Deck 11: Family Life Stages: Middle-Age to Surviving Spouse

Question 1

Strong families develop problem-solving and decision-making skills because they realize that:

A) outside assistance is unavailable.
B) problems and changes are a normal part of life.
C) they must never allow themselves to bend.
D) every family crisis is a devastating disaster.

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Dividing family life into stages or cycles can help us gain a better understanding of:

A) family disorganization.
B) marital conflict.
C) the change process.
D) gender roles.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

The graying of America means that more middle-aged individuals will have to:

A) shorten their retirement years.
B) return to traditional gender roles.
C) care for aging parents.
D) have more children.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

One of the most important demographic developments of the twentieth century is the increase in the number of:

A) strong families.
B) older Americans.
C) childless families.
D) single women.

Question 5

Much of the racial difference in life expectancy between black and white populations stems from:

A) dietary differences.
B) higher mortality in younger blacks.
C) the stress experienced by black males.
D) the genetic superiority of whites.

Question 6

Which of the following groups has the lowest life expectancy?

A) white females
B) white males
C) black females
D) black males

Question 7

How do strong healthy families differ from weak unsuccessful families?

A) Weak families adopt the attitude of "what can I do to help?"
B) Strong families rely more on email.
C) Strong families do not prepare, but simply roll with changes.
D) Strong families deal with difficulties from a position of strength and solidarity.

Question 8

All of the following statements about the problem-solving abilities of strong families are true EXCEPT:

A) these families have learned to bend without breaking.
B) they expect problems and anticipate changes.
C) each family member's attitude seems to be "What can I do?"
D) their problems are always solved without outside assistance.

Question 9

The country with the highest life expectancy is:

A) Japan.
B) the United States.
C) India.
D) Sweden.

Question 10

Why is middle age a relatively new stage in marriage?

A) fewer children
B) longer life expectancy
C) higher rates of divorce
D) redefinition of middle age

Question 11

All of the following statements about marital change are correct EXCEPT:

A) it usually does not destroy a relationship.
B) all marriages tend to change over time.
C) couples should try to avoid change.
D) change can be for better or worse.

Question 12

The term used by Cox and Demmitt to describe later-life families is:

A) young-old.
B) old.
C) old-old.
D) frail old.

Question 13

All of the following describe later-life families EXCEPT:

A) families beyond child-rearing years.
B) families facing or in retirement.
C) families giving birth to or adopting children.
D) families in the grandparenting stage.

Question 14

Strong families are:

A) not influenced by outside sources.
B) characterized by individuals who can deal with problems.
C) successful in dealing with change throughout the life stages.
D) more concerned with intrafamily conflicts than larger problems.

Question 15

Unlike weak families, strong families:

A) have a pool of resources to draw from in difficult times.
B) are not good at anticipating changes.
C) wait to deal with major confrontations.
D) add new problems to the burdens they already carry.

Question 16

For most couples, middle age starts when:

A) sex is no longer important.
B) chronic ailments limit their activities.
C) they are nearing retirement.
D) the children become independent.

Question 17

The combination of increased life expectancy and declining infant mortality has been linked to all of the following trends EXCEPT:

A) greater survival advantages for men relative to women.
B) longer lasting marriages.
C) lower fertility rates.
D) an increase in three-, four-, and five-generation families.

Question 18

Before 1900, most wives buried their husbands:

A) slightly after the husbands retired.
B) during the early parenthood stage.
C) before the last child left home.
D) when the wives were approaching menopause.

Question 19

While the Census Bureau provides an age for the "the middle-age stage," it is better to define it by:

A) the individual's life expectancy.
B) the changes and problems that occur.
C) the number of grandchildren.
D) retirement.

Question 20

The 2000 Census reported that one in every eight Americans is 65 years of age and older (about 35 million). In 2010, 40 million people were 65 or older. By 2030, they estimate that will change to:

A) 1 in 2.
B) 1 in 5.
C) 1 in 8.
D) 1 in 10.

Question 21

Cox and Demmitt believe that it is more difficult for middle-aged women to have an affair because they have:

A) lower guilt thresholds.
B) less leisure time.
C) a smaller pool of eligibles.
D) more sexual fixations.

Question 22

When a traditional wife and mother goes through the midlife transition, she is likely to encounter all of the following problems EXCEPT:

A) feelings of loss and uselessness.
B) marital dissatisfaction.
C) her partial failure as a parent.
D) mental illness.

Question 23

Middle age is a relatively new stage in marriage because:

A) most marriages used to end in divorce.
B) men and women used to hide their ages.
C) husbands used to die before the last child left home.
D) the Census Bureau didn't recognize it until 1980.

Question 24

A man's midlife transition centers on:

A) letting go of the dreams of youth.
B) his responsibilities to his children.
C) husband-wife conflict.
D) his changing health.

Question 25

During the twentieth century, young adults left home earlier with each succeeding generation until the:

A) 1950s.
B) 1960s.
C) 1970s.
D) 1980s.

Question 26

Gail Sheehy argues that the day you turn 45 is:

A) lonely and depressing.
B) the start of the midlife crisis.
C) a milestone in sexual enjoyment.
D) the infancy of another life.

Question 27

Most middle-aged women who have not had a career must adjust to the fact that they are:

A) no longer needed by their children.
B) losing interest in sex.
C) incapacitated by chronic ailments.
D) too old to participate in volunteer activities.

Question 28

When a man goes through midlife transition, he is likely to experience all of the following problems EXCEPT:

A) letting go of the dreams of his youth.
B) self-doubt about his sexuality.
C) job competition from younger men.
D) adjusting to leisure time.

Question 29

The recent increase in the number of young adults living with their parents has been linked to all of the following factors EXCEPT:

A) postponement of marriage.
B) the increasing importance of advanced education.
C) egalitarian parenting styles.
D) high divorce rates.

Question 30

According to Cox and Demmitt, the midlife male is often forced to handle two marriages, which are:

A) work and family.
B) first and second wife.
C) wife and children.
D) wife and mistress.

Question 31

For many middle-aged wives, their husband's midlife crisis is synonymous with:

A) weight gain and baldness.
B) having an affair.
C) chronic illness.
D) role conflict.

Question 32

When a man enters middlessence, most of his problems revolve around his:

A) relationship with his own parents.
B) feelings of inadequacy as a parent.
C) work world.
D) husband role.

Question 33

The "sandwich generation" describes middle-aged couples who are parenting both older children and aging:

A) siblings.
B) parents.
C) friends.
D) grandparents.

Question 34

A woman faces the biological boundary of the end of her childbearing years during:

A) later parenthood.
B) middle age.
C) retirement.
D) widowhood.

Question 35

Sharon is a middle-aged woman. Compared to her husband Robert, she is more likely to worry about her:

A) sexual performance.
B) physical attractiveness.
C) retirement plans.
D) childhood dreams.

Question 36

A person in the middlessence stage is likely to ask all of the following questions EXCEPT:

A) "Who am I?"
B) "How many children do I want?"
C) "What is life all about?"
D) "How do I handle my changing sexuality?"

Question 37

Julie is 32 years old. According to the Census, she is best classified as:

A) a young adult.
B) the young-old.
C) a later-lifer.
D) The Census does not define Julie's age group.

Question 38

Why is middlessence compared to adolescence?

A) People experience a "second puberty."
B) Questions arise that are similar to those in adolescence.
C) It is the launching stage of young adulthood.
D) The drama from teen years resurfaces as couples experience the empty nest.

Question 39

George has a fulfilling marriage and is proud of his three grown children. He has also been successful in his career. According to the textbook, George's midlife question becomes

A) "When can I relax?"
B) "Was it worth it?"
C) "What do I do now?"
D) "Who do I share it with?"

Question 40

Research indicates that a young adult in the home contributes to a high level of:

A) financial stability.
B) parental dissatisfaction.
C) family solidarity.
D) domestic violence.

Question 41

Which group in the United States has the largest percentage of adults age 85 and over?

A) non-Hispanic whites
B) Hispanics
C) Asians
D) blacks

Question 42

The length of retirement has increased for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A) increased life expectancy.
B) automation.
C) smaller families.
D) the emphasis on youth.

Question 43

A major source of dissatisfaction for caregivers is:

A) economic cost.
B) lack of resources to help with the care.
C) conflict among siblings.
D) guilt.

Question 44

For both men and women, midlife is a time of:

A) crises.
B) restructuring.
C) economic drain.
D) dependency.

Question 45

All of the following are reasons for an increase in the retirement age EXCEPT:

A) less physically demanding jobs.
B) industrialization.
C) greater Social Security benefits.
D) the need to keep health insurance.

Question 46

Wives of newly retired husbands list ____ as one of the major positive aspects of retirement.

A) their husband's happiness
B) companionship
C) decreasing household responsibilities
D) financial independence

Question 47

Charlie lives in New York City. His experience with retirement will likely be:

A) uneventful.
B) abrupt.
C) roleless.
D) a gradual change.

Question 48

Under the American work ethic, retirement equals:

A) freedom.
B) laziness.
C) success.
D) obsolescence.

Question 49

Retirement is best characterized as:

A) a cycle.
B) an event.
C) a process.
D) a syndrome.

Question 50

Sarah has been living with her parents since she finished college. According to the textbook, she is most likely to complain about:

A) sibling rivalry.
B) lack of freedom.
C) parental neglect.
D) financial support.

Question 51

Overall, research on the relationship between retirement and marital satisfaction show:

A) that marital satisfaction increases.
B) that there is very little change.
C) an increase in marital conflict.
D) mixed results.

Question 52

Filial obligation is an important concept in ____ families.

A) Asian American
B) middle-class
C) nontraditional
D) Irish

Question 53

Many businesses offer early retirement bonuses to counter the ill effects of:

A) taxation.
B) recession.
C) lower productivity.
D) union activities.

Question 54

Steve lives in a country that is not yet industrialized. It is likely that retirement for Steve will be:

A) an abrupt change.
B) non-existent.
C) uneventful.
D) a gradual change.

Question 55

Jack is retired but still keeps active by volunteering and getting together with his friends. Jack is a good example of someone who:

A) is wealthy.
B) pursues long-suppressed interests.
C) is a leader.
D) is aging optimally.

Question 56

The number one challenge faced by an increasing number of middle-aged couples is balancing:

A) physical limitations and leisure time activities.
B) work, childcare, and helping their elders.
C) their needs and wants.
D) family life, volunteer activities, and privacy.

Question 57

One reason for the sandwich generation is:

A) increase in population.
B) lack of housing.
C) death of a spouse.
D) longer life expectancy.

Question 58

Which example best represents a person in the sandwich generation?

A) Charlie's mother and mother-in-law both moved into his house for increased care.
B) Sue's mother recently moved into Sue's house. Sue's son moved home after he graduated college until he could get on his feet.
C) Daniel's daughter and her children moved into Daniel's house after a divorce.
D) Tara's sister and her children were evicted. They moved in with Tara and her family.

Question 59

Families with young children and aging parents in the home:

A) seem to experience less interpersonal strain than homes without young children.
B) experience greater hardship and strain than homes without young children.
C) are a greater economic burden than nursing homes.
D) ease the arguments between siblings.

Question 60

The primary caregivers to aging parents are:

A) sons.
B) daughters.
C) grandchildren.
D) home health care workers.

Question 61

Regardless of age, the death of a spouse arouses all emotions EXCEPT:

A) grief.
B) guilt.
C) anger.
D) relief.

Question 62

The most valuable asset for the elderly is:

A) Social Security.
B) a pension or retirement account.
C) savings.
D) their home.

Question 63

One advantage of the elderly remaining in their own homes as long as possible is that:

A) it reduces the impact of spousal loss.
B) it is less expensive.
C) they don't have to sell their belongings.
D) the children will visit more often.

Question 64

Compared to widows, widowers generally exhibit more severe problems with:

A) finances.
B) disorganization.
C) remarriage.
D) grandchildren.

Question 65

The number of years that widowhood may be expected to last has:

A) declined slightly.
B) declined sharply.
C) risen slightly.
D) risen dramatically.

Question 66

The final stage of marriage is usually:

A) a stable period.
B) the most rewarding.
C) a return to singleness.
D) characterized by retirement planning.

Question 67

Cox and Demmitt compare a successful retirement to:

A) adolescence.
B) courting.
C) politics.
D) athletics.

Question 68

The death of an elderly husband is likely to precipitate the death of his elderly wife if she:

A) is very religious and has a strong belief in the after-life.
B) remarries before the grieving process is completed.
C) derived most of her social identity from her husband.
D) remains in the same house after her husband's death.

Question 69

Tracy is 30 and a widow. Edith is 70 and also widowed. According to the authors, why is widowhood more of a problem for Edith?

A) Remarriage is remote for Edith.
B) Tracy will be less emotionally affected by widowhood.
C) Edith will struggle financially.
D) Tracy can still have children.

Question 70

The retired person's greatest financial enemy is:

A) high taxation.
B) widespread unemployment.
C) inflation.
D) the cost of food.

Question 71

The Senior Corps of Retired Executives pays former managers to:

A) speak at high school convocations.
B) work in underdeveloped countries.
C) assist nonprofit organizations.
D) counsel small businesses.

Question 72

Retirement for women does not hold the same significance as retirement for men because women:

A) are more likely to apply for Social Security than their male counterparts.
B) believe that they aren't supposed to help support the family.
C) experience other roles that they perceive as more important than work.
D) tend to retire at a much younger age than their husbands.

Question 73

Indexing Social Security to the inflation rate tends to:

A) neutralize early retirement bonuses.
B) lower the incidence of poverty.
C) reduce economic inflation.
D) threaten the existence of social security.

Question 74

Married women's higher mortality rate extends into widowhood because they:

A) continue their social activity.
B) have better health.
C) don't have to care for their husband.
D) have a close relationship with their children.

Question 75

The Census Bureau reports that the overall economic position of the elderly has:

A) remained constant.
B) moved up and down.
C) declined slightly.
D) improved significantly.

Question 76

The National Council on Aging publishes a directory of:

A) retirement planners.
B) special housing for the elderly.
C) health care providers.
D) support groups for widows.

Question 77

The major asset for most retired persons is their:

A) home.
B) pension.
C) 401K.
D) Social Security allowance.

Question 78

Widows tend to have better support systems than widowers because they pay more attention to:

A) financial details.
B) social relationships.
C) religious beliefs.
D) inner feelings.

Question 79

The two most important determinants of a successful retirement are:

A) adequate finances and good health.
B) lack of recreation and lack of mobility.
C) sexual functioning and poor spousal relationships.
D) social isolation and hostile relatives.

Question 80

When asked to identify the most negative aspects of their husband's retirement, most wives point to:

A) his loss of status.
B) financial problems.
C) the lack of privacy.
D) his declining interest in sex.