Question 1

By the year 2050, the population of older adults in the United States is projected to be over _________ of the total population.

Accepted Answer

By 2050, it is projected that older adults will make up over 20% of the total population in the United States due to the aging baby boomer generation and increased life expectancy.

Question 2

In 1970, residents aged 65 and older in the United States numbered __________ of the population.

Accepted Answer

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 1970, residents aged 65 and older accounted for 9.8% of the U.S. population.

Question 3

Older adults feel the impact of senescence in which domain of development?

Accepted Answer

Senescence affects all domains of development in older adults, including emotional, physical, and intellectual aspects.

Question 4

"Successful aging" as defined by Rowe and Kahn includes all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

"Successful aging" as defined by Rowe and Kahn includes freedom from disability and disease, high cognitive and physical functioning, and social engagement. However, it does not necessarily include long-term marriage and children as criteria for successful aging.

Question 5

Sleep changes in older adults include increases in ____________________.

Accepted Answer

As people age, they tend to experience more awakenings during the night, leading to fragmented sleep. While total sleep time may decrease, sleep efficiency (the amount of time spent asleep while in bed) may increase. Additionally, older adults tend to experience less slow-wave sleep, which is the deepest stage of sleep associated with physical restoration and rejuvenation.

Question 6

In late adulthood, women experience earlier and faster decreases in hearing sensitivity compared to men.

Accepted Answer

Men typically experience earlier and more significant decreases in hearing sensitivity compared to women, often due to higher lifetime exposure to occupational and recreational noise.

Question 7

Which is not one of the greatest predictors of subsequent disability for older adults?

Accepted Answer

Although education level can have an impact on health outcomes, it is not one of the greatest predictors of subsequent disability for older adults. The other options, smoking, body mass index, and exercise patterns, all have strong correlations with increased risk for disability in older adults.

Question 8

The prevalence of psychological disorders is no greater in older adulthood than it is in earlier stages in life.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that overall rates of psychological disorders do not increase as a natural consequence of aging, although certain disorders such as dementia do become more common in older age. However, older adults may be at higher risk for certain stressors such as chronic illness and social isolation, which can increase their vulnerability to certain mental health issues.

Question 9

What percentage of older adults experience major depression?

Accepted Answer

Major depression affects about 5% of older adults living in the community.

Question 10

The death of a spouse can result in:

Accepted Answer

The death of a spouse can lead to a range of emotional and psychological reactions, including depression, reevaluation of one's identity and life purpose, and personal growth as individuals adjust to life without their partner. Therefore, all of the choices (A-C) are valid outcomes of spousal bereavement.

Question 11

Individuals who are single tend to retire earlier than those who are married.

Accepted Answer

There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that individuals who are single retire earlier than those who are married. Retirement timing depends on a variety of factors such as personal savings, financial stability, and career goals, rather than marital status.

Question 12

Adaptation to retirement is influenced by all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Adaptation to retirement is influenced by all...

Question 13

Which aspect of older adults' personality is not related to successful aging:

Accepted Answer

While having an extraverted personality can contribute to social engagement and support, it is not necessarily a requirement for successful aging. The other aspects listed (positive attitude, adaptability, and optimism) are typically considered important for promoting physical health, cognitive function, and overall well-being in older adults.

Question 14

The theoretical lens of ______________________ brings into focus multiple contexts that interact and impact individuals disproportionately.

Accepted Answer

Intersectionality theory emphasizes the ways in which an individual's multiple social identities and contexts intersect and create unique experiences and challenges. This lens considers how factors such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability intersect and impact individuals in different ways, often resulting in unequal access to resources and opportunities.

Question 15

Social _________________ is the degree to which a person lacks belonging, social contacts, and does not have quality relationships.

Accepted Answer

The definition provided in the question best matches the concept of social isolation, which refers to a lack of social belonging and meaningful relationships. Segregation typically refers to enforced separation based on factors like race or ethnicity, whereas separation and desolation do not necessarily involve social relationships. Therefore, option A is the best choice.

Question 16

Findings suggest that the quality of relationships an individual has in late adulthood serves as a psychological buffer against physical and cognitive decline more than the number of relationships.

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that having high-quality relationships in late adulthood, even if there are fewer of them, can have a positive impact on physical and cognitive health, whereas simply having a larger number of more superficial relationships may not provide the same benefits.

Question 17

The three main issues facing the aging population do not include:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The three main issues facing the aging...

Question 18

Over 25 million adults over age 60 have income below _____________ of the federal poverty level.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Over 25 million adults over age 60...

Question 19

An estimated one in _________ seniors over the age 60 is a victim of elder abuse each year.

Accepted Answer

An estimated one in 10 seniors over the age of 60 is a victim of elder abuse each year, highlighting the prevalence of this issue among the elderly population.

Question 20

Students interested in the study of older adults should consider taking developmental coursework in aging and ________________________.

Accepted Answer

Gerontology is the study of aging, including physical, mental, and social changes that occur as individuals age. Taking coursework in gerontology would provide students with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing older adults, as well as the various approaches to promoting health and well-being in later life.

Quiz 12: Family and Late Adulthood