Question 1

The oldest-old refers to individuals aged ______.
A) 65+
B) 65-74
C) 75-84
D) 85-100
E) 85+

Accepted Answer

The term "oldest-old" typically refers to individuals who are 85 years of age and older. This group is distinguished from the "young-old" (65-74 years) and the "old-old" (75-84 years) to highlight the unique health, social, and economic challenges they face.

Question 2

The maximum human life span is approximately ______ years.
A) 85
B) 100
C) 120
D) 135
E) none of these

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that the maximum human life span is around 120 years. While there have been some individuals who have lived past this age, it is not considered typical. Factors such as genetics, lifestyle habits, and access to healthcare can all influence a person's life span. Therefore, choice C) 120 is the best choice.

Question 3

Which research method/design is most appropriate for looking at aging from the life-course perspective?
A) longitudinal research
B) quasi-experimental design
C) experimental design
D) panel study
E) survey analysis

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal research involves studying the same individuals over an extended period of time, allowing for tracking and analysis of changes in behavior and characteristics throughout the life course. This is the most appropriate method for studying aging because it allows for exploration of the complex interactions of biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the aging process. Other methods such as experimental design and quasi-experimental design are less suitable for studying aging, as they are focused on identifying causality and may not capture the dynamic and complex nature of the aging process. Panel studies and survey analysis can also provide valuable information, but they may not capture the long-term changes that occur over the life course.

Question 4

This theory of aging posits that in old age, people maintain the habits, personality, and lifestyle that they developed in their younger years.
A) modernization
B) continuity
C) technology
D) disengagement
E) activity

Accepted Answer

The theory of continuity posits that individuals maintain a stable set of behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs throughout their lives. This includes habits, personality traits, and lifestyle choices, which can contribute to the aging process. The concept of continuity suggests that people are not passive victims of aging, but rather they actively shape their own experiences in old age based on their lifelong patterns of behavior.

Question 5

The ______ theory of aging posits that the status of older people declines as the level of technology progresses.
A) disengagement
B) technology
C) modernization
D) continuity
E) activity

Accepted Answer

The modernization theory of aging suggests that as society becomes more technologically advanced, older individuals are left behind and their status and power declines. This theory argues that the traditional roles and values of older people are no longer valued in modern society.

Question 6

______ depicted the life course as a series of psychosocial struggles that had to be resolved.
A) Cicero
B) William Shakespeare
C) Daniel Levinson
D) Erik Erikson
E) Sophocles

Accepted Answer

The statement describes Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, in which he proposed eight stages of development that include specific developmental tasks or crises to be resolved.

Question 7

According to the ______ theory of aging, old age is marked by the mutual withdrawal of older persons and society.
A) modernization
B) continuity
C) technology
D) disengagement
E) activity

Accepted Answer

The disengagement theory of aging proposed by Cumming and Henry in 1961 suggests that as people age, they gradually withdraw or disengage from social roles and relationships, and society in turn withdraws from the individual. This mutual withdrawal is seen as a natural and inevitable part of the aging process.

Question 8

Researchers have located groups of people in remote parts of the world (e.g., in the mountains of Peru) who live beyond the maximum human life span.

Accepted Answer

While researchers have found populations with notably healthy elderly members, such as in the Blue Zones, there is no verified evidence of groups consistently living beyond the maximum documented human lifespan of 122 years.

Question 9

The most persistent view of aging in society reflects continuous deterioration and decline, thus forming the basis for age-based prejudice known as ______.
A) age grading
B) age stratification
C) age norms
D) ageism
E) age differentiation

Accepted Answer

Ageism is the term used to describe the prejudice and discrimination against people based solely on their age, and it is rooted in the belief that aging is synonymous with decline and deterioration. Ageism can lead to negative stereotypes, unequal treatment, and exclusion of older adults from societal opportunities and resources. Age grading refers to the classification of people into age cohorts, age stratification is the hierarchy based on age, age norms are social expectations about behavior at certain ages, and age differentiation refers to differences in social roles and statuses based on age.

Question 10

People of the same chronological age can differ dramatically in their functional age.

Accepted Answer

Functional age refers to a person's physical and cognitive abilities, which can vary widely even among people of the same chronological age. For example, a person who exercises regularly and eats a healthy diet may have better physical and cognitive function than someone who is sedentary and eats a poor diet, even if they are the same age.

Question 11

The ______ theory of aging holds that the more engaged people are, the more likely they are to be satisfied with life.
A) disengagement
B) activity
C) technology
D) modernization
E) continuity

Accepted Answer

The activity theory of aging posits that the more active and engaged people are in their social and personal lives, the more likely they are to maintain their sense of identity and satisfaction with life as they age. The other options are not related to this theory.

Question 12

Old age is best understood as a separate stage of life.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Old age is best understood as a...

Question 13

Most people over age 65 suffer from dementia.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. While the risk of developing dementia increases with age, not all individuals over age 65 suffer from dementia. In fact, according to the Alzheimer's Association, only about 10% of people age 65 and older have Alzheimer's dementia.

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of providing opportunities to increase locus of control?
A) allowing nursing home residents to choose activities
B) giving nursing home residents responsibility for taking care of plants
C) limiting meal choices
D) instituting a uniform bedtime for residents
E) a and b

Accepted Answer

Allowing nursing home residents to choose activities and giving them responsibility for taking care of plants are both examples of providing opportunities to increase locus of control. This allows residents to feel a sense of autonomy and control, which can lead to increased well-being and quality of life. Limiting meal choices and instituting a uniform bedtime may actually decrease feelings of control and autonomy, and could have negative effects on resident well-being.

Question 15

A type of research design in which the same group of people is followed over a long period of time is called ______.
A) longitudinal design
B) cross-sectional design
C) survey research
D) experimental design
E) control group

Accepted Answer

The description provided perfectly matches the definition of a longitudinal design, which involves observing and recording a group of individuals over a prolonged period to identify any changes that may occur.

Question 16

A type of research design in which people of varying ages are analyzed at a single point in time is called ______.
A) longitudinal design
B) cross-sectional design
C) survey research
D) experimental design
E) control group

Accepted Answer

The description provided in the question matches the characteristics of a cross-sectional design. This type of research design involves comparing individuals of different ages at a single point in time, rather than following them over an extended period as would occur in a longitudinal design. Surveys and experimental designs involve specific methods for data collection or manipulation, while a control group is a component of experimental research rather than a type of design.

Question 17

Special events that mark the transition from one role to another-such as a bar mitzvah, confirmation, graduation ceremony, or wedding-are known as ______.
A) social clocks
B) age grading
C) rites of passage
D) life course events
E) demographic transitions

Accepted Answer

Special events that mark the transition from one role to another are known as rites of passage.

Question 18

The life course can be significantly affected by which of the following?
A) social class
B) earlier life events, such as early completion of college
C) historical events
D) unpredictable life events, such as losing a job or divorce
E) all of these

Accepted Answer

All of these factors can significantly affect the life course. Social class can impact educational and occupational opportunities, which can have long-term effects. Early completion of college can lead to earlier career and financial stability. Historical events, such as war or economic recession, can impact job availability and economic opportunities. Unpredictable life events, such as job loss or divorce, can lead to significant changes in lifestyle and economic stability.

Question 19

Helen Gurley Brown (1993) wrote that work is "our chloroform . . . our life . . . our freedom from pain . . . supplier of esteem." Which theory of aging does this statement best reflect?
A) continuity
B) technology
C) modernization
D) activity
E) disengagement

Accepted Answer

This statement by Helen Gurley Brown best reflects the activity theory of aging, which asserts that older adults should remain active and engaged in society to maintain their well-being and quality of life. The quote emphasizes the importance of work and the benefits it provides, including self-esteem and freedom from pain, suggesting that work and activity are key components of successful aging.

Question 20

The transition out of social roles, such as into widowhood and retirement, is referred to as ______.
A) unsuccessful aging
B) cognitive functioning
C) continuity theory
D) life events
E) role loss

Accepted Answer

The transition out of social roles is referred to as role loss. Unsuccessful aging refers to a poor outcome in physical, cognitive, or social functioning. Cognitive functioning is the level of cognitive abilities and skills. Continuity theory is a theory that suggests that people want to maintain the same basic structure throughout their lives. Life events refer to significant events that occur in a person's life, both positive and negative.

Quiz 13: Basic Concepts I: Life Course Perspective on Aging Life Course Perspective on Aging

The oldest-old refers to individuals aged ______.

The maximum human life span is approximately ______ years.

Which research method/design is most appropriate for looking at aging from the life-course perspective?

This theory of aging posits that in old age, people maintain the habits, personality, and lifestyle that they developed in their younger years.

The ______ theory of aging posits that the status of older people declines as the level of technology progresses.

______ depicted the life course as a series of psychosocial struggles that had to be resolved.

According to the ______ theory of aging, old age is marked by the mutual withdrawal of older persons and society.

Researchers have located groups of people in remote parts of the world (e.g., in the mountains of Peru) who live beyond the maximum human life span.

The most persistent view of aging in society reflects continuous deterioration and decline, thus forming the basis for age-based prejudice known as ______.

People of the same chronological age can differ dramatically in their functional age.

The ______ theory of aging holds that the more engaged people are, the more likely they are to be satisfied with life.

Old age is best understood as a separate stage of life.

Most people over age 65 suffer from dementia.

Which of the following is an example of providing opportunities to increase locus of control?

A type of research design in which the same group of people is followed over a long period of time is called ______.

A type of research design in which people of varying ages are analyzed at a single point in time is called ______.

Special events that mark the transition from one role to another-such as a bar mitzvah, confirmation, graduation ceremony, or wedding-are known as ______.

The life course can be significantly affected by which of the following?

Helen Gurley Brown (1993) wrote that work is "our chloroform . . . our life . . . our freedom from pain . . . supplier of esteem." Which theory of aging does this statement best reflect?

The transition out of social roles, such as into widowhood and retirement, is referred to as ______.