An annual federal survey of 20,000 people aged 65 and over showed a __________ in chronic disabilities in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question asks for the trend in chronic disabilities, which means long-term or permanent disabilities. Option A (huge increase) and B (moderate increase) can be eliminated since both suggest a rise in chronic disabilities, which is not supported by the question. Option C (slight increase) can also be eliminated since it implies a small rise, whereas the question only asks for one direction of trend. Option E (fluctuation) can be eliminated since the question refers to a specific time period, and fluctuation suggests ups and downs throughout that period. Therefore, the best answer is D (steady decrease), which implies a consistent decline in chronic disabilities throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.

An Annual Federal Survey of 20,000 People Aged 65 and Over