Horse Age to Human Years: Conversion Chart

Determining the equivalent of horse age human years is a common query among equine enthusiasts, particularly when considering the varying life stages and care requirements of horses. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) provides guidelines on equine healthcare that are often age-dependent, making accurate age conversion essential for proper veterinary care. Understanding this conversion is also important because a horse’s physiological development differs significantly from that of humans, necessitating the use of conversion tools like age charts to estimate their relative maturity. Equine dentistry, a critical aspect of horse health, requires adjustments based on these age estimations to ensure appropriate dental care throughout the horse’s life.

Unveiling the Mystery of Equine Age: A Critical Look at Age Charts and Calculators

Equine age charts and calculators represent a unique approach to understanding the lifespan of horses relative to humans. These tools attempt to bridge the gap between equine and human aging, offering insights into a horse’s developmental stage and potential health needs.

At their core, these charts and calculators are conversion tools. They leverage data derived from equine dental characteristics, physical examinations, and behavioral traits to estimate a horse’s age in human-equivalent years.

Decoding Equine Years: Purpose and Utility

The primary purpose of equine age charts and calculators is to provide a framework for interpreting a horse’s age in terms that are more readily understood by humans. This understanding is crucial for several reasons.

Firstly, it allows for a more intuitive grasp of a horse’s developmental stage. Is the horse a ‘teenager’ still undergoing significant growth, or is it a ‘senior citizen’ requiring specialized care?

Secondly, it can aid in anticipating age-related health concerns. Recognizing that a horse is entering its ‘golden years’ prompts proactive monitoring for common geriatric conditions such as arthritis or Cushing’s disease.

Why Human Years Matter

The significance of translating equine years into human years lies in its ability to facilitate better care and management. By understanding where a horse stands in its lifespan relative to a human, owners and veterinarians can make more informed decisions. These decisions will be about nutrition, exercise, and preventative healthcare.

This is especially important when considering the unique needs of aging horses, which often require adjustments to their diet, exercise regime, and veterinary care.

Target Audience: Owners and Veterinarians

The primary audience for these tools comprises horse owners and equine veterinarians. For horse owners, age charts and calculators offer a simple and accessible means of gauging their horse’s life stage and tailoring care accordingly.

Equine veterinarians, on the other hand, can utilize these tools as a supplemental resource in conjunction with their clinical expertise. It can provide a more comprehensive assessment of a horse’s overall health and well-being. These tools serve as a valuable communication aid when explaining age-related considerations to owners.

The Biological Clock: Understanding Equine Aging

Following our introduction to equine age charts, it’s crucial to understand the underlying biological processes of aging in horses. Equine aging is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, impacting both welfare and management strategies.

Defining Equine Aging

Equine aging refers to the gradual accumulation of physiological changes in horses over time, leading to a decline in function and increased vulnerability to disease. Understanding this process is paramount.

This understanding is paramount for responsible horse ownership, enabling owners to anticipate and address age-related health challenges. It also allows for appropriate adjustments in management practices to maintain the horse’s quality of life.

Stages of Physical Growth and Maturity

The life of a horse can be broadly divided into several stages, each marked by distinct physical characteristics.

• Foal: From birth to weaning (around 4-6 months). Rapid growth and development occur.
• Weanling: From weaning to 1 year old. Continued growth and adaptation to independent feeding.
• Yearling: From 1 to 2 years old. Significant skeletal and muscular development take place.
• Young Adult: From 2 to 5 years old. Reaching physical maturity and beginning training.
• Prime/Mature Adult: From 5 to 15 years old. Peak physical condition and performance ability.
• Senior: From 15 years onwards. Gradual decline in physical function and increased susceptibility to age-related conditions.

Average Lifespan and Influencing Factors

The average lifespan of a horse typically ranges from 25 to 30 years. However, this can vary significantly depending on several factors.

• Breed: Certain breeds are known for their longevity. For instance, ponies often live longer than larger horse breeds.
• Care: Proper nutrition, regular veterinary care (including dental and hoof care), and appropriate exercise are essential for extending a horse’s lifespan.
• Use: The type of work a horse performs can influence its longevity. Horses subjected to strenuous activity may experience accelerated wear and tear on their bodies.
• Genetics: Genetic predispositions can also play a role in determining a horse’s lifespan and susceptibility to certain age-related diseases.

Equine Geriatrics: Addressing Age-Related Health Issues

Equine geriatrics is a specialized field of veterinary medicine that focuses on the health and well-being of aging horses.

As horses age, they become more prone to various health issues. Arthritis, dental problems, metabolic disorders (such as Cushing’s disease), and decreased immune function are common.

Recognizing these potential issues and implementing proactive management strategies are crucial for ensuring the comfort and health of senior horses. Regular veterinary check-ups, tailored exercise programs, and appropriate dietary adjustments can significantly improve the quality of life for aging equines.

Deciphering Dental Secrets: Methods of Age Estimation

Following our introduction to equine age charts, a key element in understanding a horse’s age lies in the art and science of age estimation. This primarily involves a thorough dental examination.

Equine dentistry provides invaluable insights into a horse’s chronological age, offering a non-invasive method to assess maturity and potential age-related conditions. This section will delve into the specifics, covering equine dentistry basics, dental star charts, and other clinical examination techniques used to determine a horse’s approximate age.

The Role of Teeth in Age Determination (Equine Dentistry)

Equine dentistry is pivotal in age estimation, given the continuous changes teeth undergo throughout a horse’s life. These changes, while not always precise indicators, offer a reliable method for approximating age, especially in the absence of accurate birth records.

Understanding dental anatomy is paramount in this process.

Equine Dental Anatomy: A Concise Overview

A horse’s teeth are hypsodont, meaning they have a long clinical crown and continue to erupt throughout their life. This continuous eruption is essential due to the abrasive nature of their diet, primarily grasses and hay.

Key dental structures relevant to age estimation include:

• Incisors: These are the front teeth used for nipping grass. Their shape and angle change with age.
• Cups: These are deep indentations on the occlusal (biting) surface of the incisors. They gradually disappear with age.
• Dental Star: This is a dark, circular structure that appears on the occlusal surface as the tooth wears down and the pulp cavity is exposed.
• Galvayne’s Groove: This groove appears on the upper corner incisor (the third incisor from the midline) at around 10 years of age and extends down the tooth over time.
• Angle of Incidence: This refers to the angle formed by the incisors when viewed from the side. The angle becomes more acute (sharper) as the horse ages.
• Shape of the Occlusal Surface: This changes from oval to round to triangular as the horse ages.

These structures, when assessed collectively, offer vital clues about a horse’s age.

Dental Star Charts and Other Dental Indicators

Dental star charts provide a visual reference for correlating tooth characteristics with age. They illustrate typical changes in incisor appearance at various life stages.

However, it’s essential to understand that these charts serve as guidelines and not absolute determinants, as individual variations exist.

Other dental indicators, alongside dental star charts, play a crucial role:

• Disappearance of Cups: Incisor cups usually disappear from the lower central incisors by about 6 years of age, followed by the intermediates and corners.
• Appearance of the Dental Star: The dental star first appears as a faint line around 8 years, becoming more prominent with age.
• Galvayne’s Groove Progression: This groove’s length on the upper corner incisor is a reasonably reliable indicator between 10 and 20 years.

Physical Examinations: Beyond the Teeth

While dental examinations are crucial, physical examinations offer supplementary insights. Assessment of body condition, muscle tone, and coat condition contribute to an overall age estimation.

Body Condition Scoring

A horse’s body condition score (BCS) provides an objective assessment of its fat reserves. Older horses often have difficulty maintaining weight due to decreased digestive efficiency or underlying health issues. This can influence their overall appearance and, indirectly, age estimation.

Muscle Tone and Conformation

Muscle tone tends to decrease with age, reflecting reduced activity levels and potential muscle atrophy. Conformation changes, such as a swayback or dropped pasterns, are common in older horses and can provide additional clues.

Coat Condition

Coat changes are also indicative of aging. Graying around the muzzle and eyes is typical, as is a coarser or duller coat texture. These changes, while not definitive, contribute to the overall picture of an aging horse.

In conclusion, accurately estimating a horse’s age requires a multifaceted approach. While dental examinations offer the most direct insights, integrating observations from physical examinations allows for a more comprehensive and nuanced assessment.

Equine Age Charts and Calculators: A User’s Guide

Following our introduction to equine age charts, a key element in understanding a horse’s age lies in the art and science of age estimation. This primarily involves a thorough dental examination.

Equine dentistry provides invaluable insights into a horse’s chronological age, offering a non-invasive method to correlate equine years to human years through observable dental markers. In this section, we will examine the critical parameters affecting the conversion, provide step-by-step instructions on using these charts and calculators, and discuss their accuracy and limitations.

Parameters Influencing Equine to Human Year Conversion

The conversion of equine years to human years is not a straightforward linear process. Several key parameters influence the accuracy of this conversion.

Initial growth rate constitutes a substantial factor. Young horses develop more rapidly than their human counterparts. This rapid growth phase significantly impacts the early years’ conversion rate.

Breed differences also play a crucial role. Different breeds mature at varying rates. Larger breeds, for instance, tend to mature more slowly than smaller breeds.

Overall health and care are also critical determinants. Horses receiving optimal nutrition, regular veterinary care, and appropriate exercise tend to age more gracefully. This in turn, affects the reliability of the age estimation.

Using Equine Age Charts and Calculators: A Step-by-Step Guide

Equine age charts and calculators can be useful tools for estimating a horse’s age in human years, but understanding how to use them correctly is essential.

1. Determine the Horse’s Age in Equine Years: This can be achieved through dental examination as discussed earlier. Accurately assessing the dental markers is crucial for obtaining a reliable age estimate in equine years.

2. Consult a Reputable Equine Age Chart or Calculator: Several charts and calculators are available online and in veterinary resources. Select a chart from a trusted source, ensuring it is up-to-date and based on current research.

3. Locate the Horse’s Age on the Chart: Find the corresponding equine age and read across to find the equivalent human age. Note that some charts may provide a range rather than a single value to account for individual variability.

4. Consider Influencing Parameters: Remember to adjust the estimation based on the parameters discussed earlier. Factors such as breed, health, and care can influence the accuracy of the conversion.

Example: A 10-year-old horse, according to a standard chart, might be equivalent to a 30-year-old human. However, if the horse is a larger breed and has experienced suboptimal care, its equivalent human age might be closer to 35 or older.

Accuracy and Limitations of Age Estimation Tools

While equine age charts and calculators can be helpful, it is vital to recognize their limitations. These tools provide an estimation and are not definitive indicators of a horse’s physiological age.

Individual variations, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors can all affect how a horse ages. Therefore, relying solely on these tools without considering other factors can lead to inaccurate assessments.

Dental examinations, while useful, also have limitations. Dental markers can be affected by diet, dental care, and individual chewing habits. Overestimation or underestimation of age can occur, particularly in older horses with worn or missing teeth.

The Vital Role of Veterinary Input

The most accurate assessment of a horse’s age and overall health requires professional veterinary input. Equine veterinarians possess the expertise and experience to conduct comprehensive examinations.

Veterinarians can integrate age estimation with other clinical findings to develop a holistic understanding of the horse’s health status. This includes assessing body condition, muscle tone, coat condition, and performing necessary diagnostic tests.

Veterinary consultations are invaluable for identifying age-related health issues, such as arthritis, dental problems, or metabolic disorders. Early detection and management of these conditions can significantly improve a horse’s quality of life.

Ultimately, equine age charts and calculators serve as useful tools, but they should always be used in conjunction with professional veterinary advice. This integrated approach ensures that age estimation is accurate, and that horse owners can make informed decisions regarding the health and care of their equine companions.

The Veterinarian’s Perspective: Integrating Age into Care

Equine Age Charts and Calculators are valuable tools, but understanding their proper application requires a professional’s perspective. Equine veterinarians play a crucial role in using these charts and integrating age estimation with overall health management to optimize care for horses at all life stages.

Leveraging Age Charts: A Veterinarian’s Approach

Equine veterinarians utilize age charts and calculators as one piece of a larger puzzle. They understand the inherent limitations of these tools and use them in conjunction with their clinical expertise.

These charts offer a starting point, a general guideline. However, they should never replace a thorough physical examination and comprehensive medical history.

Veterinarians consider the breed, lifestyle, and overall health of the horse. This information is used to refine their age assessment.

The Indispensable Role of Veterinary Consultation

Professional veterinary consultation is paramount for accurate aging assessments. A veterinarian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.

They can identify subtle signs of aging that might be missed by the untrained eye.

Veterinarians conduct thorough physical examinations, assessing body condition, muscle tone, and coat condition. This process offers invaluable data points that supplement age estimation charts.

Moreover, a veterinarian can perform a detailed dental examination. This can help in assessing tooth wear, angle of incidence, and the presence of dental stars.

These are all critical factors in determining a more precise age. Their expert analysis can help reduce the margin of error, especially in older horses where age estimation becomes more challenging.

Integrating Age into Comprehensive Health Management

Veterinarians don’t simply use age charts to determine a number; they integrate this information into a holistic health management plan.

Age is a key factor in determining appropriate preventative care strategies.

This can influence vaccination schedules, deworming protocols, and dental care recommendations.

For instance, older horses may require more frequent dental check-ups. They might also need specialized diets to compensate for decreased digestive efficiency.

Age also plays a vital role in diagnosing and managing age-related health issues.

Conditions like arthritis, Cushing’s disease, and equine metabolic syndrome are more common in older horses.

Early detection and proactive management are critical to maintaining the horse’s comfort and quality of life.

Veterinarians use age as a guide to tailor treatment plans, adapting medication dosages and rehabilitation programs to the specific needs of the aging horse.

By understanding the physiological changes associated with aging, veterinarians can provide targeted care that addresses the unique challenges faced by senior equines.

In conclusion, while equine age charts and calculators can be helpful tools, they are best used in conjunction with the expertise of a qualified veterinarian.

The integration of age estimation with comprehensive health management allows for proactive and personalized care, ensuring the well-being of horses throughout their lifespan.

Caring for the Senior Equine: A Guide for Horse Owners

Equine Age Charts and Calculators are valuable tools, but understanding their proper application requires a professional’s perspective. Equine veterinarians play a crucial role in using these charts and integrating age estimation with overall health management to optimize care for horses at all stages of life, especially during their senior years. For horse owners, leveraging these tools effectively translates into providing the best possible support and ensuring the welfare of their aging companions.

This section offers a practical guide for horse owners, illustrating how to utilize age charts to optimize the care of senior equines, focusing on nutrition, exercise, and specialized veterinary considerations.

Optimizing Care with Equine Age Charts

Equine age charts serve as a foundational reference point for understanding the specific needs of an aging horse. By translating a horse’s chronological age into approximate human years, owners can gain a clearer perspective on the physical and physiological changes occurring within their animal.

This understanding facilitates proactive adjustments in management practices.

For example, knowing that a 25-year-old horse is roughly equivalent to a 75-year-old human can prompt owners to consider age-related issues like decreased digestive efficiency or increased susceptibility to arthritis.

This awareness allows for preemptive measures to mitigate potential health problems and improve the horse’s quality of life.

Enhancing Welfare Through Understanding

A deep understanding of equine aging, facilitated by age charts, significantly enhances the welfare of senior horses. Recognizing the gradual decline in physiological function, such as reduced muscle mass or decreased respiratory capacity, empowers owners to tailor their horse’s environment and workload to suit their capabilities.

This proactive approach minimizes stress and promotes comfort.

Furthermore, understanding the aging process enables owners to recognize subtle signs of discomfort or illness that might otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection and intervention are crucial for managing age-related conditions and preventing them from escalating into more serious problems.

Ultimately, informed care translates into a happier, healthier, and more comfortable life for the senior equine.

Tailored Nutrition for the Aging Horse

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the health and well-being of senior horses. As horses age, their digestive efficiency often declines, making it harder to absorb essential nutrients from their feed.

Therefore, dietary adjustments are crucial.

Key Nutritional Considerations

• Increased Fiber Intake: Fiber supports digestive health and helps maintain a healthy weight.
  Easily digestible fiber sources like beet pulp and chopped forages are beneficial.
• High-Quality Protein: Adequate protein intake is necessary for maintaining muscle mass and supporting immune function.
  Choose protein sources that are easily digestible and provide a complete amino acid profile.
• Supplementation: Joint supplements, vitamin E, and selenium can help address common age-related health concerns.
  Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate supplements for your horse’s individual needs.
• Dental Health: Poor dental health can significantly impact a horse’s ability to chew and digest food properly.
  Regular dental exams and floating (filing) of teeth are essential for maintaining optimal dental function.
• Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption. This is particularly important for horses with compromised digestive systems.

Exercise and Mobility Management

While senior horses may not be able to perform at the same level as their younger counterparts, regular exercise remains vital for maintaining their physical and mental well-being.

However, the type and intensity of exercise should be carefully adjusted to accommodate their age and physical limitations.

Adapting Exercise Routines

• Low-Impact Activities: Gentle walking, light trotting, and controlled turnout are ideal for maintaining cardiovascular health and joint mobility.
• Avoid Overexertion: Be mindful of the horse’s fitness level and avoid pushing them beyond their capabilities.
  Watch for signs of fatigue or discomfort, such as labored breathing or stiffness.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Incorporate stretching and range-of-motion exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Consult with a veterinarian or equine therapist for guidance on appropriate exercises.
• Comfortable Environment: Ensure that the horse has access to comfortable footing and a safe environment to move around in.
  Avoid slippery surfaces or areas with uneven terrain.
• Regular Monitoring: Closely monitor the horse’s response to exercise and adjust the routine accordingly.

Veterinary Care: Proactive and Preventative

Regular veterinary care is paramount for maintaining the health and well-being of senior horses. Proactive and preventative measures can help detect and manage age-related health issues before they become severe.

Essential Veterinary Practices

• Comprehensive Physical Exams: Schedule regular veterinary exams to assess the horse’s overall health and identify any potential problems.
• Vaccination and Deworming: Maintain a consistent vaccination and deworming schedule to protect the horse from infectious diseases and parasites.
• Dental Care: As mentioned earlier, regular dental exams and floating are crucial for maintaining optimal dental health and ensuring proper digestion.
• Joint Health Management: Discuss joint health management strategies with your veterinarian, including the use of joint supplements or medications to alleviate arthritis symptoms.
• Pain Management: If the horse is experiencing pain or discomfort, work with your veterinarian to develop a pain management plan.
• Early Intervention: Address any health concerns promptly to prevent them from escalating into more serious problems.

By integrating these nutritional, exercise, and veterinary care strategies, horse owners can significantly enhance the quality of life for their senior equines, ensuring they enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling retirement. Utilizing age charts as a guide, combined with professional veterinary advice, ensures that the unique needs of each aging horse are met with compassion and expertise.

The Science Behind the Years: Research and Development

Equine Age Charts and Calculators are valuable tools, but understanding their proper application requires a professional’s perspective. Equine veterinarians play a crucial role in using these charts and integrating age estimation with overall health management to optimize care for horses at all life stages. However, the bedrock upon which these tools are built is rigorous scientific research.

The reliability and accuracy of any age estimation method hinges on a deep understanding of equine biology, physiology, and the aging process itself. This understanding is primarily shaped by published research studies.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Age Estimation

The creation of accurate age charts and calculators isn’t simply a matter of observing a few horses. Instead, it requires meticulous data collection, statistical analysis, and peer-reviewed publication.

These studies provide the empirical evidence needed to establish correlations between specific age-related markers (such as dental changes) and chronological age. Without this research, age estimation would be based on anecdotal evidence and guesswork, leading to potentially inaccurate or misleading results.

Dental Research: A Cornerstone of Age Determination

Dental examination remains a primary method for estimating equine age, and this technique is underpinned by extensive dental research. Studies focusing on:

• Tooth eruption patterns.
• The rate of enamel wear.
• Changes in dental star formation

…have all contributed to refining dental age estimation techniques.

Challenges in Dental Age Estimation

It is important to note that dental age estimation is not an exact science. Factors such as diet, genetics, and environment can influence dental wear and development. Therefore, research focusing on accounting for these variables is essential to improve the accuracy and applicability of dental age estimation methods.

Beyond Dental Markers: Holistic Aging Studies

While dental research is critical, a comprehensive understanding of equine aging requires a broader perspective. Studies focusing on:

• Physiological changes in aging horses (e.g., cardiovascular function, immune response).
• The impact of age on performance and athletic ability.
• The prevalence of age-related diseases (e.g., arthritis, Cushing’s disease).

…are crucial for developing holistic age assessment methods and appropriate management strategies for senior horses.

This research helps to define what "normal" aging looks like in horses. It also enables veterinarians and horse owners to identify potential health problems early on.

Future Directions in Equine Aging Research

The field of equine geriatrics is continually evolving, and ongoing research is crucial for improving our understanding of equine aging.

Future research directions may include:

• Identifying novel biomarkers of aging.
• Developing more accurate and non-invasive age estimation techniques.
• Investigating the genetic and environmental factors that influence lifespan and healthspan in horses.

By continuing to invest in equine aging research, we can improve the welfare of horses and ensure they receive the best possible care throughout their lives. Ultimately, understanding equine aging more fully through research is fundamental to responsible horse ownership and veterinary practice.

Further Exploration: Online Veterinary Resources

Equine Age Charts and Calculators are valuable tools, but understanding their proper application requires a professional’s perspective. Equine veterinarians play a crucial role in using these charts and integrating age estimation with overall health management to optimize care for horses at all life stages. For horse owners seeking deeper insights into equine aging and care, numerous reputable online resources exist. Navigating this digital landscape effectively requires a discerning eye, ensuring that the information accessed is both credible and reliable.

Navigating the Digital Landscape of Equine Information

The internet offers a wealth of information, but not all sources are created equal. When researching equine aging and care, it’s crucial to prioritize websites and databases maintained by established veterinary organizations, universities, and research institutions. These sources typically adhere to rigorous standards of evidence-based information.

Recommended Online Resources

Here is a curated list of reputable online resources to supplement your understanding of equine aging:

• The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP): The AAEP is a leading professional organization for equine veterinarians. Their website (aaep.org) offers valuable resources for horse owners, including articles, videos, and a directory to find qualified veterinarians in your area.

• Veterinary Colleges and Universities: Many veterinary colleges, such as Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, maintain websites with extensive information on equine health. Look for sections dedicated to geriatric care and specific age-related conditions.

• The Merck Veterinary Manual: This comprehensive resource (merckvetmanual.com) provides detailed information on a wide range of animal health topics, including equine diseases and management practices. It is written for veterinary professionals, but horse owners can also find valuable insights.

• The Horse: This online publication (thehorse.com) offers news, articles, and expert advice on various aspects of horse care, including aging, nutrition, and disease prevention.

• Government Veterinary Regulatory Organizations: Websites of government veterinary regulatory organizations (USDA) also provide vital data about equine diseases.

Supplementing Age Charts and Veterinary Consultations

Online resources can serve as valuable complements to equine age charts and veterinary consultations, empowering horse owners with additional knowledge.

These resources can help you:

• Gain a deeper understanding of age-related conditions: Learn about common health problems that affect senior horses, such as arthritis, Cushing’s disease, and dental issues.

• Explore management strategies for older horses: Discover tips on adjusting your horse’s diet, exercise routine, and living environment to meet their changing needs.

• Prepare for discussions with your veterinarian: By familiarizing yourself with relevant information, you can have more informed and productive conversations with your veterinarian about your horse’s health.

The Importance of Credible Sources

It is paramount to emphasize the importance of using credible and reliable sources of information when researching equine aging and care. The internet is rife with misinformation, and relying on inaccurate or outdated sources can have detrimental consequences for your horse’s health.

Always critically evaluate the information you find online, and consider the following factors:

• Source Authority: Is the website or organization reputable and well-established?

• Author Expertise: Are the authors or contributors qualified to provide veterinary advice?

• Evidence-Based Information: Is the information supported by scientific evidence or veterinary best practices?

• Date of Publication: Is the information current and up-to-date?

• Conflicts of Interest: Does the website or organization have any potential conflicts of interest that could bias the information presented?

Remember, online resources should never replace professional veterinary advice. If you have any concerns about your horse’s health, always consult with a qualified equine veterinarian.

So, whether you’re just curious about your equine pal’s age in human terms or trying to better understand their life stage, hopefully, this horse age to human years conversion chart has been helpful! Now you can look at your horse and have a better idea of where they are at compared to your own age!