Deck 17: Aging Families

Question 1

The text points out that older women are __________ likely to live alone than older men.

A) less likely
B) just as likely
C) somewhat more
D) significantly more

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Demographers divide the aging population into three categories. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) "childish-old"
B) "young-old"
C) "older-old"
D) "old-old"

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Women's Social Security benefits average about __________ percent of men's.

A) 76
B) 66
C) 56
D) 46

Answer 3

A

Question 4

About __________ of older adults are living in poverty.

A) One-tenth
B) One-quarter
C) One-third
D) More than half

Question 5

According to the text, today's older Americans live on a combination of financial sources. Which of the following is NOT one of those mentioned?

A) Social Security benefits
B) private pensions from employers
C) private donations
D) social welfare programs designed to meet the needs of the poor and the disabled

Question 6

A 2009 national survey of Americans age 45 and older found that ___________ of men and women with partners had had sexual intercourse within the prior six months.

A) one-fourth
B) one-third
C) one-half
D) three-quarters

Question 7

About 80 percent of the U.S. population over age 64 is

A) Native American.
B) African American.
C) non-Hispanic white.
D) Hispanic.

Question 8

The text estimates that about 40 percent of the income of people age 65 and older is from

A) earnings on investments and savings.
B) Social Security benefits and related federal programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income.
C) employee pensions.
D) gifts and other sources.

Question 9

According to demographers, people aged 65-74 are categorized as the

A) "childish-old."
B) "young-old."
C) "older-old."
D) "old-old."

Question 10

In 2008, the median income of individual American males aged 65 and older was

A) $11,406.
B) $16,578.
C) $19,542.
D) $25,503.

Question 11

By the year 2050, projections estimate that there will be

A) fewer Americans who are age 65 and older.
B) close to 19 million Americans age 85 and over.
C) fewer people who are age 100 and older.
D) more people who are under age 30.

Question 12

Due mainly to __________, older men are much more likely to be living with their spouse than are older women.

A) their attitudes toward divorce
B) differences in life expectancy
C) their personal preferences
D) retirement choices

Question 13

Later life couples who hold more __________ attitudes toward gender roles report significantly higher levels of marital happiness.

A) authoritarian
B) autocratic
C) egalitarian
D) traditional

Question 14

Another important factor in morale in later life is __________, which has a substantial impact on marital quality as well as other social contacts.

A) wealth
B) health
C) career
D) volunteerism

Question 15

The text observes that the poverty rate for those over age 65 is now about one-half that of children. The primary explanation for this difference is older Americans'

A) organization and lobbying to protect Social Security.
B) greater tendency to be thrifty.
C) work ethic.
D) inherited wealth.

Question 16

According to the text, today's older Americans are generally better off than generations preceding them. This is largely due to

A) welfare reform.
B) women joining the labor force.
C) Social Security pensions and Medicare health insurance.
D) private investments.

Question 17

The text points out that among older Americans without partners, living arrangements depend on a variety of factors. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) attitudes toward divorce
B) the status of one's health
C) the availability of others with whom to reside
D) personal preferences for privacy and independence

Question 18

In 2010, American society's median age was almost _____, up from 30 in 1980.

A) 34
B) 36
C) 38
D) 40

Question 19

Among Americans age 65 and older, approximately __________ live alone.

A) one-tenth
B) one-quarter
C) one-third
D) half

Question 20

According to the demographic classification scheme of the aging population, the "old-old" refers to people who are

A) age 85 and over.
B) age 75-84.
C) age 65-74.
D) over age 65.

Question 21

Today's parents can find themselves in the __________; paying for a child's college tuition, worrying about the financial burden of eldercare for aging parents, while trying to save for their own retirement.

A) aging bind
B) double caretaking role
C) financial "double pinch"
D) "senior sandwich generation" 

Question 22

Among survey respondents age seventy and older, __________ of women and __________ of men reported having sexual intercourse at least once or twice a month.

A) 18 percent; 36 percent
B) 15 percent; 30 percent
C) 11 percent; 22 percent
D) 3 percent; 6 percent

Question 23

The text lists several problems that can inhibit sexual desire and activity for both sexes as they age. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) stress
B) dissatisfaction with one's partner
C) STDs
D) health related issues

Question 24

Of the styles of grandparenting, which is active with the grandchildren while exercising little control over them?

A) involved
B) companionate
C) remote
D) cherubic

Question 25

According to Silverstein and Bengston's analysis, the most common relationship between a mother and her adult child was

A) detached.
B) sociable.
C) tight-knit.
D) obligatory.

Question 26

In Silverstein and Bengston's typology of intergenerational relationships, which type is characterized by adult children not being engaged with their parents based on any of the six indicators?

A) detached
B) intimate but distant
C) obligatory
D) sociable

Question 27

Native American elders may serve as cultural conservator grandparents-actively seeking contact and temporary co-residence with their grandchildren in order to ___________.

A) expose them to the American Indian way of life
B) parent them
C) discipline them in the old ways
D) develop greater intimacy with them

Question 28

Silverstein and Bengston concluded that the majority of intergenerational relationships between adult children and parents were neither tight-knit nor distant, but

A) "interactive."
B) "variegated."
C) "wholesome."
D) "homogeneous."

Question 29

Sociologists Merril Silverstein and Vern L. Bengston developed a typology of five kinds of parent-adult child relations. Which of the following is NOT one of these types?

A) tight-knit
B) economic
C) obligatory
D) sociable

Question 30

Three general styles of grandparenting are identified in the text. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) cherubic
B) remote
C) companionate
D) involved

Question 31

In Silverstein and Bengston's typology of intergenerational relationships, which type is not characterized by emotional closeness or similarity of opinions, but adult children are likely to provide and/or receive assistance?

A) tight-knit
B) intimate but distant
C) obligatory
D) detached

Question 32

Among women age 85 and older, __________ are widowed, compared with just 17 percent of men.

A) one-third
B) one-half
C) two-thirds
D) three-quarters

Question 33

As they grow older, women are adversely affected by the __________; that is, men aren't considered old or sexually ineligible as soon as women are.

A) old maid syndrome
B) sex stereotyping
C) negative gender script
D) double standard of aging

Question 34

Although aging single women may be interested in sex, __________ can be a problem.

A) lack of a partner
B) health concerns
C) sexual attractiveness
D) alertness

Question 35

According to Silverstein and Bengston's analysis, the most common relationship between a father and his adult child was

A) detached.
B) sociable.
C) tight-knit.
D) intimate but distant.

Question 36

The text lists several qualities and attitudes that predict good adjustment for retiring couples. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) role sharing
B) feeling that work is fairly shared
C) an active sex life
D) having supportive communication

Question 37

In Silverstein and Bengston's typology of intergenerational relationships, which type is not characterized by the provision of or the receiving of assistance, but all other connections apply?

A) sociable
B) tight-knit
C) obligatory
D) intimate but distant

Question 38

The text concludes that overall, adult children's relations with their parents, while not necessarily tight-knit, continue to be

A) homogeneous.
B) heterogeneous.
C) nuclear.
D) meaningful.

Question 39

Sociologists Merril Silverstein and Vern L. Bengston developed six indicators of relationship solidarity, or connection, between older parents and adult children. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) geographical proximity
B) contact between members in a relationship
C) economic similarities
D) emotional closeness

Question 40

The text observes that grandparents continue to provide practical help and may serve as valuable

A) "gophers."
B) "companions."
C) "family watchdogs."
D) "honey doers."

Question 41

The text points out that eldercare may be envisioned as an interactive process during which family members struggle to negotiate various caregiving decisions. Social scientists have noted a __________ through which the process of eldercare proceeds.

A) geriatric progression
B) kin conversion experience
C) kin upgrading experience
D) caregiving trajectory

Question 42

Although caregiving for an aging parent is often given with fondness and love, it can also bring all EXCEPT which of the following?

A) a loss of identity
B) stress
C) conflicting emotions
D) great demands on time, energy, health and finances

Question 43

Providing elder care may enhance one's sense of purpose and overall life satisfaction for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT one of these reasons?

A) the self-validating effects of helping another person
B) enhanced intimacy
C) the belief that helping others may result in assistance with one's own needs when the time arrives
D) an increase in finances

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT one of the steps recommended in the text for coping with an aging parent?

A) "Don't wait."
B) "Seek expert advice."
C) "Make delays."
D) "Shop around."

Question 45

A table in your text lists several options of community services for eldercare. Which of the following is NOT on the list?

A) adult day care
B) assisted living
C) nursing home
D) grandchild care

Question 46

According to the text, caregiving parent-child relations might best be characterized by ________.

A) an atmosphere of mutual love and caring
B) pessimism
C) ambivalence
D) optimism

Question 47

Joan has assumed the responsibility of caring for her elderly mother and she receives no monetary compensation for the time and work involved. This situation reflects what the text refers to as

A) informal caregiving.
B) managed care.
C) the team approach.
D) task-specific caring.

Question 48

__________ involves overt acts of aggression against an aging person.

A) Elder neglect
B) Family violence
C) Domestic abuse
D) Elder abuse

Question 49

Women account for about __________ of all unpaid caregivers.

A) one-quarter
B) one-third
C) one-half
D) two-thirds

Question 50

In general, the text observes, grandparents are most actively involved with

A) adolescents.
B) teenagers.
C) preschoolers.
D) college-aged youngsters.

Question 51

Jack is taking care of his elderly parents. He isn't particularly close to them, but he feels a sense of obligation regarding his caregiving. This situation reflects what the text refers to as

A) filial responsibility.
B) kin conversion.
C) task specificity.
D) kin upgrading.

Question 52

Sandra is a late-middle-aged mother of four, with her last daughter still living at home and going to school. Sandra is also providing care to her ailing father, who also lives in her home. Sandra is a member of what the text refers to as the

A) pink-collar ghetto.
B) sandwich generation.
C) dual-caregivers' club.
D) elder/youth care society.

Question 53

The text points out that caregiver stress and depression among Americans results partly from the fact that ours is a(n) __________ culture.

A) individualistic
B) collectivist
C) sharing
D) demanding

Question 54

Some of the negative effects of providing eldercare are listed in the text. Which of the following is NOT one of these?

A) career decline
B) social isolation
C) depression
D) strain on one's health

Question 55

The __________ model of elder abuse and neglect views elder abuse as a form of unlawful family violence and focuses on negative personal characteristics of abusers and on a possible criminal justice response.

A) caregiver
B) domestic violence
C) criminal justice
D) social service

Question 56

According to the text, elder abuse in families often, although not always, results from ________.

A) a lack of intimacy
B) caregiver stress
C) physical limitations
D) emotional limitations

Question 57

The text points out that all 50 states have now passed laws giving grandparents the right to

A) seek sole custody of their grandchildren, regardless of the living conditions offered by the biological parents.
B) be legal guardians to their noncustodial grandchildren.
C) be granted joint custody arrangements.
D) seek legalized visitation rights.

Question 58

The first choice by care receivers for a caregiver is a(n)

A) available spouse.
B) parent.
C) sibling.
D) close friend.

Question 59

Care for an aging parent is provided most often by __________.

A) sons
B) sons-in law
C) daughters
D) grandchildren

Question 60

__________ involves acts of omission or failure to give adequate care to an aging person.

A) Grey-haired absenteeism
B) Forgetfulness
C) Elder neglect
D) Domestic abuse

Question 61

The __________ model of elder abuse and neglect views abusive or neglectful caregivers as individuals who are simply overwhelmed by the requirements of caring for their elderly family members.

A) caregiver
B) domestic violence
C) criminal justice
D) social service

Question 62

Research shows that there is a fairly uniform model for parent-adult child relationships.

Question 63

The text points out that among many immigrant ethnic groups, norms of filial obligation are affected by ___________.

A) acculturation
B) ethnocentrism
C) kin conversion
D) kin upgrading

Question 64

Most older married couples place intimacy as central to their lives and describe their unions as happy.

Question 65

The age category called the "old-old" refers to people who are 85 and over.

Question 66

Older women are considerably better off financially than are older men.

Question 67

An important feature of the latent kin matrix is that, although they may remain dormant for long periods, family relations with adult siblings and extended kin emerge as a resource when

A) they're paid for it.
B) the need arises.
C) it's time for supper.
D) the will is read.

Question 68

According to family sociologist and demographer Andrew Cherlin, the family's "__________ face" provides individuals with intimacy, emotional support, and love.

A) latent
B) fictive
C) private
D) public

Question 69

Judy and Caroline have known each other since high school. They are married now and have children of their own. They frequently take care of each other's children. They often refer to each other as "like sisters." Judy and Caroline's situation illustrates which of the following concepts?

A) acculturation
B) filial obligation
C) kin upgrading
D) fictive kin

Question 70

As a group, non-Hispanic whites in the United States are younger than other racial/ethnic categories.

Question 71

Before Social Security and Medicare were initiated, the elderly were disproportionately poor.

Question 72

Today, children make up a larger proportion of the American population than in past decades.

Question 73

Widowerhood is significantly more common than widowhood.

Question 74

Research shows that daughters are more likely than sons to have close relationships with their parents, especially with their mothers.

Question 75

According to the text, the statement that minority ethnic communities rely only on their own family members for support is a(n) ______________.

A) substantiated fact
B) undocumented hypothesis
C) cultural assumption, or myth
D) very likely condition

Question 76

The text discusses __________, which is defined as "a web of continually shifting linkages that provide the potential for activating and intensifying close kin relationships."

A) the latent kin matrix
B) kin conversion
C) kin upgrading
D) fictive kin

Question 77

According to family sociologist and demographer Andrew Cherlin, the family's "__________ face" relates to the education of children, caring for family members who are ill, and helping the elderly.

A) public
B) backstage
C) private
D) latent

Question 78

Families on average are __________ today than in the past.

A) the same size
B) smaller
C) slightly larger
D) much larger

Question 79

Older women are significantly more likely than older men to live with persons other than their spouse.

Question 80

Sociologists and policy analysts Francesca Cancian and Stacey Oliker have proposed three strategies for moving our society toward better eldercare, coupled with greater gender equity in providing eldercare. Which of the following is NOT one of these strategies?

A) provide government funds that support more care outside the family
B) increase social recognition of caregiving
C) make caregiving more economically rewarding
D) build more nursing homes