cells in their prostate. But those tumors tend to be relatively unaggressive. In fact, most of these men will die of other causes, which is why prostate-cancer screening and treatment, particularly in people older than 75, is controversial.

Preventative measures: Zoomers should continue with healthy habits such as regular exercise, a nutritious diet, wearing sunscreen and not smoking. (Remember it is never too late to reap the benefits of not smoking!) Lose excess weight and consider taking a Vitamin D supplement. (To read more about Vitamin D deficiency, click here.) At age 50, women should have annual mammograms and men should consult with their doctor about prostate cancer screening. Both men and