Question 1

Mrs.Adams,an 87-year-old widow,has begun to distance herself from some of her extended family members.At the same time,she spends increasing time with her adult children,grandchildren,and some of her close neighbors.This would be an example of:

Accepted Answer

Mrs. Adams' behavior is consistent with the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, which suggests that as we age, we prioritize emotionally meaningful social relationships and invest more time in those that are most important to us (such as family and close friends) while distancing ourselves from more peripheral relationships. This theory also suggests that our perception of time influences our social behavior, with older adults feeling a sense of time limitation and therefore valuing time with loved ones more.

Question 2

Early theories of aging focused on describing it as:

Accepted Answer

Early theories of aging often framed it as a problem, focusing on the decline and challenges associated with getting older rather than viewing it as a normal or positive part of life.

Question 3

Psychological theories of aging seek to explain:

Accepted Answer

Psychological theories of aging focus on understanding the changes that occur in an individual's behavior in late life. These changes can include cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of aging. The theories aim to explain the reasons behind these changes and how they impact an individual's overall well-being. The other answer options, A, B, and C, are too specific and do not encompass the broad scope of psychological theories of aging.

Question 4

Theory is important to therapeutic decisions as a way to:

Accepted Answer

Theory provides a framework for evaluation and intervention which can guide therapeutic decisions. It allows therapists to understand the individual differences of their clients and perceive the complexity of understanding older adults. However, it does not reduce the need to address individual differences, nor does it clearly identify the specific evaluation instruments to be used.

Question 5

A theory with particular relevance to occupational and physical therapy is:

Accepted Answer

The systems theory of motor control is a theory that proposes that motor control involves the interaction of multiple systems including the musculoskeletal, neural, and environmental systems. This theory has particular relevance to occupational and physical therapy as it informs the assessment and treatment of movement disorders and provides a framework for understanding how impairments in one system can affect overall movement performance.

Question 6

Which of the following is the most accurate statement about the purpose of theory in aging?

Accepted Answer

Theories in aging attempt to provide explanations for what is observed in research and practice. They attempt to make sense of complex phenomena and provide a framework for understanding aging processes and outcomes. While some theories may aim to simplify practice, this is not the primary purpose of theory in aging. Theories also do not necessarily resolve disputes about the nature of reality and definitions of aging, but rather provide a starting point for exploring and understanding these issues. Finally, while some theories may attempt to identify a few basic factors that contribute to aging processes, this is not the only or most important purpose of theory in this field.

Question 7

Theories that explain aging as resulting from the accumulation of "insults" from the environment that eventually reach a level incompatible with life are labeled:

Accepted Answer

Theories that explain aging as resulting from the accumulation of "insults" from the environment that eventually reach a level incompatible with life are labeled stochastic theories. Stochastic theories propose that aging is caused by random accumulation of molecular damage, errors in DNA replication, and other random events.

Question 8

Explanations that focus on the situations and problems that accumulate during the life span and cannot be understood separately from developmental experiences are considered to reflect:

Accepted Answer

Explanations that focus on the situations and problems that accumulate during the life span refer to the process of aging, which is a continuous and dynamic process that cannot be understood separately from developmental experiences.

Question 9

In the theory of selective optimization with compensation,"optimization" refers to the idea that:

Accepted Answer

The theory of selective optimization with compensation proposes that people prioritize certain areas of their lives to optimize, or improve, while compensating for other areas where they may be experiencing decline or limitations. Optimization refers to the idea that people engage in behaviors that augment or enrich their general reserves and maximize their chosen life courses.

Question 10

It is now believed that neurological theories of aging may be:

Accepted Answer

Some neurological theories of aging have been too pessimistic, suggesting that normal age-related cognitive decline is inevitable and irreversible. However, recent research shows that brain plasticity allows for continued learning and improvement throughout the lifespan.

Quiz 2: Theories of Aging: a Multidisciplinary Review for Occupational and Physical Therapists