Question 1

Socioemotional selectivity theory, a lifespan theory of motivation, hypothesizes that increasing emphasis is placed on emotional experiences as we age.

Accepted Answer

Socioemotional selectivity theory suggests that as people age, they increasingly prioritize emotionally meaningful goals and experiences, reflecting a shift in motivation towards optimizing emotional well-being.

Question 2

Ego transcendence refers to older adults' focus on future generations and their own legacy after they are gone.

Accepted Answer

Ego transcendence is a concept introduced by Erik Erikson, which refers to the stage in late adulthood where individuals focus on nurturing and guiding future generations, reflecting on their life's impact and legacy.

Question 3

According to disengagement theory, when older adults disengage from society and society disengages from them, they will be dissatisfied with life.

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory suggests that it is natural and acceptable for older adults to withdraw from societal roles and relationships, and that this mutual disengagement is beneficial for both society and the individual, leading to satisfaction in life.

Question 4

The majority of research on older adults supports the disengagement theory of aging.

Accepted Answer

Most contemporary research on aging supports activity theory over disengagement theory, suggesting that staying active and engaged leads to better outcomes for older adults.

Question 5

Of all retired people, 90% still consider their identity to be determined by their former occupation.

Accepted Answer

Surveys and studies on retirement and identity show that while some retirees may strongly identify with their former occupations, the percentage is not as high as 90%. Many retirees find new identities in hobbies, volunteer work, or family roles.

Question 6

Depression has been linked to genetic factors, key life events, and personality factors.

Accepted Answer

Depression is a complex condition influenced by a combination of genetic factors, key life events (such as trauma or stress), and personality factors, including one's coping mechanisms and temperament.

Question 7

Reminiscence and life review may assist older adults in creating meaning for their lives.

Accepted Answer

Reminiscence and life review are therapeutic techniques that involve reflecting on past experiences, which can help older adults process their life events, find meaning and coherence in their life stories, and enhance their sense of well-being and identity.

Question 8

Ego integrity derives from wisdom and from the acceptance of one's life span as being limited and occurring at a certain point in the sweep of history.

Accepted Answer

Ego integrity is a concept from Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, referring to the acceptance of one's life as meaningful and fulfilling, even with its limitations and inevitable end. It is achieved through reflection on one's life, leading to wisdom and a sense of wholeness.

Question 9

Leisure activities are important determinants of successful retirement.

Accepted Answer

Leisure activities contribute significantly to the psychological and physical well-being of retirees, enhancing their quality of life and aiding in a successful transition to retirement.

Question 10

Retirement is most successful when it is planned.

Accepted Answer

Planning for retirement involves saving money, considering healthcare needs, and deciding on lifestyle choices, which can lead to a more secure and fulfilling retirement.

Question 11

The conflict during late adulthood, according to Erikson's psychosocial theory, is generativity vs. stagnation.

Accepted Answer

The conflict during late adulthood, according to Erikson's psychosocial theory, is integrity vs. despair. Generativity vs. stagnation occurs during middle adulthood.

Question 12

Older adults who are afraid to go into public places are suffering from agoraphobia rather than having realistic fears.

Accepted Answer

Agoraphobia is a specific anxiety disorder characterized by an intense fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help wouldn't be available if things go wrong. However, older adults may have realistic fears about going into public places due to concerns about falling, getting lost, or health issues, which does not necessarily mean they are suffering from agoraphobia.

Question 13

In late adulthood, people express progressively less "body esteem."

Accepted Answer

As people age, they often experience physical changes that can lead to a decrease in body esteem, which is how they perceive and feel about their physical appearance.

Question 14

Depression is the same thing as sadness or bereavement.

Accepted Answer

Depression is a clinical condition with a range of symptoms including persistent sadness, whereas sadness or bereavement are normal emotional responses to life's events and losses.

Question 15

Reminiscence is a sign of mental illness in older adults.

Accepted Answer

Reminiscence, or reflecting on past experiences, is a normal and often beneficial activity for older adults, helping with identity preservation, life review, and coping with aging, rather than being a sign of mental illness.

Question 16

Body transcendence occurs when people get beyond the physical limitations they experience and place more value on social relationships and cognitive abilities.

Accepted Answer

Body transcendence refers to the process of individuals moving beyond the physical limitations of their bodies, often experienced with aging or disability, and placing greater value on social relationships, cognitive abilities, and other non-physical aspects of their identity and life.

Question 17

Depression has been linked to cognitive and physical problems.

Accepted Answer

Depression can lead to various cognitive problems, such as difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things. It can also cause physical issues, including changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and chronic pain.

Question 18

Physical activity, social contacts, self-rated good health, the absence of cognitive impairment and depression, nonsmoking, and the absence of disabilities and chronic diseases are components of successful aging.

Accepted Answer

These components are commonly recognized in the literature on successful aging, reflecting a multidimensional approach that includes physical, psychological, and social well-being factors.

Question 19

Research consistently shows that physical activity is associated with a lower mortality rate in late adulthood and that leisure and informal social activities contribute to life satisfaction among retired people.

Accepted Answer

Numerous studies have indicated that physical activity in late adulthood is linked to reduced mortality rates, and engaging in leisure and informal social activities has been found to enhance life satisfaction among retirees. These activities contribute to both physical health and psychological well-being, supporting overall quality of life in older age.

Question 20

Theories of late adulthood focus on how older adults try to regain their former abilities.

Accepted Answer

Theories of late adulthood, such as disengagement theory, activity theory, and continuity theory, focus on how older adults adjust to aging, maintain their well-being, and engage with society, rather than trying to regain their former abilities.

Quiz 18: Late Adulthood: Social and Emotional Development