Question 1

The fact that Okinawans,who eat only 60% of the normal Japanese diet,have 40 times as many people over 100 than the rest of Japan,is evidence for which biological theory of aging?

Accepted Answer

The fact that Okinawans, who consume a lower calorie diet compared to the rest of Japan, have a higher concentration of people over 100 suggests that a slower metabolic rate, or a lower "rate-of-living," may lead to increased lifespan. This supports the rate-of-living theory of aging.

Question 2

Changes in the voice with age include all of the following except

Accepted Answer

As people age, there is generally a lowering of the voice due to changes in the vocal cords and the larynx. There is also often slower pronunciation and increased trembling or shakiness in the voice. However, increased volume is not typically a change that occurs with age.

Question 3

The best conclusion to draw from biological theories of aging is

Accepted Answer

While each theory of aging can provide insight into certain aspects of the aging process, none of them can fully account for all of the changes that occur. Therefore, the best conclusion is that none of these theories completely explain normative aging.

Question 4

Research on muscle development has shown that

Accepted Answer

Muscle strength does diminish significantly during middle adulthood, and the improvement rate with exercise does vary with age.

Question 5

The most noticeable changes in body build are

Accepted Answer

As people age, they often experience a decrease in height due to factors such as loss of bone density and compressed joints. Weight, on the other hand, may fluctuate due to changes in diet, activity level, and metabolism. Therefore, choice A (decreased height and fluctuations in weight) is the most accurate description of the noticeable changes in body build.

Question 6

To understand the overall health of a person requires not only understanding biological functioning,but also

Accepted Answer

Understanding the overall health of a person requires consideration of all of these factors, including biological functioning, psychological functioning, sociocultural functioning, and life-cycle forces. Each of these areas can have a significant impact on a person's health and well-being, and therefore, all must be taken into account in assessing overall health.

Question 7

Gray hair is caused by

Accepted Answer

Gray hair is caused by the cessation of pigment production, specifically the pigment melanin, in the hair follicle. As we age, the melanin production in the follicle decreases, resulting in the hair appearing gray or white.

Question 8

Which of the following is not associated with cellular theories of aging?

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol buildup is not typically associated with cellular theories of aging. The other options are commonly cited factors in the process of cellular aging. The Hayflick limit refers to the number of times a cell can divide before reaching senescence, while free radicals, caused by oxidative stress, can damage cellular components and contribute to aging. Cross-linking refers to the process by which proteins in the body become linked together, leading to stiffness and decreased elasticity of tissues, a key feature of aging.

Question 9

Which of the following is not a cause of wrinkles?

Accepted Answer

Elastin fibers actually help to keep skin elastic and prevent wrinkles, so losing these fibers would contribute to wrinkles. Thinning of the epidermal layer, collagen fibers losing flexibility, and losing the underlying layer of fat all contribute to wrinkles.

Question 10

During middle age,most _____weight and then_____weight in old age.

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that most people tend to gain weight during middle age, and then begin to lose weight in old age. This is likely due to a decrease in metabolic rate and physical activity as people age. Women may also experience additional weight gain during menopause due to hormonal changes. Option A is incorrect because people typically gain weight during middle age, not lose it. Option C is incorrect because while women may experience hormonal changes during menopause that can lead to weight gain, this is not a universal trend across all women. Option D is incorrect because there are systematic weight changes in adulthood, as described above.

Question 11

Most facial wrinkling experienced by adults is

Accepted Answer

Most facial wrinkling is preventable through lifestyle choices such as sun protection, not smoking, and proper skincare.

Question 12

Which of the following has not been related to osteoporosis?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin E deficiency has not been directly linked to osteoporosis. However, vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect bone cells from damage and may play a role in bone health. Nonetheless, it has not been clearly established that vitamin E deficiency leads to osteoporosis. The other choices, increasing age, estrogen depletion, and lack of exercise, have all been identified as risk factors for osteoporosis.

Question 13

Which of the following is not one of the first signs of aging that are readily apparent?

Accepted Answer

Increased blood pressure is not typically one of the first signs of aging that are readily apparent. Age spots, redistribution of body fat, and wrinkles are more common early signs of aging.

Question 14

The leading cause of broken bones in women is

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, leading to an increased risk of fractures. It is most common in women after menopause, as their bodies produce less estrogen, which is important for maintaining strong bones. Therefore, B is the best choice as it directly relates to the leading cause of broken bones in women.

Question 15

Severe loss of bone mass and the "laced honeycomb" appearance of bone is called

Accepted Answer

Severe loss of bone mass and the "laced honeycomb" appearance of bone is a characteristic of osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis refers to the degeneration of joint cartilage, hypertension is high blood pressure, and skeletosis is not a recognized medical term.

Question 16

Highly unstable molecules which are highly reactive and cause cellular damage are known as

Accepted Answer

Highly unstable and reactive molecules that cause cellular damage are known as free radicals. Coenzymes are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in their function. Telomeres are the protective caps on the end of chromosomes that shorten as cells divide. Cross-linking refers to the formation of links between molecules, often through chemical reactions.

Question 17

Substances that prevent oxygen from combining to form free radicals are known as

Accepted Answer

Substances that prevent oxygen from combining to form free radicals are known as antioxidants.

Question 18

This theory is a possible cause of the increasing stiffness of muscles,such as the heart walls,with increasing age.

Accepted Answer

Cross-linking refers to the formation of chemical bonds between proteins and other molecules, which can cause stiffness and decreased flexibility in tissues. This process is known to increase with age and could be a possible cause of the increasing stiffness of muscles, including the heart walls. The other choices (Hayflick limit, free radicals, and cholesterol buildup) do not directly relate to cross-linking and its effects on muscle stiffness.

Question 19

Focusing on diet as having a role in aging is one aspect of

Accepted Answer

Rate-of-living theories suggest that the speed of metabolism and energy expenditure, which can be influenced by diet, affect the rate of aging.

Question 20

A theory about aging suggesting that there is an innate ability in cells to self-destruct and the ability of dying cells to trigger key processes in other cells is

Accepted Answer

The theory described in the question is commonly referred to as the programmed-cell-death theory of aging, which suggests that aging is caused by the activation of genes that control cell death. These dying cells can then trigger important processes in neighboring cells, leading to the breakdown of tissues and ultimately the aging process. This theory is also known as apoptosis.

Quiz 3: Physical Changes