Question 1

Pension plans that pay a specific amount every month if the retired person worked the required number of years are called:

Accepted Answer

Defined benefit plans are pension plans that guarantee a specific amount of monthly payment to the retired person if he/she worked the required number of years. The employer usually contributes to this plan on behalf of the employee, and the risk is borne by the employer to ensure that the plan is adequately funded.

Question 2

Among services for older adults, Medicaid covers:

Accepted Answer

Medicaid covers a range of home-and-community-based services, such as home health aides, personal care services, and adult day care. However, eligibility and offerings vary by state. Medicaid also covers medical services, but this is not the only type of service it covers. Nursing home stays are also covered, but there is not necessarily a 90-day limit.

Question 3

Demographics in the U.S. are generally characterized by:

Accepted Answer

The U.S. population is becoming more diverse, with a growing population of racially and ethnically pluralistic young people and a growing population of predominantly white older adults. The child population is not declining, and the female population is not declining at all age groups. The population of older adults is actually growing, not declining.

Question 4

Compared to the poverty standard for younger adults, the poverty standard for those over age 65 is:

Accepted Answer

The poverty standard for those over age 65 is lower than the poverty standard for younger adults. This is because older adults typically have higher medical and long-term care expenses, which are taken into account when calculating the poverty standard. Therefore, they can make less money and still be considered 'poor' compared to younger adults.

Question 5

Which of the following was NOT part of the Older Americans Act?

Accepted Answer

The creation of Medicare was not part of the Older Americans Act. Medicare was created as part of the Social Security Amendments of 1965. The Older Americans Act, passed in 1965, focused on providing comprehensive services for older adults, including nutrition programs, community service employment programs, and community-based services like senior centers and transportation assistance.

Question 6

Programs funded through the Older Americans Act are:

Accepted Answer

Programs funded through the Older Americans Act are not entitlements and are capped, meaning that when the allocated funds are exhausted, eligible applicants may be denied services.

Question 7

The 'sandwich generation' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The 'sandwich generation' refers to family caregivers who are simultaneously caring for young children and aging parents. This term reflects the feeling of being squeezed between the multiple responsibilities of caring for two generations at the same time. Baby Boomers and working mothers may be a part of this generation, but they are not the specific definition of the 'sandwich generation'. Two-earner families are also not a specific definition of this term.

Question 8

Which of the following most accurately characterizes the fiscal strains facing the entitlement programs?

Accepted Answer

While both Medicare and Social Security do face fiscal strains and will need reforms to ensure their solvency into the future, they are not in an immediate crisis. With careful and timely reforms, both programs can continue to serve their intended purposes. B and D are incorrect as they present extreme views that do not accurately reflect the current situation. C is also incorrect as it ignores the well-documented fiscal challenges facing both programs.

Question 9

Addressing social policy for older adults requires:

Accepted Answer

Supporting the intergenerational compact and interdependence is important in addressing social policy for older adults. This means recognizing that the well-being of older adults is tied to the well-being of younger generations and creating policies that promote mutual support and collaboration between generations. This also includes addressing issues such as ageism and promoting opportunities for older adults to participate in their communities and contribute to society. Choices A, B, and D are not appropriate or effective approaches for addressing social policy for older adults.

Question 10

Which of the following is an accurate and strengths-based message about social policy for aging populations?

Accepted Answer

Option D presents a positive and inclusive message about aging populations and social policy. It emphasizes that policies that benefit older adults can also benefit people of all ages and that investing in healthy aging is beneficial for society as a whole. It avoids stereotypes and negative assumptions about older adults and emphasizes their value and potential contributions.

Question 11

Workforce participation by older Americans is:

Accepted Answer

The article states that workforce participation by older Americans is rising, even as labor force participation by other ages has fallen somewhat. This suggests that older Americans are continuing to work and participate in the labor force at a steady pace, possibly due to factors such as increasing life expectancy and the need for additional income or health benefits.

Question 12

Depression in older adults is best understood as:

Accepted Answer

Depression in older adults is a mental health concern that is treatable through various therapies and medications. While older adults may experience losses, it does not make depression inevitable, and ageism may contribute to depression but is not the sole cause. It is possible and important to treat depression in older adults to improve their quality of life.

Question 13

Hospice care is:

Accepted Answer

Hospice care is end-of-life care that focuses on managing pain and other symptoms in patients who are no longer seeking curative treatment for their illnesses. It can be provided in various settings, including the patient's home, hospice facilities, or hospitals. It is typically provided by a team of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and spiritual counselors.

Question 14

The shifting of risks related to retirement financing, from public responsibility to individuals, is seen by many social workers as:

Accepted Answer

The shifting of retirement financing risks to individuals is seen as inadequate and inequitable by many social workers because not everyone has the same access to resources and opportunities to save for retirement, and many people face unforeseen circumstances such as job loss or health problems that can jeopardize their ability to save enough for a secure retirement. Furthermore, relying solely on individual responsibility may lead to increased social inequality and poverty among elderly populations.

Question 15

Comparisons of public spending on children and older adults must:

Accepted Answer

Comparisons of public spending on children and older adults should take into account both federal and state/local spending and calculate spending per capita. Additionally, it is important to consider differences in the specific cohorts within each group (e.g. young children vs. teenagers, or adults over 65 vs. those in their 80s or 90s). Therefore, option D ("both b and c") is the correct answer. Comparing spending on children and older adults can be complex, and these factors must be considered to make meaningful comparisons.

Question 16

American public opinion about OASDI largely holds that:

Accepted Answer

According to various surveys and polls, Americans of all ages support social insurance and prioritize reforms to strengthen its future. While there may be some divisions on how to approach reform, there is overall support for Social Security as a crucial program for economic security. Option A is incorrect as social insurance continues to be seen as an important policy for maintaining economic security. Option C is incorrect as privatization is not a popular solution among the majority of Americans. Option D is incorrect as young people also support Social Security as a program that they will rely on in the future.

Question 17

Name at least three political, economic, and social factors that came together to make passage of OASDI possible. What does this suggest for needed social reforms today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name at least three political, economic, and...

Question 18

With what you know about demographics, wages, and Social Security, why are women the majority of SSI beneficiaries?

Accepted Answer

The answer of With what you know about demographics, wages,...

Question 19

There are economic and person-centered rationales for the expansion of Home and Community-Based Services within Medicaid. Explain each of these:

Accepted Answer

The answer of There are economic and person-centered rationales for...

Question 20

Describe at least two policies that would have to develop for the U.S. to pursue a policy of "aging well".

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe at least two policies that would...

Quiz 11: Policies and Programs for Older Adults