Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a reason why older women are more likely to be widows than older men are to be widowers?

Accepted Answer

This statement is actually false. Women generally have lower incomes than men in later life, which can make them more financially vulnerable after becoming widowed.

Question 2

The text cites two reasons why the percent of grandparent-maintained families are becoming more predominant. These factors are:

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that the increase in grandparent-maintained families is due to worsening economic conditions, which may necessitate grandparents stepping in to provide support, and the fact that grandparents are living longer, allowing them to play a more active role in their grandchildren's lives for a longer period.

Question 3

Today, in the United States, there were ___ times more widows than widowers.

Accepted Answer

According to the latest census data (2019), there were approximately 11.3 million widows and 3.8 million widowers in the United States. Therefore, there were around 3 times more widows than widowers. So, the best choice is B) 3.

Question 4

For men who are age 85 and over, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________.

Accepted Answer

For men age 85 and over, the most common marital status is married, largely due to the fact that men often marry younger women and have a higher mortality rate, leaving fewer older men unmarried. For women in the same age range, the most common marital status is widowed, as women typically live longer than men and are therefore more likely to outlive their spouses.

Question 5

By 2050, the older adult population in the Unites States is expected to include 1 in every ____ Americans:

Accepted Answer

By 2050, it is projected that 1 in every 5 Americans will be an older adult, reflecting the aging population trend.

Question 6

If all of the following men were living in the U. S. and were over the age of 65, who would be MOST likely to be living alone?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that older Black adults are more likely to live alone than older adults of other racial and ethnic groups. Therefore, Rodney, who is Black, would be the most likely to be living alone.

Question 7

According to the text, widows typically are ______ likely than widowers to experience depression in the time just before their spouse's death, in part because ________ generally have better social support networks.

Accepted Answer

The text states that widows are less likely than widowers to experience depression in the time just before their spouse's death, in part because women generally have better social support networks.

Question 8

According to the text, which of the following would LEAST likely be called on to help manage long-term responsibilities associated with caring for an older adult who has lost a spouse?

Accepted Answer

While friends may provide emotional support and occasional help, they are less likely to be called on for long-term responsibilities related to caring for an older adult who has lost a spouse. Family members such as children, siblings, and other relatives are typically the ones who take on these responsibilities.

Question 9

If you conducted a survey of 1,000 women over the age of 85 and asked them if they were widows, you should expect that about how many of them would answer "yes."

Accepted Answer

Statistically, a significant majority of women over the age of 85 are widows due to higher life expectancy in women and the tendency for men to marry younger women. Therefore, around 75% or 750 out of 1,000 women in this age group would likely be widows.

Question 10

In 1997, about what percent of U. S. children under the age of 18 lived with grandparents in a grandparent-maintained home?

Accepted Answer

In 1997, about 6% of U.S. children under the age of 18 lived with grandparents in a grandparent-maintained home. This reflects a specific living arrangement rather than the broader category of children having some form of contact or relationship with their grandparents.

Question 11

If all of the following women were living in the U S. and were over the age of 65, who would be LEAST likely to be living alone?

Accepted Answer

Asian women over the age of 65 in the U.S. are statistically less likely to live alone compared to women from other racial or ethnic groups, due to cultural factors that emphasize multigenerational living arrangements.

Question 12

In the U.S. today, are more likely to live with their spouse and are more likely to live alone.

Accepted Answer

Men are more likely to live with their spouse, while women are more likely to live alone, often due to longer life expectancy and higher rates of widowhood among women.

Question 13

For men who are age 75-84, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________.

Accepted Answer

For men aged 75-84, the most common marital status is married, largely because men often marry younger women and have a higher mortality rate, leaving fewer widowers than widows. For women in the same age range, the most common marital status is widowed, due to their longer life expectancy and the likelihood of being married to men who are older.

Question 14

If all of the following men were living in the U. S. and were over the age of 65, who would be LEAST likely to be living alone?

Accepted Answer

Asian men over the age of 65 in the U.S. are statistically less likely to live alone compared to other racial groups, often due to cultural norms that emphasize multigenerational living.

Question 15

For men who are age 65-74, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________.

Accepted Answer

According to statistical data, for men who are age 65-74, the most common marital status is married, and for women in the age range, the most common marital status is also married. However, it is important to note that this may vary depending on the specific population and region being studied.

Question 16

If all of the following women were living in the U.S. and were over the age of 65, who would be MOST likely to be living alone?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that black individuals, particularly women, are more likely to live alone in later life compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. This may be due to a variety of factors such as higher rates of widowhood, divorce, and lower rates of marriage.

Question 17

Among older married couples, if one partner becomes seriously ill, that person's most likely caregiver is:

Accepted Answer

Among older married couples, the most likely caregiver for a seriously ill partner is the spouse, due to their close relationship and shared living situation. Research also shows that spouses provide more hours of care and report higher levels of emotional strain compared to adult children or other family members.

Question 18

According to the text, of U. S. women over the age of 85, about ____ are widows.

Accepted Answer

The text states that "of U.S. women over the age of 85, about three-quarters are widows." "Three-quarters" means 75%, so C is the correct choice.

Question 19

If you conducted a random survey of older people who were living alone after a spouse had died, and of the people you surveyed, 100 were men, you should expect that your survey group included about _____ women.

Accepted Answer

Today, in the United States the total number of older adult women who were widows was more than 3 times the number of older adult men who were widowers.

Question 20

The text reports that in 1980, 2.3 million grandchildren lived in a grandparent-maintained household and that by 1997 this number was:

Accepted Answer

The text states that "the number of grandchildren living in grandparent-maintained households rose from 2.3 million in 1980 to 7.5 million in 1997."

Quiz 17: Older Adulthood: Personality and Sociocultural Development