Exam Questions Ch.16 Older Adulthood Quiz 1

Name____________________________________

Chapter 16—Older Adulthood: Physical and Cognitive Development—Quick Quiz 1

1. In the colonial period in the United States, the median age of the population was ____ years and about ___ of the population reached the age of 65.

a. 16; 2%

b. 25; 6%

c. 25; 20%

d. 32; 40%

2. John says he fears becoming old because “old people are stupid, poor, in poor health, lonely, and they seldom can take care of themselves.” John’s statement is a good example of:

a. senescence

b. filial piety

c. ageist stereotypes

d. metacognition

3. In general, what has been the effect of high-intensity physical exercise programs for the elderly?

a. These programs are linked to a greater incidence of heart attack.

b. These programs can help older adults double or even triple their physical strength.

c. These programs work well to build strength for people under the age of 75, but are dangerous for those in older age categories.

d. Programs of high-intensity exercise have little impact on the elderly.

4. Frank reports that he just can’t get to sleep, and if he does fall asleep, he can’t stay asleep. His condition would be called:

a. sleep apnea

b. sleep aphasia

c. sleep-related senescence

d. insomnia

5. According to the text, which of the following factors accounts for the largest share of problems older adults have with driving a car?

a. decline in visual acuity

b. an increase in the probability of having cataracts

c. increased hypertension that leads to mental errors of judgment

d. a general slowing down of general cognitive abilities

6. To say that a condition is chronic means that it:

a. involves a serious but brief illness

b. is the result of genetic factors

c. involves repeated occurrences or continuation of a disease

d. is related to life style choices, such as alcoholism or smoking-related illnesses

7. If you were to estimate the typical percentage of prescription errors that occur in administering medicines to older adults, the most accurate percentage would be which of the following?

a. Errors occur in about 1% of the prescriptions that are given.

b. Errors occur in about 2% of the prescriptions that are given.

c. Errors occur in about 5% of the prescriptions that are given.

d. Errors occur in 15% or more the prescriptions that are given.

8. If Sara believes that aging is the result of chromosome breakage that occurs each time a cell divides and accumulates until the cell no longer can reproduce itself, her view is most similar to:

a. free radical theory

b. a stochastic theory of aging

c. a biological clock theory of aging

d. the theory of senility

9. The text cites recent studies of the brain that indicate that as adults age, their brain actually becomes _________ and the activity of their brain in the prefrontal cortex regions __________.

a. smaller; declines

b. smaller; increases

c. larger; declines

d. larger; increases

10. Which of the following words means essentially the same thing as dementia?

a. senescence

b. stochastic

c. senility

d. ageism

Name____________________________________

Chapter 16—Older Adulthood: Physical and Cognitive Development—Quick Quiz 2

1. According to the text, what percent of U.S. adults age 85 and older live in nursing homes?

a. 14%

b. 22%

c. 33%

d. nearly 50%

2. In which of these cultures is filial piety the LEAST strong?

a. mainstream U.S. culture of 200 years ago

b. mainstream U.S. culture today

c. Native American culture in the United States today

d. Chinese culture today

3. As we age and enter older adulthood, which of the following changes is LEAST likely to occur?

a. Our immune function becomes stronger, because we have been exposed to so many diseases that immunities have developed.

b. Respiratory infections become more common because aging involves a lower capacity of oxygen intake.

c. The reserve capacity of our cardiovascular system becomes smaller.

d. Our sense of balance is compromised, so we are more likely to fall and hurt ourselves.

4. If you conducted a survey of older adults who live in their own homes, you would expect that about ____ would report that they suffer from sleep problems of one sort or another.

a. 10%

b. 33%

c. 50%

d. 85%

5. Brenda has been a watercolor artist all of her adult life. Now in her 60s, she has lost the ability to distinguish fine detail. Her visual problem would best be described as a decline in:

a. visual acuity

b. binocular disparity

c. convergence

d. sensory adaptation

6. John’s grandmother says she has “hardening of the arteries.” The more technical term for this condition is:

a. osteoporosis

b. atherosclerosis

c. hypertension

d. apnea

7. The term most often used to refer to theories suggesting that genetic programming determines the pace and processes of aging are referred to as:

a. biological clock theories of aging

b. senescence theories of aging

c. stochastic theories of aging

d. random theories of aging

8. Beginning around the time of her 70th birthday, Margaret began to experience increasing problems in learning new things, with her memory, and with her motor coordination. She now is frequently confused, sometimes doesn’t recognize people she has known for a long time, and her speech has become less fluent. The condition that would most likely be diagnosed in Margaret’s case would be:

a. senescence

b. dementia

c. atherosclerosis

d. pathological aging

9. Generalizing from research described in the text, you would expect older adults to suffer the greatest memory decrement on which of the following tasks?

a. arithmetic calculations, such as balancing a check book

b. vocabulary, such as that needed to solve a crossword puzzle

c. storytelling of stories from their distant past or childhood

d. knowledge of a second language learned in childhood and used in early adulthood

10. Which of the following is a disease that involves a progressive deterioration of brain cells, especially in the cerebral cortex, and is a common form of dementia?

a. atherosclerosis

b. osteoporosis

c. Parkinson’s disease

d. Alzheimer’s disease

Quick Quiz Answers

Quick Quiz 16.1

1. a; 16.2.1

2. c; 16.2.2

3. b; 16.3.2

4. d; 16.3.5

5. d; 16.3.6

6. c; 16.4.1

7. d; 16.4.3

8. c; 16.5.2

9. b; 16.6.3

10. c; 16.7.1

Quick Quiz 16.2

1. a; 16.1.3

2. b; 16.2.1

3. a; 16.3.4

4. c; 16.3.5

5. a; 16.3.6

6. b; 16.4.2

7. a; 16.5.2

8. b; 16.6.1

9. c; 16.6.3

10. d; 16.7.3

Chapter 16

Older Adulthood: Physical and Cognitive Development

Learning Objectives:

16.1: Differentiate older adult experiences by decade

16.2: Analyze the consequences of ageism

16.3: Relate lifestyle factors to the physical experience of older adulthood

16.4: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.5: Compare the stochastic and biological clock theories of ageing

16.6: Evaluate brain function in older adulthood

16.7: Analyze the processes involved in cognitive decline

Multiple Choice questions:

Four Decades of Later Life

Learning Objective 16.1: Differentiate older adult experiences by decade

16.1. According to statistics presented in the text, the life expectancy for 75-year-old adults living in the United States today is:

a. 78 years

b. 80 years

c. 82 years

d. 87 years

Module: 16.1: Four Decades of Later Life

Learning Objective 16.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that the average 75-year-old can expect to live another 12.2 years.

16.2. The text suggests that older adulthood is best thought of as consisting of four distinct age-related periods. Why is older adulthood, but not other stages of development, divided into “substages”?

a. This is the fastest growing part of the U. S. population.

b. Older adults differ more dramatically from each other than do people in other age groups.

c. Older adults are mostly White, so they generally are not divided into racial/ethnic categories, making age the best way to divide them into groups.

d. Everyone in older adulthood is pretty much alike in most regards, so they need to be divided into different age groups so they can be studied more accurately.

Module: 16.1: Four Decades of Later Life

Learning Objective 16.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Because people commonly live into their 90s and beyond, older adulthood can span 40 years or more and individuals grouped into older adulthood could even be members of separate generations. As such, this group displays considerable heterogeneity, making it useful to divide this stage of development into substages.

16.3. According to the text, those persons aged 60 to 69 are considered

a. young-old

b. middle-aged-old

c. old-old

d. very old-old

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.4. In the previous year of his life, Albert’s income has been reduced because he retired and his physical strength has waned somewhat, although he still feels healthy enough to engage in a wide array of leisure activities. Albert is most likely in what age group?

a. 60–69

b. 70–79

c. 80–89

d. 90–99

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69

Learning Objective 16.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The experiences listed in this question are all typical of the young-old substage, which spans ages 60–69.

16.5. At age 62, George takes early retirement. He is considered:

a. young-old

b. middle-aged-old

c. old-old

d. very old-old

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69

Learning Objective 16.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: According to Table 16.2, the young-old substage encompasses ages 60–69.

16.6. According to the text, if the young-old slow down their activity level, this is usually due mainly:

a. because they have lost much of their vigor

b. because they have little to keep them active

c. because of society’s expectations that they will do so

d. to indicate their unique social status

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69

Learning Objective 16.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Society frequently reduces its expectations of people in their 60s, demanding less energy, independence, and creativity, which thereby demoralizes older adults, especially those who remain healthy and vigorous. Many people in their 60s accept these expectations and respond by slowing the pace of their life, thereby creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

16.7. For most people ages 60 to 69, the biggest adjustment during this period usually concerns:

a. death of a spouse

b. a significant decline in physical health

c. a significant decline in mental health and cognitive abilities

d. retirement

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69

Learning Objective 16.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The book notes that the decade of the 60s in the lifespan frequently involves a major transition in roles since this is the time period in which most people retire.

16.8. According to the text, many people in their 70s experience a dramatic decline in sexual activity, which is most often because of:

a. declining physical abilities

b. a loss of interest in sex

c. societal attitudes about physical attractiveness and aging

d. the loss of a partner

Module: 16.1.2: Ages 70 to 79

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.9. The fastest growing segment of the U.S. population is that including:

a. adults between the ages of 55 and 65

b. adults between the ages of 65 and 75

c. adults between the ages of 75 and 85

d. adults over the age of 85

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.10. The term used to refer to people in their 80s is which of the following?

a. octogenarians

b. Decagenarians

c. nonagenarians

d. septuagenarians

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.11. According to the text, what percent of U.S. adults age 85 and older live in nursing homes?

a. 14%

b. 22%

c. 33%

d. nearly 50%

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.12. According to the text, the percentage of older adults who live in nursing homes is:

a. increasing slightly

b. increasing dramatically, and is expected to double by 2030

c. remaining constant

d. decreasing

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.13. What percent of the U. S. population age 85 and older is comprised of women?

a. about 50%

b. about 65%

c. about 80%

d. about 83%

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text included in Figure 16.1 notes that in 2010 about 65% of the people in the United States over age 85 were women.

16.14. According to the text, the nonagenarian group extends from ages:

a. 60 to 69

b. 70 to 79

c. 80 to 89

d. 90 and older

Module: 16.1.4: Ages 90 and over

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.15. The term used to refer to people in their 90s is which of the following?

a. octogenarians

b. Decagenarians

c. nonagenarians

d. septuagenarians

Module: 16.1.4: Ages 90 and over

Learning Objective 16.1

Understand the Concept

Easy

Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2: Analyze the consequences of ageism

16.16. A widely prevalent social attitude that overvalues youth and discriminates against the elderly defines the term:

a. ageism

b. senescence

c. bigotry

d. gerontologism

Module: 16.2: Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.17. Barb feels that all older people are senile, grouchy, and unsociable. She is demonstrating:

a. filial piety

b. senescence

c. projection

d. ageism

Module: 16.2: Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Ageism refers to the set of widely prevalent negative attitudes that many people hold of older adults.

16.18. If you judged the way that younger and older men and women are portrayed in U. S. movies today, you would most likely conclude that ageist stereotypes are greatest for:

a. older women

b. older men

c. younger women

d. younger men

Module: 16.2: Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: A survey of popular movies over the last several decades found that older women are more often portrayed as unattractive, unfriendly, and unintelligent than are older men.

16.19. Suppose you watch 100 current U.S. films as part of a course on film. If these films are representative of those typically produced in the United States, which of the following groups of people would be most likely to be presented as unattractive, unfriendly, and unintelligent?

a. younger men

b. younger women

c. older men

d. older women

Module: 16.2: Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: A survey of popular movies over the last several decades found that older women are more often portrayed as unattractive, unfriendly, and unintelligent than are older men.

16.20. The veneration given the elderly in Asian cultures is called:

a. senescence

b. transference

c. ageism

d. filial piety

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.21. James, who is of Japanese ancestry, shows great respect for his elders in everyday matters as part of his Asian culture. This is part of a tradition known as:

a. filial piety

b. ageism

c. seniority

d. senescence

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Filial piety refers to the veneration given to the elderly in Asian cultures and other cultures, which is manifested in cultural traditions, as well as in everyday encounters.

16.22. In which of these cultures is filial piety the LEAST strong?

a. mainstream U. S. culture of 200 years ago

b. mainstream U. S. culture today

c. Native American culture in the United States today

d. Chinese culture today

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: In China, Japan, and other Asian nations, older people are honored in a tradition known as filial piety. Filial piety may be changing, however. Although respect for older people remains strong in countries throughout Asia, it is more pronounced among middle-aged and rural people than among young adults and urban residents who reflect to a greater degree the influence of Western traditions. From a historical context, the biblical tradition of veneration for elders was a powerful cultural influence, even in Western cultures like the United States. For example, in colonial times, long life was viewed as an outward manifestation of divine grace and favor, the reward for an extraordinarily upright life.

16.23. If you were to guess which of the following 90-year-old men would be LEAST likely to be honored and respected by his family and members of his culture, your best guess would be?

a. Nathan, who is a Native American man living on a reservation in the United States

b. Peter, who is a white man living in the United States

c. Lee, who is a Chinese man living in the United States

d. Hong, who is a Chinese man living in China

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Among Native Americans throughout the hemisphere, older people traditionally have been venerated as wise elders and transmitters of culture and have been respected as a storehouse of historical lore. In China, Japan, and other Asian nations, older people are honored in a tradition known as filial piety.

16.24. If you were to study how Japanese citizens consider filial piety today, you would most likely find that which of the following groups are LEAST likely to honor this tradition?

a. older Japanese people who live in urban areas

b. older Japanese people who live in rural areas

c. younger Japanese people who live in urban areas

d. younger Japanese people who live in rural areas

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

16.25. If you were to study how Japanese citizens consider filial piety today, you would most likely find that which of the following groups are MOST likely to honor this tradition?

a. older Japanese people who live in urban areas

b. older Japanese people who live in rural areas

c. younger Japanese people who live in urban areas

d. younger Japanese people who live in rural areas

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.26. In colonial America, older adults typically:

a. were not trusted

b. were considered helpless and a burden

c. received great respect stemming from the biblical tradition

d. were rarely consulted for their opinions

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.27. According to the text, the reverence for the elderly common in colonial times is thought to be due to the fact that:

a. people were raised with higher moral values

b. so few people managed to live to old age

c. knowledge was passed down from the elderly

d. the elderly were needed for manual labor

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: Part of the reason that reverence for age was powerful in earlier times was that so few people managed to achieve old age. The demographic contrast between then and now is startling. In the colonial period, the median age of the population was 16 and only 2% of the population reached the age of 65; today, the median age of the U.S. population is 37.7 and climbing, and approximately one in seven people is age 65 or older.

16.28. In the colonial period in the United States, the median age of the population was ____ years and about ___ of the population reached the age of 65.

a. 16; 2%

b. 25; 6%

c. 25; 20%

d. 32; 40%

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.29. In the United States today, about what percent of the population is age 65 or older?

a. 2%

b. 6%

c. 14%

d. 22%

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Today in the United States, about 1 in 7 people is age 65 or older.

16.30. In the United States today, the median age of the population is about:

a. 28 years

b. 38 years

c. 48 years

d. 58 years

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.31. From 1950 to 2050 in the United States, the proportion of people age 65 and over in the population is expected to:

a. decline slightly

b. remain constant

c. increase slightly

d. increase dramatically

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.32. According to statistics presented in the text, in the United States in colonial times about 1 in ___ people were age 65 and over; today, about 1 in ___ people are age 65 and over, and in 2030, about 1 in ___ people is expected to be age 65 and over.

a. 10; 7; 8

b. 50; 7; 5

c. 100; 40; 20

d. 100; 20; 6

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.33. The proportion of the U.S. population that is age 65 and older is ______; in the world overall, the proportion of the world population that is age 65 and older is _______.

a. rising dramatically; rising dramatically

b. rising dramatically; rising slightly

c. rising slightly; rising dramatically

d. rising slightly, declining slightly

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Figures 16.2 and 16.3 show that the proportion of age 65 and older in both the United States and the World is rising dramatically.

16.34. According to the text, the population growth of the older adult population is especially dramatic in:

a. North Africa

b. Sub-Saharan Africa

c. India

d. Asia

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.35. John says he fears becoming old because “old people are stupid, poor, in poor health, lonely, and they seldom can take care of themselves.” John’s statement is a good example of:

a. senescence

b. filial piety

c. ageist stereotypes

d. metacognition

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Ageist stereotypes typically overvalue youth and degrade older people. Each of the characteristics John listed reflects a negative ageist stereotype listed in the text.

16.36. Suppose you conducted a survey of older Americans. If your results mirrored those of a study reported in the text, you would find that most older adults:

a. believe that they are among the “lucky few” older adults to be in a favorable economic and social position

b. are actually considerably worse off economically than they perceive themselves to be

c. have considerably poorer health than they perceive themselves to have

d. have much poorer memory abilities than they think they do

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Difficult

Rationale: Polls have shown that, although most older adults have a high opinion of their own economic and social condition, they often believe that they are among the lucky few who have escaped the misery of aging in the United States.

16.37. If you were to investigate ageist stereotypes, you should expect to find that:

a. they are nearly all negative

b. they are nearly all positive

c. they are a mixture of negative and positive

d. they generally do not exist anymore in developed societies

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: The text states that older people are perceived with a mixture of stereotypes —some positive (e.g., “wisdom”) and some negative (e.g., physical attractiveness”).

16.38. Older people are generally perceived more favorably than younger adults on all of the following traits EXCEPT:

a. their overall view of society

b. their general knowledge

c. the respect they receive

d. the wisdom they possess

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Figure 16.4 shows that perceptions about aging are generally positive for wisdom, received respect, general knowledge, and family authority, but negative for overall view of society, ability to perform everyday tasks, ability to learn new things, and physical attractiveness.

16.39. Older people are generally perceived more unfavorably than are younger adults on all of the following traits EXCEPT:

a. physical attractiveness

b. ability to learn new things

c. ability to perform everyday tasks

d. general knowledge

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Analyze It

Moderate

16.40. Of all of the cosmetic surgical procedures done in the United States, about are done on women.

a. 67%

b. 77%

c. 93%

d. 99%

Module: 16.2.3: Responses to Changes in Appearance

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.41. Compared to 16 years ago, today there are about times more cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States.

a. 2

b. 4

c. 7

d. 12

Module: 16.2.3: Responses to Changes in Appearance

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.42. In the United States, today, surveys suggest that about of men and women approve of cosmetic surgery and about of them would consider it for themselves.

a. 98%; 90%

b. 98%; 67%

c. 80%; 60%

d. 50%; 33%

Module: 16.2.3: Responses to Changes in Appearance

Learning Objective 16.2

Understand the Concept

Moderate

The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3: Relate lifestyle factors to the physical experience of older adulthood

16.43. Jack is 67 years old and is dying from liver disease that has resulted from his long and heavy over-consumption of alcohol. The term that best captures the idea that Jack’s illness results from poor lifestyle choices is:

a. dementia

b. pathological aging factor

c. senescence

d. chronic condition

Module: 16.3: The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Pathological aging factors refer to the cumulative effects that result from earlier events and lifestyle choices—accidents, previous illnesses, or bad health habits—that may accelerate aging.

16.44. Which of the following is the BEST example of a pathological aging factor?

a. Joan carries a dominant gene that codes for the development of cancer.

b. Bob carries a recessive gene that puts him at risk for developing heart problems.

c. Luke has been severely obese since childhood, and he is now developing diabetes.

d. Charlene is developing osteoporosis as the result of normal aging processes.

Module: 16.3: The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.45. Age spots that look like brown areas of pigmentation are popularly called:

a. freckles

b. liver spots

c. moles

d. rashes

Module: 16.3.1: The Changing Body

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.46. For most people age-related changes in the skin are most likely the result of:

a. a diet deficient in vitamin D

b. a diet deficient in vitamin A

c. liver dysfunction

d. exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun

Module: 16.3.1: The Changing Body

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.47. Which of the following is NOT one of the changes normally associated with aging?

a. blood vessels become more elastic

b. muscle weight decreases

c. less oxygen is supplied to the muscles

d. fine motor coordination deteriorates

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.48. In general, what has been the effect of high-intensity physical exercise programs for the elderly?

a. These programs are linked to a greater incidence of heart attack.

b. These programs can help older adults double or even triple their physical strength.

c. These programs work well to build strength for people under the age of 75, but are dangerous for those in older age categories.

d. Programs of high-intensity exercise have little impact on the elderly.

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The age-related decline in strength and mobility often can be delayed or partially offset by high-intensity exercise training. In one study, those who engaged in muscle-building exercises were able to double and even triple their strength and, for the first time in years, perform many strength-related tasks without assistance.

16.49. If Tom and Betty are typical adults and both are 6 feet tall at age 25, about how tall would you expect them to be at age 80?

a. Tom will remain at 6 feet, but Betty will be about 5 feet 10 inches tall.

b. Betty will remain at 6 feet, but Tom will be about 5 feet 10 inches tall.

c. Tom and Betty will both remain at 6 feet.

d. Tom and Betty will both be about 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Older adults are usually an inch or more shorter than they were in early adulthood as a result of the compression of cartilage in the spine, which is a long-term effect attributable to the effects of gravity.

16.50. Older adults sometimes suffer from a condition that makes their bones more hollow and more brittle and may lead to a bent or stooped posture. This condition is called:

a. arthritis

b. atherosclerosis

c. muscular atrophy

d. osteoporosis

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Osteoporosis is an age-related condition where bones become weaker, more hollow, and more brittle. This condition makes bones more likely to fracture and take longer to mend and is often the cause of the bent or stooped posture that some people develop as they age.

16.51. Which of the following women has the HIGHEST likelihood of having osteoporosis?

a. Ruth, a 30-year-old White woman

b. Beth, a 30-year-old Black woman

c. Amy, a 60-year-old White woman

d. Tish, a 60-year-old Black woman

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Osteoporosis generally develops in older adulthood and White and Asian women are especially likely to develop this condition.

16.52. If you conducted a survey of adults over age 65, about what proportion would you expect to report they had fallen during the past year?

a. 5%

b. 15%

c. 23%

d. 33%

Module: 16.3.3: Mobility

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: According to data presented in the text, an estimated 33% of individuals over age 65 fall at least once a year.

16.53. As we age and enter older adulthood, which of the following changes is LEAST likely to occur?

a. Our immune function becomes stronger, because we have been exposed to so many diseases that immunities have developed.

b. Respiratory infections become more common because aging involves a lower capacity of oxygen intake.

c. The reserve capacity of our cardiovascular system becomes smaller.

d. Our sense of balance is compromised, so we are more likely to fall and hurt ourselves.

Module: 16.3.4: The Internal Organs

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: As we age, the function of our immune system declines, leaving us less protected from infection and disease. The other changes listed are all noted in the textbook as common age-related changes.

16.54. According to text, why do older adults typically keep their houses warmer than younger adults do?

a. They have more money and can afford to pay for heating expenses.

b. They have diminished reserve capacity in their organ systems and lower body temperatures.

c. Their muscles need more heat in the environment to work efficiently.

d. Their memories are bad and they forget to turn the heat down when they come in from the cold.

Module: 16.3.4: The Internal Organs

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.55. If you conducted a survey of older adults who live in their own homes, you would expect that about ____ would report that they suffer from sleep problems of one sort or another.

a. 10%

b. 33%

c. 50%

d. 85%

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The text reports that about half of the people over age 65 who live at home and about two-thirds of those in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities suffer from sleep problems.

16.56. Suppose you are conducting research at a nursing home populated by older adults. About two-thirds of these adults complain that they suffer from sleep problems. Generalizing from research presented in the text, you should conclude that the proportion of adults in this facility with sleep problems is:

a. much higher than you would expect

b. slightly higher than you would expect

c. about the same as you would expect

d. somewhat lower than you would expect

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text reports that about half of the people over age 65 who live at home and about two-thirds of those in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities suffer from sleep problems. The people in this nursing home, thus, are about average in the proportion that report sleep problems.

16.57. Part of the reason why a large proportion of older adults report sleep problems is that they spend _______ time sleeping and spend _______ time in deep sleep, compared to younger adults.

a. more; more

b. less; less

c. more; less

d. less; more

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.58. According to research presented in the text, older adults typically sleep about _____ hours a night, although they stay in bed about ____ hours per night:

a. 4; 10

b. 6 to 6½; 8

c. 8 to 8½; 10

d. 9 to 10; 23

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.59. Frank reports that he just can’t get to sleep, and if he does fall asleep, he can’t stay asleep. His condition would be called:

a. sleep apnea

b. sleep aphasia

c. sleep-related senescence

d. insomnia

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Insomnia refers to the inability to sleep in general.

16.60. Marion feels tired because his breathing pauses or stops frequently while he is sleeping, waking him up gasping for breath, and being unable to fall back asleep again. This condition is called:

a. sleep apnea

b. sleep aphasia

c. sleep-related senescence

d. insomnia

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Sleep apnea is a condition involving repeated waking due to interruptions or pauses in breathing.

16.61. According to the text, which of the following senses is LEAST affected by advanced age?

a. hearing

b. visual acuity

c. taste

d. visual attention and integration

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.62. Judy is upset because her doctor has just put her on medication because her blood pressure is too high. Judy suffers from :

a. glaucoma

b. atherosclerosis

c. osteoporosis

d. hypertension

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Hypertension is the technical term for high blood pressure.

16.63. According to the text, hearing problems associated with aging include all of the following EXCEPT:

a. difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds

b. difficulty hearing low-frequency sounds

c. difficulty hearing mid-frequency sounds

d. separating speech sounds from sounds of background noise

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.64. Robert is diagnosed as having glaucoma. He should anticipate that the recommended treatment for this condition will most likely be:

a. eating a better diet higher in vitamin A

b. Lasik surgery

c. cataract surgery

d. medication

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that glaucoma often can be treated with medication.

16.65. Brenda has been a watercolor artist all of her adult life. Now in her 60s, she has lost the ability to distinguish fine detail. Her visual problem would best be described as a decline in:

a. visual acuity

b. binocular disparity

c. convergence

d. sensory adaptation

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Visual acuity, the ability to distinguish fine detail, is frequently lost to some extent by older individuals.

16.66. Helen used to love to sew, but when she turned 90 she gave this up, because she could no longer see well enough to thread a needle. Helen’s problem is best described as one involving:

a. glaucoma

b. visual acuity

c. senescence

d. hypertension

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Visual acuity, the ability to distinguish fine detail, is frequently lost to some extent by older individuals.

16.67. According to the text, which of the following factors accounts for the largest share of problems older adults have with driving a car?

a. decline in visual acuity

b. an increase in the probability of having cataracts

c. increased hypertension that leads to mental errors of judgment

d. a general slowing down of general cognitive abilities

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.68. Older adults typically have some difficulty in driving a car. The particular visual problem that is most responsible for driving problems and car accidents is:

a. a noticeable decline in visual acuity, especially in the center of the visual field

b. a noticeable decline in visual acuity, especially in peripheral vision

c. a problem in ignoring irrelevant stimuli, especially in complex displays requiring quick decisions

d. a build-up of pressure within the eyes that causes distant objects to sometimes appear blurry

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: The book notes that visual acuity problems generally are not the source of problems with driving. Rather, it is the more general slowing down of certain cognitive abilities that can lead older adults into difficulties with driving. As people age, they increasingly have trouble ignoring irrelevant stimuli. Their ability to perform visual search tasks, locating the correct “place to look” in a complex display of visual information, tends to become slower and less accurate with age.

Health, Disease, and Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.69. To say that a condition is chronic means that it:

a. involves a serious but brief illness

b. is the result of genetic factors

c. involves repeated occurrences or continuation of a disease

d. is related to lifestyle choices, such as alcoholism or smoking-related illnesses

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The text defines chronic conditions as those illnesses that never go away.

16.70. Luther, like millions of other Americans, suffers from arthritis, which is considered to be a chronic condition because it:

a. is an illness that occurs repeatedly or never goes away

b. is an illness that he inherited from his parents

c. can be controlled with drugs

d. only develops in old age

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: The text defines chronic conditions as those illnesses that never go away.

16.71. According to the text, which of the following is NOT one of the three most common chronic conditions associated with age?

a. hypertension

b. arthritis

c. heart disease

d. asthma

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.72. Miranda suffers from type 2 diabetes. If she is typical, you would guess that she is also:

a. a smoker

b. a moderate to heavy drinker (of alcohol)

c. obese

d. under the age of 50

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Type 2 diabetes is linked most closely to obesity, which is becoming more prevalent among older adults.

16.73. According to the text, what percent of people over age 75 are probably affected by at least one chronic condition?

a. about 10%

b. about 25%

c. about 50%

d. about 75%

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.74. Which of the following is the best example of a chronic health problem faced by a relatively large proportion of older adults?

a. hypertension

b. influenza

c. pneumonia

d. shingles

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: According to the text, hypertension is one of the three most common chronic, age-related health conditions. The other options provided are not considered to be chronic conditions.

16.75. Compared to obesity rates in the 1980s, the percentage of older adults who are obese today has:

a. remained about the same

b. decreased

c. increased for both men and women

d. increased for women, but decreased for men

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Figure 16.6 shows obesity rates for men and for women from 1976–1980 up to 2011–2014. Obesity rates have been rising for both men and women through most of this period.

16.76. If you were to interview 1,000 adults age 85 and over and ask them to rate their own health status, about how many people in this group would you expect to report that their health is “good” to “excellent”?

a. about 150

b. about 330

c. about 500

d. about 850

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: The text reports that more than half of adults age 85 and over report having good to excellent health.

16.77. If you were a dietician at a restaurant in an extended care facility where active healthy people in older adulthood ate, you should know that, in comparison to younger adults, older adults need about _______ calories and about _______ nutrients.

a. the same number of; 20% more

b. 20% more; the same number of

c. the same number of; 20% fewer

d. 20% fewer; the same number of

Module: 16.4.2: Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: By the time they reach age 65, older adults require at least 20% fewer calories than younger adults do; however, they still need nearly as many basic nutrients.

16.78. Which of the following disorders is more commonly known as “hardening of the arteries”?

a. atherosclerosis

b. osteoporosis

c. hypertension

d. dementia

Module: 16.4.2: Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.79. John’s grandmother says she has “hardening of the arteries.” The more technical term for this condition is:

a. osteoporosis

b. atherosclerosis

c. hypertension

d. apnea

Module: 16.4.2: Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Atherosclerosis is also known as hardening of the arteries, which is a common condition of aging caused by the body’s increasing inability to use excess fats in the diet; responsible for many of the heart conditions prevalent among older people; these fats are stored along the walls of arteries, where they restrict flow of blood when they harden.

16.80. Atherosclerosis is most closely linked to a diet high in:

a. protein

b. fat

c. sugar

d. fiber

Module: 16.4.2: Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.81. If you were to estimate the typical percentage of prescription errors that occur in administering medicines to older adults, the most accurate percentage would be which of the following?

a. Errors occur in about 1% of the prescriptions that are given.

b. Errors occur in about 2% of the prescriptions that are given.

c. Errors occur in about 5% of the prescriptions that are given.

d. Errors occur in 15% or more the prescriptions that are given.

Module: 16.4.3: The Misuse of Prescribed Medication

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: The text cites several studies that all indicate the high frequency of errors in prescribing and delivering prescription medication. For example, inappropriate medicines were prescribed in 8% of doctor visits; errors were made in 28.2% of the medication deliveries in a set of 12 different assisted living facilities; and 20–25% of older adults had at least one inappropriate prescription. Taken together, this pattern demonstrates that prescription errors are frequent. The best judgment from the choices given is that errors occur in about 15% or more of the prescriptions that are given.

16.82. Statistically speaking, which of the following people is the MOST likely to be taking five or more prescription medicines today?

a. Doris, who is a 65-year-old woman

b. Don, who is a 65-year-old man

c. Ellen, who is a 50-year-old women

d. Elway, who is a 50-year-old man

Module: 16.4.3: The Misuse of Prescribed Medication

Learning Objective 16.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Figure 16.8 shows the percentage of men and women in the United States with

five or more drug prescriptions in the previous month, by age, for a selection of years. According to this figure, and throughout the years covered in this figure, older people are more likely to take five or more drugs than are younger people, and older women are slightly more likely than older men to be taking five or more drugs.

16.83. The average annual prescription drug total cost for non-institutionalized Medicare recipients was about ____ in 1992, compared to about ____ in 2012.

a. $100; $1,000

b. $200; $600

c. $500; $800

d. $1,000; $3,200

Module: 16.4.3: The Misuse of Prescribed Medication

Learning Objective 16.4

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Figure 16.9 displays statistics that show how prescription drug costs have changed across the years from 1992 to 2012. By reading this figure, it is clear that in 1992 the average total cost was about $1,000 and this cost had risen to about $3,200 by 2012.

16.84. If you were to compare the average prescription drug costs of people age 65 and over in the United States in 2012 to these same costs in 2006, you would expect that they have gone up about:

a. 10%

b. 50%

c. 80%

d. 200%

Module: 16.4.3: The Misuse of Prescribed Medication

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: The text notes that since 2006, prescription drug costs have leveled off. Figure 16.9 shows these total costs as being only slightly higher in 2012 than in 2006, making 10% the best choice from among these alternative answers.

The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.85. According to the text, the upper end of the lifespan is thought to be about age:

a. 105

b. 110

c. 120

d. 145

Module: 16.5: The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.86. The normal aging process, not connected with the occurrence of disease in the individual, is called:

a. gerontology

b. senescence

c. ageism

d. osteoporosis

Module: 16.5: The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.87. Dr. Rogers is giving a lecture in which he stresses that aging is a normal, natural process that is very much the same for all people, unless illness or injury is involved. The topic for this lecture would best be described as:

a. stochastic theories of aging

b. senescence

c. senility

d. dementia

Module: 16.5: The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Senescence refers to the normal aging process that is not connected with the occurrence of disease in an individual. It refers to the universal biological process of aging.

16.88. Dr. Robbins argues that aging is primarily the result of the attack of body cells by harmful molecules and radiation from the sun. His theory would be most closely associated with which of the following views?

a. the biological clock theory aging

b. the theory of senescence as proposed by Erikson

c. the theory or senescence as proposed by Freud

d. the stochastic theory of aging

Module: 16.5.1: Stochastic Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: Stochastic theories of aging suggest that the body ages as a result of random assaults from both internal and external environments.

16.89. According to the text, theories that explain aging as the result of random assaults from both internal and external environments are referred to as:

a. biological clock theories of aging

b. senescence theories of aging

c. stochastic theories of aging

d. random theories of aging

Module: 16.5.1: Stochastic Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.90. Dr. Smith believes that aging is the result of a genetically programmed set of changes that operate such that cells can only live for a certain length of time before they become unable to process glucose and die. Such a view would be most consistent with which of the following theoretical models?

a. biological clock theories

b. psychological clock theories

c. the gerontology model

d. stochastic theories

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Biological clock theories of aging are those suggesting that genetic programming determines the pace and process of aging.

16.91. If Sara believes that aging is the result of chromosome breakage that occurs each time a cell divides and accumulates until the cell no longer can reproduce itself, her view is most similar to:

a. free radical theory

b. a stochastic theory of aging

c. a biological clock theory of aging

d. the theory of senility

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: According to one version of biological clock theories of aging, there is a limit to the number of times each cell can divide before it dies. One limiting mechanism that appears to be involved centers on DNA sequences, called telomeres, which lie at the tips of chromosomes. Research shows that with each cell division, the length of the telomere becomes shorter; after about 60 to 80 cell divisions, there is no longer enough telomere left for cells to reproduce, and they ultimately die.

16.92. The term most often used to refer to the internal timing that is linked to both the female menstrual cycle and the human immune system is:

a. age clocks

b. biological clocks

c. social clocks

d. psychological clocks

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.93. The term most often used to refer to theories suggesting that genetic programming determines the pace and processes of aging are referred to as:

a. biological clock theories of aging

b. senescence theories of aging

c. stochastic theories of aging

d. random theories of aging

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.94. The idea that there is a maximum age for the lifespan is referred to as the:

a. free radical number

b. stochastic max

c. wear-to-tear ratio

d. Hayflick limit

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.95. Which of the following would be LEAST well explained by biological clock theories?

a. menarche

b. menopause

c. age-related changes in the immune system

d. sun damage to skin cells

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: Menarche, menopause, and changes in the immune system all occur according to biological clocks, but sun damage to skin cells centers on a “wear-and-tear” explanation that is more consistent with stochastic theories of aging.

Neurological and Cognitive Changes in Advanced Age

Learning Objective 16.6: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.96. Beginning around the time of her 70th birthday, Margaret began to experience increasing problems in learning new things, with her memory, and with her motor coordination. She now is frequently confused, sometimes doesn’t recognize people she has known for a long time, and her speech has become less fluent. The condition that would most likely be diagnosed in Margaret’s case would be:

a. senescence

b. dementia

c. atherosclerosis

d. pathological aging

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Dementia is a disorder associated with older age that includes a broad array of cognitive deficiencies, such as impaired learning and memory ability, a deterioration of language and motor functions, a progressive inability to recognize familiar people and objects, frequent confusion, and personality changes.

16.97. If a normal person’s brain weighed 3 pounds at age 30, about how much would you expect it to weigh at age 90?

a. 3.6 pounds

b. 3.3 pounds

c. 3.0 pounds

d. 2.7 pounds

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: At age 90, the brain of a normal person weighs about 90% of what it weighed at age 30.

16.98. The normal, age-related changes that occur in the brain as we enter older adulthood are most likely the result of having ______ of brain cells and having _______ connections among brain cells.

a. fewer; about the same number of

b. fewer; fewer

c. about the same number of; fewer

d. fewer; more

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.99. If you were to do one thing that would give you the best chance of avoiding or limiting normal, age-related declines in brain functioning, that would be:

a. engaging in complex cognitive tasks on a regular basis

b. sleeping longer than normal

c. sleeping less than normal

d. trying not to “over-tax” the brain by thinking too hard or too long on difficult problems

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Those who experience the least brain atrophy are more likely to engage regularly in complex cognitive tasks. Apparently, keeping our brains active and engaged in old age may help ward off some of the neurological decline that typically accompanies aging.

16.100. If you examined the brain functioning of a teenager and that of an older adult, you would probably notice which of the following differences, with respect to brain lateralization?

a. lateralized functioning would be higher in the adolescent’s brain

b. lateralized functioning would be higher in the older adult’s brain

c. the degree of lateralized functioning would be about equal for these two people

d. in females, lateralization would he higher in the teenager’s brain but in males, the lateralization would be higher for older men

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: According to the text, the lateralization of functions into the left or right hemispheres that is characteristic of the brain during adolescence and young adulthood becomes at least somewhat reversed in old age.

16.101. The term that usually is used to describe general, overall intellectual functioning is:

a. personality

b. intelligence

c. cognition

d. intellect

Module: 16.6.2: Cognitive Speed

Learning Objective 16.6

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.102. If you were to compare the performance of a group of 30-year-olds and a group of 70-year-olds, the most noticeable differences would most likely be on tasks that involved:

a. memory for events long in the past

b. memory for recent events

c. vocabulary

d. speed

Module: 16.6.2: Cognitive Speed

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Many studies have shown that the intellectual functions that depend heavily on speed of performance decline in older people. Older people have slower reaction times, slower perceptual processing, and slower cognitive processes in general.

16.103. Compared to younger adults, older adults typically are _________ at performing cognitive tasks and they are __________ at using performance-enhancing strategies.

a. slower; better

b. slower; worse

c. faster; better

d. faster; worse

Module: 16.6.2: Cognitive Speed

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Older people have slower reaction times, slower perceptual processing, and slower cognitive processes in general, but often learn new strategies to compensate for their loss of speed. By using more effective strategies, older people are often able to compensate for their loss of speed on many tasks and, in many cases, to recover much of their former performance level.

16.104. According to the text, older adults experience the largest decline in their ability to manage which of the following types of memory?

a. semantic memory

b. short-term memory

c. episodic memory

d. sensory memory

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Difficult

Rationale: The text notes that older adults experience more decline in their episodic memories than in their semantic memories. Table 16.3 lists the degree of decline associated with each type or function of memory. This table lists the declines in sensory and short-term memory as slight to none, the decline in semantic memory as minimal, and notes that episodic memory does decline with age, although this may be due to slower processing speed.

16.105. The term usually used to refer to the memory store that holds visual or auditory memories very briefly for a few seconds prior to further processing of the information is called:

a. sensory memory

b. semantic memory

c. short-term memory

d. episodic memory

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.106. Research usually shows that in older adulthood, sensory memory typically:

a. decreases significantly

b. decreases slightly

c. improves slightly

d. remains the same

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: With respect to memory capacity, it appears that older individuals are able to pick up and hold slightly less sensory information than are young adults.

16.107. Suppose you look up the telephone number to call, and someone asks you where your next class is. You answer quickly, but promptly forget the number you just looked up. The memory store in which this telephone number was held is called:

a. sensory memory

b. short-term memory

c. long-term memory

d. semantic memory

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Short-term memory refers to memory for things we are presently and actively thinking about. Table 16.3 lists as an example of short-term memory remembering a phone number just looked up long enough to dial it.

16.108. Eighty-five-year-old Norma tells her grandchildren about her life during the Great Depression. Her recall of such events illustrates her ability to recall information from:

a. sensory memory

b. short-term memory

c. semantic memory

d. episodic memory

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: Episodic long-term memory refers to a person’s recollection of past events and personally relevant information.

16.109. Generalizing from research described in the text, you would expect older adults to suffer the greatest memory decrement on which of the following tasks?

a. arithmetic calculations, such as balancing a check book

b. vocabulary, such as that needed to solve a crossword puzzle

c. story-telling of stories from their distant past or childhood

d. knowledge of a second language learned in childhood and used in early adulthood

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: The greatest memory decline in older adulthood is for tasks involving episodic, rather than semantic, memory. Episodic memories involve the recall of specific past events, whereas semantic memories involve factual recall. In this example, arithmetic, vocabulary, and knowledge of a second language all depend on semantic memory, whereas recall of childhood events is an episodic memory task. Thus, recall of past episodes is the type of memory task where the greatest decrement would be expected.

16.110. Generalizing from research described in the text, you would expect older adults to suffer the LEAST memory decrement on which of the following tasks?

a. arithmetic calculations, such as balancing a check book

b. memories of a trip taken in childhood

c. recollections of clothing that one wore at an important occasion years before

d. recall of the colors painted on the walls of the house one lived 40 years ago

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: The greatest memory decline in older adulthood is for tasks involving episodic, rather than semantic, memory. Episodic memories involve the recall of specific past events, whereas semantic memories involve factual recall. In this example, the arithmetic task depends on semantic memory, whereas recall of childhood events in an episodic memory task. Thus, the least memory decrement would likely be for the check-balancing task.

16.111. The text cites recent studies of the brain that indicate that as adults age, their brain actually becomes _________ and the activity of their brain in the prefrontal cortex regions __________.

a. smaller; declines

b. smaller; increases

c. larger; declines

d. larger; increases

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.112. Suppose you apply for a job as a data programmer and you are asked to compare two lists of numbers paired side by side, noting which pairs of numbers are identical to each other and which pairs are different from each other. This task would best be considered a test of:

a. inductive reasoning

b. spatial orientation

c. perceptual speed

d. verbal memory

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: A listing in the text defines the 6 mental abilities studied in the Seattle Longitudinal Study and provides an example of each. Checking lists for identical versus non-identical pairs of items is the example given that demonstrates perceptual speed.

16.113. Suppose you are given a test that asks you to identify similarities between two words. For example, one question asks, “How are a cup and a plate alike?” This test is most likely measuring which of the cognitive abilities tested in the Seattle Longitudinal Study?

a. perceptual speed

b. inductive reasoning

c. numeric facility

d. verbal ability

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: A listing in the text defines the six mental abilities studied in the Seattle Longitudinal Study and provides an example of each. “How are a cat and dog alike?” is the example given that demonstrates verbal ability.

16.114. The Seattle Longitudinal Study is best described as a study that uses which of the following methods to study how adult cognition changes with age?

a. only cross-sectional methods

b. only longitudinal methods

c. neither cross-sectional nor longitudinal methods

d. both cross-sectional and longitudinal methods

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.115. Which of the following is the most accurate statement of the purpose of the Seattle Longitudinal Study?

a. to investigate how cognitive processes change during adulthood

b. to determine the factors that cause cognitive processes to change with age

c. to examine gender and socioeconomic differences in cognition

d. to investigate how wisdom develops and why some people are “wiser” than others

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: K. Warner Schaie has been studying the age-related changes in various types of cognitive abilities for over 50 years through the Seattle Longitudinal Study, in which he has tracked adults, ages 20 to 70, since 1956.

16.116. Suppose that Dr. Rand goes to a college reunion and asks for volunteers to take a memory test. He identifies four groups: people who graduated in 1920–1925, in 1940–1945, in 1960–1965, and in 1980–1985. He then analyzes how these groups compare to each other on the tests. Dr. Rand’s study is best considered to be an example of:

a. an experiment

b. a cross-sectional study

c. a longitudinal study

d. both a cross-sectional and a longitudinal study

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: Cross-sectional studies compare individuals in various age groups at the same point in time.

16.117. The longitudinal results of the Seattle Longitudinal Study show which of the following patterns in relationship of cognitive abilities and aging?

a. Most cognitive abilities remain intact until older adulthood, at which point they begin to decline.

b. Verbal abilities show little decline with age, but perceptual abilities decline steadily throughout adulthood.

c. Perceptual abilities show little decline with age, but verbal abilities decline steadily throughout adulthood.

d. Nearly all cognitive abilities show a small but steady decline throughout adulthood, beginning at about age 35.

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: When individuals are tracked across time as they age, results show that they maintain their early levels of cognitive functions throughout early and middle adulthood, with very little decline occurring until about age 65. By age 75, some gentle decline in most functions has begun, and by age 85 this decline is more significant.

16.118. According to the results of the Seattle Longitudinal Study, which of the following adults would be expected to have the worst performance on the tests included in this study?

a. Matt, who is 25 years old

b. Tom, who is 53 years old

c. Bob, who is 67 years old

d. Fred, who is 81 years old

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The Seattle Longitudinal Study shows that, although age-related cognitive decline is modest throughout much of adulthood, by age 81 this decline is more significant. Figures 16.10 and 16.11 clearly show this age-related decline.

16.119. If you were to choose one word to describe the essence of what developmentalists mean by the term “wisdom” that word would be:

a. expert

b. verbal

c. fast

d. old

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Wisdom refers to an expert knowledge system that involves excellent judgment and advice on critical and practical life issues.

16.120. According to the text, expert knowledge focusing on the pragmatics of life that involves excellent judgment and advice on critical life issues defines the trait called:

a. fidelity

b. wisdom

c. purpose

d. competence

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.121. Which of the following abilities improves, or increases, with advancing age into older adulthood?

a. perceptual speed

b. verbal memory

c. numeric ability

d. wisdom

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Wisdom is positively related to age; both the development of personality and cognitive growth contribute to wisdom.

16.122. Suppose you are given a test that asks questions such as: “Suppose a single mother with no money wants to have another child. What should she do?” This question is most likely on a test that assesses which of the following traits:

a. wisdom

b. verbal ability

c. procedural knowledge

d. spatial orientation

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: This question is similar to the one given as an example in a table in the text, which is used to demonstrate the use of wisdom-related criteria to evaluate discourse about life matters.

Cognitive Decline

Learning Objective 16.7: Analyze the processes involved in cognitive decline

16.123. The text defines the confusion, forgetfulness, and personality changes associated with old age as:

a. dementia

b. psychosis

c. depression

d. neurosis

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.124. Which of the following words means essentially the same thing as dementia?

a. senescence

b. stochastic

c. senility

d. ageism

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.125. Chuck, age 82, suffers from confusion, forgetfulness, and personality changes associated with old age. The general term that best describes Chuck’s symptoms is:

a. hypertension

b. atherosclerosis

c. osteoporosis

d. dementia

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Analyze It

Moderate

16.126. Eighty-year-old Jack has a limited ability to grasp abstractions. His memory for recent events is impaired. He is unable to cope with routine tasks, and can no longer relate to people. Jack most likely suffers from which of the following conditions:

a. Parkinson’s disease

b. depression

c. dementia

d. osteoporosis

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Dementia, which is sometimes referred to by the less-technical term senility, refers to the chronic confusion, forgetfulness, and accompanying personality changes that are sometimes associated with advanced age. People with dementia have a limited ability to grasp abstractions and because of their mental deterioration, people with dementia may be unable to cope with routine tasks, such as keeping clean and groomed, and may be unable to think, behave, or relate to people normally.

16.127. Larry was an orphaned child and has lived in an institution his entire life. As he ages, he begins to experience the symptoms of dementia. If these symptoms are the result of his impoverished living conditions, they would best be considered an example of what the text defines as:

a. specific causes of cognitive decline

b. personal causes of cognitive decline

c. environmental causes of cognitive decline

d. precipitous causes of cognitive decline

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Environmental factors of cognitive decline describe a person’s overall welfare, such as poor general health or living in a non-stimulating environment. These factors can produce symptoms associated with dementia.

16.128. If Leila is hospitalized and the diagnosis is “multi-infarct dementia,” her family would know that she has:

a. had a heart attack

b. moved into the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease

c. moved into the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease

d. had a series of small strokes

Module: 16.7.2: Cardiovascular and Circulatory Problems

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: Strokes, including ministrokes, produce a form of cognitive decline that is sometimes called multi-infarct dementia (MID). An infarct is an obstruction of a blood vessel that prevents a sufficient supply of blood from reaching a particular area of the brain.

16.129. Another term used to describe the condition called “multi-infract dementia” is:

a. Alzheimer’s disease

b. Parkinson’s disease

c. stroke

d. heart attack

Module: 16.7.2: Cardiovascular and Circulatory Problems

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.130. Which of the following is a disease that involves a progressive deterioration of brain cells, especially in the cerebral cortex, and is a common cause of dementia?

a. atherosclerosis

b. osteoporosis

c. Parkinson’s disease

d. Alzheimer’s disease

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.131. Alzheimer’s disease is a form of:

a. dementia

b. cancer

c. atherosclerosis

d. stroke

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: The text notes that the leading cause of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.

16.132. Alzheimer’s disease is the______ leading cause of death among people age 65 and older and the ____ leading cause of all deaths in the United States today.

a. 5th; 6th

b. 5th; 10th

c. 2nd; 6th

d. 2nd; 10th

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.133. According to the text, which of the following is generally the first noticeable symptom of Alzheimer’s disease to appear?

a. forgetfulness

b. fatigue

c. physical impairment, such as stumbling and shaking

d. depression

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.134. If a researcher is working on a genetic test to determine which variation of the APP and APOE genes a person carries, the general focus of this work is most likely on finding a test that can be used to diagnose which of the following diseases:

a. Alzheimer’s disease

b. Parkinson’s disease

c. atherosclerosis

d. stroke

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer's Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: APP and APOE are genes that are thought to control processes linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

16.135. If researchers are working to develop drugs that slow or limit the damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, the neurotransmitter they most likely would be working with would be:

a. dopamine

b. acetylcholine

c. GABA

d. serotonin

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: The text notes that drugs that prevent the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine can act to delay the worsening of symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease, so research is most likely to involve investigation of this neurotransmitter.

16.136. Between 2000 and 2013 in the United States, the cause of death that has declined the most is ______; the cause that has increased the most is _______.

a. Breast cancer, Stroke

b. HIV; Alzheimer’s disease

c. Breast cancer; Prostate cancer

d. HIV; Stroke

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Figure 16.14 shows the percentage change of selected causes of death comparing 2000 and 2013. Across this period, HIV-related deaths declined 52%; Alzheimer’s-related deaths increased 71%, make these two causes of death the ones that declined, and rose, the most, respectively.

16.137. On autopsy, Dan’s brain showed a high incidence of twisted and tangled neurons, along with some general cortical shrinkage. This evidence most likely suggests that Dan may have died from:

a. a major stroke

b. a transient ischemic attack

c. Alzheimer’s disease

d. atherosclerosis

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Autopsies of deceased people in the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease have revealed a characteristic pattern of damaged brain areas where neurons are no longer neatly ordered but instead are disorganized, looking like little bits of braided yarn. Cortical shrinkage is also revealed in the brain scans of people living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Changing Perspectives: Diabetes—Will Type 2 Diabetes Be the New Lifestyle Disease Epidemic?

16.138. Diabetes is a chronic disease that involves a problem with the body’s use of, or production of, _________, a protein produced in the pancreas that is needed to break down molecules of _______.

a. riboflavin; fat

b. riboflavin; sugar

c. insulin; fat

d. insulin; sugar

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.139. The type of diabetes that typically develops in adulthood and is linked to obesity is called:

a. insulin-dependent diabetes

b. insulin-expressive diabetes

c. type 1 diabetes

d. type 2 diabetes

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Easy

16.140. Connor is 50 years old, is considerably overweight, and has recently become concerned that he may have developed type 2 diabetes. If he is experiencing all of the following symptoms which is LEAST likely to be the result of having this disease:

a. excessive thirst

b. insomnia

c. frequent need to urinate

d. fatigue

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: According to the text, common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst and urination (to dilute the unused sugar and excrete it), and fatigue (because energy levels are low).

16.141. Type 2 diabetes is associated with higher risks of developing all of the following conditions EXCEPT:

a. cancer

b. heart disease

c. blindness

d. kidney disease

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Rationale: According to the text, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in adults. Nearly one-half of the cases of end-stage kidney disease are the result of diabetes and those with diabetes are at higher risk for various chronic ailments, ranging from heart disease and stroke to circulation problems, especially in the feet and legs.

16.142. According to statistics presented in the text, the number of people in the world with type 2 diabetes is expected to __________ between today and 2030.

a. increase 10%

b. increase 50%

c. double

d. quadruple

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Understand the Concept

Moderate

16.143. Statistically speaking, which of the following adults has the highest risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

a. Bob, who is a White American

b. Rex, who is an African America

c. Jesus, who is a Hispanic American

d. Joseph, who is a Native American

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

Rationale: Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, the incidence of diabetes is 60% higher for Blacks, it is 110 to 120% higher for Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans, and it is highest of all for Native Americans.

Current Issues: Wisdom—Cross-Cultural or Culture Specific?

16.144. In Baltes’s studies, participants are asked to consider complex situations and make recommendations about the best course of action. For example, a question might be: “A teenage boy wants to drop out of high school. What should his parents do?” Tests comprised of questions such as this have helped Baltes and his colleagues understand the concept of:

a. dementia

b. wisdom

c. ageism

d. senescence

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Rationale: Paul Baltes and colleagues have been conducting a program of research on the concept of wisdom over the past 15 years or more. To study how people make wise choices, Baltes and colleagues have posed dilemmas and asked people to answer questions about the dilemmas that require the consideration of various kinds of judgments involved in wisdom.

16.145. According to Baltes and his colleagues, the combination of various types of knowledge with judgment defines:

a. aging

b. wisdom

c. creativity

d. intelligence

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: Baltes and colleagues see wisdom as reflecting excellent judgment and several types of knowledge.

16.146. Bill is knowledgeable, but he also can see the consequences that different choices in life will have for the future. Paul Baltes and his colleagues would describe Bill as possessing which of the following traits?

a. extroversion

b. openness to experience

c. wisdom

d. agreeableness

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

Rationale: According to the view of Baltes and his colleagues, wise people are those who are able to see the ramifications and consequences of different choices in the important decisions of life.

Short Answer questions:

Four Decades of Later Life

Learning Objective 16.1: Differentiate older adult experiences by decade

16.147. Describe 3 important ways in which the “young-old” are different from the “old-old.”

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69; 16.1.2: Ages 70 to 79

Learning Objective 16.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.148. Identify two societal challenges that likely will result from the changing demographics of older adults in the U. S. population.

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Analyze It

Moderate

16.149. With respect to the proportion of people over age 65, describe the changes expected in the U. S. population over the next 50 years.

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2: Analyze the consequences of ageism

16.150. Compare the expected changes to the U.S. population demographics for older adults to those expected around the World, looking forward to 2015. Are the changes we expect to see in the U.S. population the same as, or different from, those that likely will occur in other countries?

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.151. What does it mean to say that most view older adulthood with ambivalence? Give an example to support your answer.

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.152. Give two examples of common ageist stereotypes, one reflecting a negative view and one reflecting a positive view of aging.

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.153. How do most people in the United States view the use of cosmetic surgery to help people look younger or more attractive?

Module: 16.2.3: Responses to Changes in Appearance

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3: Relate lifestyle factors to the physical experience of older adulthood

16.154. Give two examples of diseases that result primarily from pathological aging factors and an example of a disease that does not result from such factors.

Module: 16.3: The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.155. Describe three ways in which muscles, bones, and mobility change as adults age.

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton; 16.3.3: Mobility

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.156. Suggest two reasons why falling is a particular concern for older adults.

Module: 16.3.3: Mobility

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.157. Define what is meant by the term “reserve capacity” and give an example for how older adults adapt to a reduction in this ability.

Module: 16.3.4: The Internal Organs

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.158. Describe how the sleep patterns of adults typically change with age, noting the kinds of sleep problems that are most often seen among elderly populations.

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.159. Describe the difference between what a person with cataracts would see compared to what a person with glaucoma would see.

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze

Moderate

16.160. Which aspects of vision appear to be most directly involved in the development of problems linked to poorer driving among older adults?

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Difficult

Health, Disease, and Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.161. Identify the three most common chronic health problems faced by older adults in the United States today.

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.162. Why are older adults often overweight, but undernourished?

Module: 16.4.2: Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.163. Identify and describe three reasons why prescription drugs are sometimes misused by older adults.

Module: 16.4.3: The Misuse of Prescribed Medication

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.164. What is the primary distinction between the meaning of the terms senescence and senility?

Module: 16.5: The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.165. Describe an example of a stochastic theory of aging.

Module: 16.5.1: Stochastic Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.166. Describe an example of a biological clock theory of aging.

Module: 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Neurological and Cognitive Changes in Advanced Age

Learning Objective 16.6: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.167. Describe how the brain of a 30-year-old would likely be different from the brain of a 90-year-old.

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.168. Identify the major cognitive decline that occurs with advancing age and provide an example for how this decline might affect the job performance of an older worker.

Module: 16.6.2: Cognitive Speed

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

16.169. How do older adults typically accommodate their slower cognitive processing speed? Give an example for how an older typist might be able to maintain her typing ability, in spite of her slower reaction times.

Module: 16.6.2: Cognitive Speed

Learning Objective 16.6

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.170. Explain the difference between sensory memory and short-term memory and provide an example of each.

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

16.171. Which type of memory system is most likely to experience the greatest degree of age-related decline? Give an example of the kind of information typically processed in this memory system.

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Apply What You Know

Difficult

16.172. How does a cross-sectional study differ from a longitudinal study?

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

16.173. According to the longitudinal data generated by the Seattle Longitudinal Study, describe the typical pattern of cognitive decline associated with advancing age.

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Apply What You Know

Difficult

16.174. Describe the typical way in which wisdom is measured and studied in research situations.

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Apply What You Know

Difficult

Cognitive Decline

Learning Objective 16.7: Analyze the processes involved in cognitive decline

16.175. Explain the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Analyze It

Moderate

16.176. Give an example of an environmental cause of dementia.

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.177. What is a “stroke”?

Module: 16.7.2: Cardiovascular and Circulatory Problems

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.178. Describe the typical progression of symptoms seen in cases involving Alzheimer’s disease.

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.179. What is the typical treatment for Alzheimer’s disease today? How does this treatment work?

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.180. Describe the typical way in which older adults compensate for their diminishing abilities, using the example of pianist Arthur Rubinstein to illustrate your points.

Module: 16.7.4: Compensating for an Aging Mind

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

Essay Questions:

Four Decades of Later Life

Learning Objective 16.1: Differentiate older adult experiences by decade

16.181. Why is the period of older adulthood often divided into three or more age-defined periods, such as the young-old, and old-old? What advantages does dividing this developmental stage into periods provide for researchers and scholars studying this stage of the lifespan?

Module: 16.1: Four Decades of Later Life

Learning Objective 16.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.182. Describe the major ways in which the “young-old” differ from the “old-old.” To what degree do biological and social forces contribute to these changes?

Module: 16.1.1: Ages 60 to 69; 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.183. Describe how the proportion of older adults in the U. S. population is expected to change over the next several decades and explain how this change is likely to affect U. S. social and economic policies.

Module: 16.1.3: Ages 80 to 89

Learning Objective 16.1

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.184. Explain the reasoning used in the text’s statement that the “very old” are often healthier than those in the “middle-aged-old” age group. Why would this be?

Module: 16.1.4: Ages 90 and over

Learning Objective 16.1

Analyze It

Difficult

Ageism and Stereotypes

Learning Objective 16.2: Analyze the consequences of ageism

16.185. Comparing the view of aging held by most people in the United States today to views held in colonial times and to views held in other cultures, answer the question: Do people in the United States today view aging as a more positive, or a more negative, process than it was viewed in other times and in other contexts?

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.186. Do you think older adults in the United States today are treated better, or worse, than older adults in other cultures? Explain your answer.

Module: 16.2.1: A Sociocultural Perspective

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.187. Discuss how today’s ageist stereotypes of men and women differ and comment on who is more negatively affected by these stereotypes, old men or old women.

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.188. Identify two examples of positive ageist stereotypes and two examples of negative ageist stereotypes that are commonly held around the world.

Module: 16.2.2: Is Ageism Alive and Well?

Learning Objective 16.2

Apply What You Know

Moderate

The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3: Relate lifestyle factors to the physical experience of older adulthood

16.189. Describe 3 things that older adults can do to remain healthy and strong into old age.

Module: 16.3: The Physical Aspects of Aging

Learning Objective 16.3

Analyze It

Moderate

16.190. Do exercise programs for older adults have much of an impact on their overall health? Provide evidence to support your answer to this question.

Module: 16.3.2: Muscles and the Skeleton

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.191. Why are falls more common among older adults than younger adults?

Module: 16.3.3: Mobility

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.192. Suggest an explanation for why more older adults have heart attacks while shoveling snow or mowing the lawn than while sleeping. Include in your answer an explanation of reserve capacity.

Module: 16.3.4: The Internal Organs

Learning Objective 16.3

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.193. Suggest two ways in which the sleep experienced by older adults differs from that of younger adults.

Module: 16.3.5: Sleep Problems

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.194. Describe the particular sensory and cognitive changes that contribute to the difficulties older adults typically have with driving a car.

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Difficult

16.195. Describe three common changes in the visual system that are age-related and suggest how each can be treated so that vision remains good.

Module: 16.3.6: The Senses

Learning Objective 16.3

Apply What You Know

Difficult

Health, Disease, and Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.196. Suggest two reasons why chronic health issues are more likely to be problematic for older, versus younger, adults.

Module: 16.4.1: Chronic Health Problems

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.197. Describe how gender and ethnicity are linked to life expectancy. What might this pattern of results suggest about lifestyle differences among these groups of people?

Module: 16.4.2: Nutrition

Learning Objective 16.4

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.198. Describe the current trend of prescription drug use among the U. S. older population. Explain two types of problems this trend is accelerating.

Module: 16.4.3: The Misuse of Prescribed Medication

Learning Objective 16.4

Apply What You Know

Moderate

The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.199. Distinguish between the terms senescence and senility. Then comment on the degree to which each is driven by biological forces.

Module: 16.5: The Causes of Aging

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.200. Suppose a researcher finds evidence that brain cells can only divide about 50 times before they die. Would this evidence provide better support for a stochastic, or a biological clock, theory of aging? Explain your answer.

Module: 16.5.1: Stochastic Theories; 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.201. Compare how stochastic theories of aging and biological clock theories of aging explain the aging process. What aspects of aging does each theory explain well and what aspects are not explained well?

Module: 16.5.1: Stochastic Theories; 16.5.2: Biological Clock Theories

Learning Objective 16.5

Evaluate It

Difficult

Neurological and Cognitive Changes in Advanced Age

Learning Objective 16.6: Describe health issues common to older adulthood

16.202. Describe two ways in which the brain changes as it ages and suggest how the brain likely compensates for these changes.

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

16.203. Comment on the accuracy of the statement: The human brain deteriorates with age.

Module: 16.6.1: The Brain and the Nervous System

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.204. Suggest two reasons why older adults typically perform more slowly on cognitive tasks than do younger adults.

Module: 16.6.2: Cognitive Speed

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

16.205. Does advancing age appear to be more problematic for tasks involving sensory memory, tasks involving short-term memory, or tasks involving long-term memory? Explain your answer by giving examples.

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.206. How do memory processes change as a person ages? Which particular types of tasks are least likely to be affected by age-related memory declines and which are more likely to be affected?

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.207. Describe and give an example of four different types of abilities measured in the Seattle Longitudinal Study. Which of these abilities, if any, appear to experience the greatest degree of age-related decline?

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Analyze It

Moderate

16.208. Describe how the results on age-related effects on cognition are different, depending on whether one considers a cross-sectional versus a longitudinal approach to research.

Module: 16.6.3: Memory

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.209. What is wisdom? Why does it seem to develop only as adults become older?

Module: 16.6.4: Wisdom

Learning Objective 16.6

Evaluate It

Difficult

Cognitive Decline

Learning Objective 16.7: Analyze the processes involved in cognitive decline

16.210. Give two examples of how lifestyle choices made earlier in life might affect the degree of cognitive decline an individual would face in older adulthood.

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.211. What is the relationship between aging and dementia?

Module: 16.7.1: Dementia

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.212. What is a “TIA”? What impact does having a TIA generally have on one’s health?

Module: 16.7.2: Cardiovascular and Circulatory Problems

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.213. Typically, how might a wife first notice that her husband is developing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? If the disease is confirmed, what changes to her lifestyle should she anticipate as her husband’s disease progresses?

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Moderate

16.214. List five different “warning signs” of Alzheimer’s disease.

Module 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Apply What You Know

Moderate

16.215. If you were to examine the brains of patients who died from Alzheimer’s disease, what differences would you expect to see, compared to brains of healthy young adults? What might these structural differences indicate about the causes of Alzheimer’s disease?

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Evaluate It

Difficult

16.216. Describe two possible causes for Alzheimer’s disease and speculate on what type of research you think will provide the best chances for developing a cure for this disease.

Module: 16.7.3: Alzheimer’s Disease

Learning Objective 16.7

Analyze It

Difficult

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Aug 21, 2025

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Chapter 16 Older Adulthood – Quiz 1

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Wendy L. Dunn

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Exam Questions Ch.16 Older Adulthood Quiz 1

7. The term most often used to refer to theories suggesting that genetic programming determines the pace and processes of aging are referred to as:

16.93. The term most often used to refer to theories suggesting that genetic programming determines the pace and processes of aging are referred to as:

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