Question 1

An individual is extremely sad, can't sleep well, and experiences very low, and decreasing, self-esteem. These are features of depression among:

Accepted Answer

These symptoms are features of depression in both the elderly and the young. Depression is not exclusive to any particular age group.

Question 2

What is the relationship between age and anxiety in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Research has consistently found that the prevalence of anxiety disorders increases with age, particularly in those over 65 years old. This may be due to physical and neurological changes, increased stressors and losses, and comorbid medical conditions. However, anxiety in the elderly is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, so it is important for healthcare professionals to remain vigilant for symptoms and provide appropriate interventions.

Question 3

Studies of the "oldest old" show that compared to people in their 80s and early 90s, the oldest old are usually:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that compared to people in their 80s and early 90s, the oldest old (typically aged 95 and above) are actually more agile, healthier, and clearheaded. This is thought to be due to a combination of genetic factors, better medical care, and healthy lifestyle habits.

Question 4

A person who abuses alcohol often drinks alone, blacks out occasionally, and falls a lot. These characteristics are:

Accepted Answer

The answer of A person who abuses alcohol often drinks...

Question 5

As people age, the incidence of alcohol abuse and other forms of substance abuse:

Accepted Answer

As people age, the incidence of alcohol abuse and other forms of substance abuse generally decreases. This is often due to lifestyle changes, health concerns, and shifts in social activities that come with aging.

Question 6

"I'm no fool, no sirree! I'm gonna live to be 103. . . ." sang the Disney character Jiminy Cricket decades ago. If Jiminy Cricket had been a human (most crickets live only a few weeks), what's the BEST advice you could have given him to live a very long life?

Accepted Answer

The best advice would be for Jiminy Cricket to accept life's challenges with optimism, have good health habits, such as eating well and exercising regularly, and inherit 'longevity' genes, which contribute to a longer lifespan. While avoiding life's hassles and finding personal space may be helpful in managing stress, they are not the primary factors that contribute to a longer life. Additionally, extreme longevity is not entirely genetic and can be influenced by environmental factors and lifestyle choices.

Question 7

An elderly individual has just been diagnosed with depression. In the future, that individual would be expected to:

Accepted Answer

Depression can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body, making it more difficult to recover from both injuries and illnesses. Therefore, an elderly individual with depression would be expected to recover more slowly than average for both injuries and illnesses.

Question 8

To date, research shows that anxiety among the elderly is related to:

Accepted Answer

The answer of To date, research shows that anxiety among...

Question 9

An individual seeking help from a geropsychologist is MOST likely:

Accepted Answer

Geropsychologists specialize in working with elderly individuals, so it is most likely that someone seeking their help is also elderly.

Question 10

The MOST feared psychological problem among the elderly is:

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, ultimately leading to loss of independence and functional abilities. It is feared among the elderly as it can significantly limit their ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed and can impact their relationships with loved ones. Other options such as stress, loss of sexual function, and alcoholism may also be concerns for the elderly, but they do not have the same level of long-term consequences and impact as Alzheimer's disease.

Question 11

An elderly (older than 65) member of your community has just started using the Internet to keep up with friends and family. This community member is:

Accepted Answer

According to research studies, the number of elderly individuals using the internet has been increasing steadily over the past few years. They use the internet for various purposes ranging from keeping in touch with their loved ones to accessing medical information, online shopping, and entertainment. The increasing availability of user-friendly technology and training programs specifically designed for the elderly has made it easier for them to adopt and use the internet. Therefore, it is safe to say that the usage of the internet by elderly individuals is increasingly common.

Question 12

Compared to younger people, those older than 65 are:

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that older adults who live in nursing homes are more likely to experience depression than those who do not. However, older adults who live independently are less likely to experience depression compared to younger adults. Therefore, older adults who do not live in nursing homes are less likely to experience depression, while those who do are about as likely as younger adults to experience depression.

Question 13

Survey research shows that alcohol-related disorders affect about:

Accepted Answer

Survey research shows that alcohol-related disorders affect about 5 percent of the elderly, and it occurs more often in men.

Question 14

A friend says, "My 70-year-old grandmother is in good physical health but has been diagnosed with depression. Should she even bother getting therapy? She is pretty old, after all." Your BEST research-based answer is:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that therapy can be effective for older adults with depression, with over half of elderly patients showing improvement with treatment. It is important to consider individualized treatment plans based on the individual's specific needs and preferences. Group therapy may not always be the best option for older adults with depression.

Question 15

Which would be at greatest risk for depression?

Accepted Answer

Older women are at a greater risk for developing depression compared to older men, regardless of their living situation. Being in a nursing home also increases the risk of depression due to factors such as social isolation and loss of independence. Therefore, an older woman in a nursing home would be at the greatest risk for depression.

Question 16

Which is NOT a risk factor associated with depression in the elderly?

Accepted Answer

While financial problems can certainly be a risk factor for depression in older adults, it is not necessarily exclusive to this age group and can affect people of various ages. The other options are all commonly associated with depression in the elderly.

Question 17

An elderly individual has just been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. MOST likely, the diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder is a common anxiety disorder that can affect individuals of any age, including the elderly. Symptoms may include excessive and uncontrollable worry about a variety of aspects of daily life, such as health, finances, or family relationships. It can often be treated with therapy and/or medication. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is another anxiety disorder, but is characterized by intrusive and repetitive thoughts or behaviors, while agoraphobia is a fear or avoidance of certain situations or places. Panic attacks are a symptom that can occur in a variety of anxiety disorders, but are not a diagnosis in and of themselves.

Question 18

The percentage of the U.S. population today aged 65 and older is:

Accepted Answer

According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2020, the percentage of the U.S. population aged 65 and older is approximately 13 percent.

Question 19

Among the "oldest old," those who are older than 95 years old, the MOST common concern is:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the most common concern among the "oldest old" is a fear of losing mental abilities. This is because cognitive decline is common among this age group and can have a significant impact on their daily lives. While fears of dying and health concerns are also common, losing mental abilities is the top concern.

Question 20

Regarding treatment of depression in the elderly, studies show that:

Accepted Answer

Drug treatments may need to be altered because the older body breaks down drugs differently, which can cause adverse side effects or ineffective treatment. It is essential to adjust the dosage and closely monitor medication use in elderly patients with depression. Other treatments such as therapy and electroconvulsive shock therapy may also be options, depending on the individual's case. However, neither option is universally "the treatment of choice," as every patient's needs and responses are unique.

Quiz 18: Disorders of Aging and Cognition