Question 1

Excessive exposure to noise produces age-related hearing loss.

Accepted Answer

Prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage the hair cells in the inner ear and cause sensorineural hearing loss, which is often age-related.

Question 2

Alzheimer's disease is caused by small strokes that limit the brain's blood supply.

Accepted Answer

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that is caused by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain, not by strokes. While strokes can contribute to cognitive decline, they are not the direct cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Question 3

The average nursing home resident in the United States is female and in her late eighties or nineties.

Accepted Answer

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the majority of nursing home residents in the United States are female and in their late eighties or nineties.

Question 4

The normal age-related vision losses people experience are typically caused by changes in the cornea.

Accepted Answer

Age-related vision losses can be caused by changes in the lens of the eye, including a hardening of the lens (presbyopia) and clouding of the lens (cataracts). The cornea may change in thickness or shape, but it is not the primary cause of age-related vision loss.

Question 5

Researchers are very close to curing Alzheimer's disease.

Accepted Answer

While there is ongoing research and progress being made in the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no known cure.

Question 6

Giving up driving is not important for older adults; so, for everyone's safety, people over a certain age should have their licenses revoked.

Accepted Answer

This statement is ageist and unfair. It is important to assess an individual's driving ability based on their skills and not solely on their age. Many older adults are safe and responsible drivers, and taking away their license solely based on age can limit their mobility and independence. Instead, a fair and comprehensive driving evaluation should be conducted to ensure that all drivers, regardless of age, are safe on the road.

Question 7

Virtually all U.S. nursing homes provide substandard care.

Accepted Answer

While there are certainly cases of substandard care in some nursing homes, it is not accurate to say that virtually all U.S. nursing homes provide substandard care. Many nursing homes provide excellent care and are regularly inspected and rated by government agencies. It is important for families to thoroughly research and visit potential nursing homes before making a decision.

Question 8

Older people appreciate being talked to in elderspeak.

Accepted Answer

Research shows that older people do not appreciate being talked to in elderspeak, which is a form of baby talk that may include using infantilizing words or a higher-pitched voice. Instead, they prefer to be spoken to with respect and in a normal tone. Elderspeak can be seen as patronizing and can contribute to ageism.

Question 9

Khalid has reached his late fifties. Khalid is LEAST likely to have special problems:
A) seeing in dim light.
B) with glare.
C) seeing in daylight.
D) seeing close up.

Accepted Answer

People in their late fifties often start experiencing presbyopia, which makes seeing close up difficult. They may also have trouble with glare and seeing in dim light, but seeing in daylight typically remains normal. Therefore, option C is the least likely problem for Khalid.

Question 10

Poverty level Latino Americans outlive:
A) poverty-level European Americans.
B) wealthy European Americans.
C) Scandinavians.
D) Asian Americans.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that poverty-level Latino Americans tend to live longer than poverty-level European Americans. This could be due to factors such as strong family ties and support networks, cultural values that prioritize community and relationships, and lower rates of smoking and excessive drinking. Wealthy European Americans may have access to better healthcare and resources that could contribute to longer lifespans, but poverty appears to be a stronger predictor of health outcomes. The comparison with Scandinavians and Asian Americans is not relevant to the question, as it only asks about differences between poverty-level Latino and European Americans.

Question 11

Ritkriti is an elderly woman who is having trouble standing and dressing herself. These tasks are called:
A) dementia.
B) fine motor skills.
C) basic ADL (activities of daily living) problems.
D) instrumental ADL (activities of daily living) problems.

Accepted Answer

Basic ADLs refer to the essential self-care activities that are necessary for a person's survival and well-being. These activities include tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and transferring (such as moving from a chair to a bed). Ritkriti is having trouble with standing and dressing, which are both basic ADLs. Fine motor skills refer to more precise actions that require the use of small muscles, such as writing or buttoning a shirt. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive functioning, such as memory loss or difficulty with language. Instrumental ADLs are more complex activities, such as managing finances, cooking, or using transportation, and are not essential for basic self-care.

Question 12

Alternatives to nursing homes, such as continuing-care communities, are widely available to older people in the United States.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Alternatives to nursing homes, such as continuing-care...

Question 13

Alzheimer's disease is virtually universal by the late eighties.

Accepted Answer

While Alzheimer's disease is more common in older adults, it is not universal and not everyone will experience it, even in their late eighties.

Question 14

The relationship between high socioeconomic social status and a longer lifespan is called the:
A) disparity gap.
B) civil-service hierarchy.
C) maturation culture.
D) socioeconomic health gap.

Accepted Answer

The relationship between high socioeconomic status and a longer lifespan is commonly referred to as the socioeconomic health gap, as individuals with higher income and education often have better access to healthcare, healthier lifestyles, and less exposure to environmental hazards compared to those with lower socioeconomic status.

Question 15

Women outlive men, but men report more health problems throughout adult life.

Accepted Answer

Women generally report more health problems throughout adult life, despite having a longer life expectancy than men.

Question 16

People do not experience age-related vision changes until their sixties.

Accepted Answer

Age-related vision changes can start to occur as early as the age of 40, and become more common and pronounced as a person gets older.

Question 17

Professor Stanwyck, a 50-year-old instructor at a community college, is beginning to have problems reading students' papers, especially when the students use small fonts. Professor Stanwyck MOST likely is developing:
A) glaucoma.
B) macular degeneration.
C) presbyopia.
D) presbycusis.

Accepted Answer

Presbyopia is the normal loss of near-focusing ability that occurs with age. It is a common condition that usually begins in the early to mid-40s and continues to worsen until around age 65. This loss of near-focusing ability can make it difficult to read small print, especially in low light conditions. Given that Professor Stanwyck is 50 years old and having difficulty reading small fonts, it is likely that he is developing presbyopia.

Question 18

Most nursing home aides feel their work is meaningless.

Accepted Answer

Many nursing home aides find their work meaningful as they play a crucial role in caring for the elderly and improving their quality of life, despite the challenges they may face.

Question 19

The age-related sensory change that is MOST likely to cause interpersonal problems is hearing loss.

Accepted Answer

Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, leading to misunderstandings and social isolation. It can also make it challenging to participate in activities or conversations, which can negatively impact social relationships.

Question 20

People with Alzheimer's disease cannot live a fulfilling life.

Accepted Answer

While Alzheimer's disease can certainly impact a person's ability to live independently and enjoy certain aspects of life, it is not true that they cannot live a fulfilling life. With proper care and support, people with Alzheimer's can still find joy, comfort, and meaning in their relationships, hobbies, and experiences. It's important to acknowledge the challenges posed by Alzheimer's but also to recognize the resilience and strength of those living with the disease.

Quiz 14: The Physical Challenges of Aging