Deck 1: Perspectives and Theories on Aging

Question 1

Stanley just turned 65 years old. Which age category would a gerontologist likely assign to Stanley?

A) Not old
B) Young-old
C) Middle-old
D) Old-old

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Miriam is 67 years old and in good health. Based on what you know about the general needs of the various gerontological age categories, which of the following is most likely to be a need that Miriam experiences now?

A) Assistance with activities of daily living
B) In-home nursing care
C) A program at a senior center to help her define her life role after retirement
D) Protection from elder abuse

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Bob is a healthy 82 year old. Which of the following represent modifiable factors that may have contributed to Bob's good health? Select all that apply.

A) The fact that Bob is male
B) The fact that Bob's father and grandfather enjoyed good health in old age
C) Swimming 5 days per week
D) A diet that includes many fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
E) Spending 30 minutes a day in peaceful reflection to reduce stress

Answer 3

C, D, E

Question 4

A gerontologist is conducting a study on the physiological factors that may contribute to longevity in older adults. In which area of gerontology is this scientist most likely working?

A) Chronological aging
B) Biological aging
C) Psychological aging
D) Social aging

Question 5

Your next-door neighbor, Sarah, is 91 years old. Which of the following observations that you have made about Sarah are likely signs of lessened reserve capacity? Select all that apply.

A) Even though her hearing is normal, it takes a long time for Sarah to understand what you are trying to say to her.
B) When the temperature outside begins dropping in autumn, Sarah is prone to catching colds easily.
C) Sarah frequently gets into arguments with her grandson when he asks to borrow money.
D) Sarah begins to sneeze when she's around your cat.
E) Sarah moves very slowly and deliberately when she waters the potted plants on her front porch.

Question 6

You have noticed that your grandfather goes to the doctor a lot and that he always seems to be undergoing various medical tests. Based on your understanding of the typical patterns of disease in older adults, which of following would you most expect to observe in your grandfather?

A) A medication he has just been prescribed causing complications with his diabetes
B) His symptoms of an impending heart attack being the same as those of your neighbor, who is 40 years younger
C) Your grandfather promptly reporting even minor symptoms of disease to his doctor
D) An attitude that aches and pains are not necessarily a part of normal aging

Question 7

Define "gerontology" and "geriatrics" and explain their differences.

Question 8

Imagine that you are a nurse working in a senior center. Identify and describe three recommendations you would include in a class that you teach on "successful aging."