Test Bank Answers Ch.13 Looking Ahead Aging in the Future

CHAPTER 13

LOOKING AHEAD: AGING IN THE FUTURE

CHAPTER SUMMARY

Chapter 13, which speculates on aging in the future, is divided into three relatively brief sections. The first section focuses on what has been called the third age (generally ages 65–74), which is one of relative health and well-being. For many people this is the time in life when responsibilities have been fulfilled, paid employment is no longer necessary, and opportunities for leisure abound before illness or death bring activities to a close. However, the leisurely lifestyle of third agers may diminish in the future. While many will be healthy, they will probably continue working to later ages. Also, third agers will have greater responsibility for long-lived older parents, and they may also help out with grandchildren whose parents have full-time careers.

The fourth age, usually marked by the 80th birthday, often brings declining independence and deteriorating health. Many individuals who live into the fourth age will need services such as day care and home health care if they are to continue living in the community. A sizeable proportion of fourth agers may need more protected living situations such as assisted living facilities or nursing homes where there are services on premises. In short, they will need adequate living environments to ensure quality of life. The growth of technology will be especially beneficial for those in the fourth age who will have access to computers for shopping, for communicating with friends and family, and even for delivery of health care.

Positive aging is the subject covered in the final section of this chapter. There is discussion of how individuals manage to enjoy feelings of happiness and well-being even in the face of objective diversity. The two models revisited throughout the book – Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) and the Ecological Model – play key roles in the path to positive aging.

SUGGESTED WEBSITES

American Psychological Association, Committee on Aging (CONA)

www.apa.org/pi/aging/cona/efforts-summary.pdf

This site describes the Committee on Aging (CONA) of the American Psychological Association. An important function of this committee is to provide strong advocacy for scientific agenda on aging that is useful to policy makers and funding agencies. CONA also advocates for the practice of psychology that will enhance the availability of health and mental health services to older adults and their families.

AARP, a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age 50 and over

www.aarp.org

AARP is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for people as they age. The organization delivers value to members through information, advocacy, and service.

AARP provides a wide range of member benefits such as access to health insurance, discounts on a variety of items, availability of driver safety courses, information on financial management, and reports on political issues likely to affect the older adult population.

AARP members receive AARP The Magazine, and the monthly AARP Bulletin.

Note: Searching the internet with the term positive aging will lead to book reviews, articles, conference proceedings, and links to newsletters and resource centers related to this topic.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Select the best answer from the options provided.

1. The third age is a time of life that corresponds best with ______.

a. the young-old years (65–74)

b. the old-old years (75–84)

c. the oldest-old years (85+)

2. The fourth age is a time of life that corresponds best with _________.

a. the young-old years

b. ages 60 to 70

c. age 80 and older

d. ages 65 to 85

3. The third age has been considered ____________.

a. a time of life for developing a career and raising children

b. an extension of middle age, but without the work and childrearing responsibilities

c. a time of declining health and increasing dependency

d. a time of life that is not very positive

4. In the future, individuals in the third age will _____________.

a. be less healthy and vigorous than they are now

b. have fewer family responsibilities than they have now

c. be more likely to continue working at paid jobs

d. be even more carefree than they are now

5. In the future, more people in the third age will still be working part time or full time.

a. True

b. False

6. In the future, the term “sandwich generation,” will be most descriptive of _____.

a. middle-aged adults

b. young-old adults

c. old-old adults

d. oldest-old adults

7. In the fourth age, __________________.

a. the majority of people live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities

b. there will be fewer people in the future than there are now

c. people will need less health care than they did in the third age

d. there is often a decline in level of independence

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

1. Distinguish between the third age and the fourth age.

2. What is meant by positive aging? Describe a person who you think represents an example of positive aging?

3. How might the Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) and Ecological Models relate to the concept of positive aging?