Question 1

Many people fear the prospect of having to live in a nursing home. Discuss some reasons for this prevalent fear, whether or not this fear is realistic, and the conditions under which living in such a setting may be appropriate.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Many people fear the prospect of having...

Question 2

Only a small percentage of those over age 60 report feeling "very confident" or "somewhat confident" about maintaining a high quality of life as they grow older.

Accepted Answer

Surveys often show that a significant portion of those over age 60 report feeling confident about maintaining a high quality of life as they grow older, reflecting positive attitudes towards aging and the belief in their ability to manage health and well-being.

Question 3

Long-term care costs are projected to increase dramatically in the 21st century.

Accepted Answer

As the population ages, the demand for long-term care services will increase, driving up costs. This is already being seen in many countries and is expected to continue throughout the 21st century.

Question 4

Describe the options that are available for dealing with the Struldbrug problem, that is, a prolonged period of frailty and dependency at the end of life. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option? Which option would you support, and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the options that are available for...

Question 5

Declines in mortality rates always lead to declines in morbidity rates

Accepted Answer

Declines in mortality rates do not always lead to declines in morbidity rates. While improvements in healthcare and disease prevention may lead to fewer deaths, individuals may still experience illness and disease even if they do not die from it. Additionally, some chronic conditions may become more prevalent as people live longer.

Question 6

How does the concept "continuum of care" assist in our understanding the diverse needs among the older adult population? To what extent is the long-term care service system in the United States a "continuum of care"?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the concept "continuum of care"...

Question 7

Two thirds of all dementias are of the Alzheimer's type.

Accepted Answer

According to the World Health Organization, two thirds of all dementias are of the Alzheimer's type.

Question 8

Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Medicare program. What could be done to strengthen the Medicare program?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the...

Question 9

The term long-term care covers health care and social services for those who need extensive help with daily life because of a chronic illness or condition.

Accepted Answer

Long-term care does indeed cover health care and social services for individuals who require significant assistance with daily life due to a chronic illness or condition.

Question 10

How did Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels, 1726) characterize the Struldbrugs, and how does this characterization assist in our understanding of the possible implications of population aging?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did Jonathan Swift (Gulliver's Travels, 1726)...

Question 11

Describe the variety of senior housing options that are available today. If you wished to continue living in your own home as long as possible but your health needs were increasing, which option would you prefer? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the variety of senior housing options...

Question 12

What challenges might our society face with respect to long-term care if all diseases were eliminated?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What challenges might our society face with...

Question 13

Advances in medical technology are largely responsible for the large drop in mortality rates that occurred at the beginning of the 20th century.

Accepted Answer

The large drop in mortality rates at the beginning of the 20th century was primarily due to improvements in public health measures, such as sanitation, clean water, and vaccination, rather than advances in medical technology.

Quiz 14: Basic Concepts II: Aging, Health Care, and Society