Title: Late Adulthood
Course: Question Banks

Q: Which of the following factors are considered in a description of one’s functional age?
- Cognitive functioning (Incorrect. A measure of one’s functional capabilities is a combination of physiological, psychological and social age.)
- Emotional/behavioral functioning (Incorrect. A measure of one’s functional capabilities is a combination of physiological, psychological and social age.)
- Their ability to recover from illness (Incorrect. A measure of one’s functional capabilities is a combination of physiological, psychological and social age.)
- Physical and psychosocial well-being (Correct. It is a term for a person's age that is determined as a measure of their functional capabilities; a combination of physiological, psychological and social age.)
A: Physical and psychosocial well-being

Q: Demographers use which terminology to describe people between the ages of 65 and 74 years?
- old old (Incorrect. These are people between the ages of 75 and 84 years.)
- geriatric (Incorrect. This is a term used pertaining to elderly persons in general or to the aging process.)
- oldest old (Incorrect. This is a general term referring to the population above age 85, which is the fastest growing age group in the US and some other nations)
- young old (Correct. This is a term used to denote a person who is between 65 and 74 years of age.)
A: young old

Q: If Sandra is 82 years old, which terminology would demographers use to describe her?
- young old (Incorrect. This is a term used to denote a person who is between 65 and 74 years of age.)
- geriatric (Incorrect. This is a term used pertaining to elderly persons in general or to the aging process.)
- oldest old (Incorrect. These are persons 85 years of age and older.)
- old old (Correct. This is the term to describe people between the ages of 75 and 84 years)
A: old old

Q: Ezekiel is 88. According to demographers, which age category is he in?
- old old (Incorrect. These are people between the ages of 75 and 84 years)
- young old (Incorrect. This is a term used to denote a person who is between 65 and 74 years of age.)
- geriatric (Incorrect. This is a term used pertaining to elderly persons in general or to the aging process.)
- oldest old (Correct. This is a general term referring to the population above age 85, which is the fastest growing age group in the US and some other nations)
A: oldest old

Q: In late adulthood, the ________, are considered the group likely to experience some health problems and some difficulties with daily activities.
- young old (Incorrect. They live independently and are healthy and active.)
- middle old (Incorrect. We have not seen this terminology, only middle adulthood.)
- oldest old (Incorrect. This describes people who are frail and in need of care.)
- old old (Correct. These individuals have some health problems and difficulties with daily living activities, but they are able to live an independent and full life.)
A: old old

Q: Which of the following is the description used by developmental psychologists to describe the functional age of the “young old”?
- They have some health problems and difficulties with daily living activities (Incorrect. This would describe the “old old” in terms of functional age.)
- They are frail and in need of care (Incorrect. This would describe the “oldest old” in terms of functional age.)
- They are recognized as senior citizens (Incorrect. The age which qualifies for senior citizen status varies widely. In governmental contexts, it is usually associated with an age at which pensions or medical benefits for the elderly become available)
- They live independently and are healthy and active (Correct. Here, age is defined in terms of physical or functional capacity; frequently applied to older adults. It can refer to a person who manifests the development and behaviors of a particular age group, which are not necessarily typical of the chronological age of the person.)
A: They live independently and are healthy and active

Q: Which of the following is the description used by developmental psychologists to categorize the “oldest old”?
- They live independently and are healthy and active (Incorrect. This would describe the “young old” in terms of functional age.)
- They have some health problems and difficulties with daily living activities (Incorrect. This would describe the “old old” in terms of functional age.)
- They are considered to be a senior citizen (Incorrect. The age which qualifies for senior citizen status varies widely. In governmental contexts, it is usually associated with an age at which pensions or medical benefits for the elderly become available)
- They are frail and in need of care (Correct. Here, age is defined in terms of physical or functional capacity; frequently applied to older adults. It can refer to a person who manifests the development and behaviors of a particular age group, which are not necessarily typical of the chronologic age of the person)
A: They are frail and in need of care

Q: Which is the best advice for Felicia, who is 81 and healthy, and hoping to continue leading an active life?
- get vaccinated, increase alcohol consumption, sleep at least 9 hours a night (Incorrect. Sleeping too much or too little is associated with negative health outcomes for the elderly, and alcohol consumption should remain in check.)
- exercise, smoke moderately, and be married. (Exercise is good, smoking is not good for your health, and marriage is only a helpful factor if it’s not a stressful one.)
- take vitamins, have yearly check-ups, and increase caloric consumption. (Incorrect. Older adults are advised to decrease caloric consumption.)
- remain sexually active, exercise, and have good friends (Correct. By exercising, having an active sex life, reducing stress, not smoking, limiting use of alcohol, and consuming more fruits and vegetables, older adults can expect to live longer and more active lives)
A: remain sexually active, exercise, and have good friends

Q: Daisy wants to live much longer than her parents and grandparents, who died of health related issues in their late 60s. What is good advice for Daisy?
- get vaccinated, increase caloric intake, drink more alcohol. (Incorrect. While vaccines can help, Daisy should actually eat fewer calories and be careful about her alcohol consumption,)
- exercise, sleep in longer time intervals, and be married. (Incorrect. Exercise and sleep are good, but marriage is only a helpful factor if it’s not a stressful one.)
- take vitamins, have yearly check-ups, and increase caloric consumption. (Incorrect. Older adults are advised to decrease caloric consumption.)
- exercise, eat more vegetables, and have good friends (Correct. Exercise, and healthy diet, and strong relationships all contribute to longer life expectancies.)
A: exercise, eat more vegetables, and have good friends

Q: Which statement is true of life expectancies in the United States?
- Life expectancies are on the rise, but active life expectancies are decreasing. (Incorrect. Active life expectancies are not actually decreasing.)
- The rate of population growth is expected to increase significantly with the aging of the baby boomers. (Incorrect. Because the baby boomers are growing old, population growth will slow down.)
- Black men and women have longer life expectancies than Latinos and whites. (Incorrect. Latinos actually have the highest life expectancies among ethnic groups in the United States.)
- Life expectancies in the United States are higher for women than men. (Correct. Women continue to outlive men, with life expectancy being 76.3 years for males, and 81.1 years for females.)
A: Life expectancies in the United States are higher for women than men.

Q: Lorraine is 70 years old and complains that she cannot read or drive as well as she once could because her vision and especially her peripheral vision has decreased. After an eye exam, the Doctor tells her that the fluid in her eyes cannot be drained properly causing too much pressure in the fluid in her eyes. What condition does Lorraine have?
- myopia (Incorrect. Myopia is nearsightedness.)
- age-related macular degeneration (Incorrect. Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, a yellowish area of the eye located near the retina at which visual perception is most acute. A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and A) can reduce the risk of this disease.)
- cataracts (Incorrect. Cataracts are cloudy or opaque areas of the lens of the eye that interfere with passing light.)
- glaucoma (Correct. Glaucoma occurs when pressure in the fluid of the eye increases, either because the fluid cannot drain properly or because too much fluid is produced. Glaucoma can be corrected with drugs or surgery. It must be detected early enough.)
A: glaucoma

Q: James is 64 years old and complains to his doctor that he has blurred, "fuzzy" vision. When he reads the newspaper the lines appear wavy or distorted. His Doctor tells him that he suffers from the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 60, but not to worry because the disease was detected early. He put him on medication and a diet rich in antioxidants and thinks that he may even avoid laser surgery. James was diagnosed with ________.
- myopia (Incorrect. Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40.)
- glaucoma (Incorrect. Glaucoma occurs when pressure in the fluid of the eye increases, either because the fluid cannot drain properly or because too much fluid is produced. Glaucoma can be corrected with drugs or surgery. It must be detected early enough.)
- cataracts (Incorrect. Cataracts are cloudy or opaque areas of the lens of the eye that interfere with passing light, frequently develop. Cataracts can be surgically removed or intraocular lens implants can replace old lenses.)
- age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (Correct. Macular degeneration is the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 60. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, a yellowish area of the eye located near the retina at which visual perception is most acute. A diet rich in antioxidant vitamins (C, E, and A) can reduce the risk of this disease.)
A: age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Q: Shevanne is 63 years old and complains that high-pitched sounds, such as "s" or "th" are hard to distinguish and conversations are difficult to understand, particularly when there is background noise. Some sounds seem overly loud and annoying. Her doctor tells her that she is suffering from an age related hearing loss due to damage of the cochlea in her inner ear. Her doctor has diagnosed her with the second most common illness in aged people. Which is it ?
- myopia (Incorrect. Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40.)
- diabetic retinopathy (Incorrect. Diabetic retinopathy, also known as diabetic eye disease, is a medical condition in which damage occurs to the retina due to diabetes mellitus. It is a leading cause of blindness. There are three major treatments for diabetic retinopathy, which are very effective in reducing vision loss from this disease: laser photocoagulation, medications, surgery.)
- cataracts (Incorrect. Cataracts are cloudy or opaque areas of the lens of the eye that interfere with passing light, frequently develop. Cataracts can be surgically removed. or intraocular lens implants can replace old lenses.)
- presbycusis (Correct. Presbycusis is age-related sensorineural hearing loss resulting from degeneration of the cochlea or associated structures of the inner ear or auditory nerves. The hearing loss is most marked at higher frequencies. Presbycusis is the second most common illness next to arthritis in aged people.)
A: presbycusis

Q: The term senescence is another name for ________.
- secondary aging (Incorrect. Secondary aging processes result from disease and poor health practices (e.g. no exercise, smoking, excess fat and other forms of self-damage) and are often preventable, whether through lifestyle choice or modern medicine.)
- environmental aging (Incorrect. Environmental aging is when aging symptoms are accelerated by environmental factors such as stress, pollution and sun damage.)
- hormonal aging (Incorrect. When estrogen levels decline, and other hormones such as androgen, can become more dominant, showing a direct result on the skin. In addition to the factors above, hormonal aging signs include: Even more thinning of the skin as collagen and elastin fibers become weaker and shrink.)
- primary aging (Correct. Senescence, the condition or process of deterioration with age, is Primary aging. Primary aging is the gradual - and presently inevitable - process of bodily deterioration that takes place throughout life: the accumulation of biochemical damage that leads to slowed movements, fading vision, impaired hearing, reduced ability to adapt to stress, decreased resistance to infections, and so forth.)
A: primary aging

Q: Thomas is 57 years old and has severe arthritis. He is overweight and also suffers from fatigue, loss of concentration, headaches and unrefreshing sleep, and this has caused a change in his physical functioning despite his age. What type of aging is Thomas experiencing?
- primary (Incorrect. Primary aging is the gradual - and presently inevitable - process of bodily deterioration that takes place throughout life: the accumulation of biochemical damage that leads to slowed movements, fading vision, impaired hearing, reduced ability to adapt to stress, decreased resistance to infections, and so forth.)
- environmental (Incorrect. Environmental ageing is when ageing symptoms are accelerated by environmental factors such as stress, pollution and sun damage.)
- genetic (Incorrect. The genetic theory of aging states that lifespan is largely determined by the genes we inherit. According to the theory, our longevity is primarily determined at the moment of conception and is largely reliant on our parents and their genes.)
- secondary (Correct. Secondary aging processes result from disease and poor health practices (e.g. no exercise, smoking, excess fat and other forms of self-damage) and are often preventable, whether through lifestyle choice or modern medicine.)
A: secondary

Q: According to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic disease is especially a concern in the elderly population in America. It is estimated that at least 80% of older Americans are currently living with some form of a chronic condition, with 50% of this population having two or more chronic conditions. ________is the leading cause of death from chronic disease for adults older than 65.
- Hypertension (Incorrect. Heart disease is the leading cause of death from chronic disease for adults older than 65, followed by cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and, finally, Alzheimer’s disease)
- Alzheimer’s disease (Incorrect. Heart disease is the leading cause of death from chronic disease for adults older than 65, followed by cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and, finally, Alzheimer’s disease)
- Stroke (Incorrect. Heart disease is the leading cause of death from chronic disease for adults older than 65, followed by cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and, finally, Alzheimer’s disease)
- Heart disease (Correct. Heart disease is the leading cause of death from chronic disease for adults older than 65, followed by cancer, stroke, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and, finally, Alzheimer’s disease.)
A: Heart disease

Q: Maria is 65 years old. She is retired but worked as weaver—work which is quite physically demanding. Although Maria doesn’t practice any sports or go to the gym, she is constantly on the move. She does all household chores alone, mainly because she has no one to help her. She admits, “Two years ago I moved a double mattress on my own and I broke a vertebra, and from then on I had to start taking calcium. Her doctor told her that her bones had become brittle, fragile and thin. The doctor most likely diagnosed Maria with what condition?
- diabetes (Incorrect. Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin.)
- shingles (Incorrect. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.)
- arthritis (Incorrect. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.)
- osteoporosis (Correct. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle, fragile, and thin, often brought about by a lack of calcium in the diet.)
A: osteoporosis

Q: Bonnie is a 65-year-old woman who has difficulty managing simple, everyday tasks because of painful swelling of the joints in her hands. Bonnie has most likely been diagnosed with ________.
- shingles (Incorrect. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash.)
- Alzheimer’s disease (Incorrect. Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior)
- hypertension (Incorrect. Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. It can lead to severe complications and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and death. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the blood vessels.)
- arthritis (Correct. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.)
A: arthritis

Q: ________ is a form of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin.
- Type 1 diabetes (Incorrect. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood and is the result of the pancreas producing little or no insulin.)
- Insulin-resistant (Incorrect. This is not a term used to describe a type of diabetes.)
- Osteoporosis (Incorrect. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become brittle, fragile, and thin, often brought about by a lack of calcium in the diet.)
- Type 2 diabetes (Correct. Type 2 diabetes primarily occurs as a result of obesity and lack of exercise and is often diagnosed in adulthood.)
A: Type 2 diabetes

Q: Greg was diagnosed with ________ as a result of his high blood sugar and insulin resistance. His doctor recommended losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating properly to improve his health.
- Type 1 diabetes
- Insulin-resistant
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
A: Type 2 diabetes

Q: Miller is giving a lecture on the theories of aging. She explains that genetics, diet, lifestyle, activity, and exposure to pollutants all play a role in the aging process, and suggests that overall processing speed declines in the peripheral nervous system affecting your brain's ability to communicate with your muscles and organs. Dr Miller is trying to explain the ________.
- the Hayflick limit theory of aging) (Incorrect. The Hayflick limit is the number of times a normal human cell population will divide before cell division stops)
- generalized slowing hypothesis (Incorrect. The generalized slowing hypothesis: the theory that processing in all parts of the nervous system, including the brain, is less efficient)
- free radical theory of aging (Incorrect. The free radical theory of aging (FRTA)is the theory that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time.)
- peripheral slowing hypothesis (Correct. The peripheral slowing hypothesis: the theory that overall processing speed declines with age in the peripheral nervous system Some of your peripheral nervous system (PNS) is under your voluntary control – the nerves that carry instructions from your brain to your limbs, for example. As well as controlling your muscles and joints, it sends all the information from your senses back to your brain.)
A: peripheral slowing hypothesis

Q: Professor Black explains that genetics, diet, lifestyle, activity, and exposure to pollutants all play a role in the aging process, and suggests that processing in all parts of the nervous system, including the brain, are less efficient with age, hence why older people have more accidents. Professor Black is trying to explain the ________.
- free radical theory of aging (Incorrect. The free radical theory of aging (FRTA) is the theory that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time.)
- peripheral slowing hypothesis (Incorrect. The peripheral slowing hypothesis: the theory that overall processing speed declines with age in the peripheral nervous system)
- the Hayflick limit theory of aging) (Incorrect. The Hayflick limit is the number of times a normal human cell population will divide before cell division stops.)
- generalized slowing hypothesis (Correct. The generalized slowing hypothesis: the theory that processing in all parts of the nervous system, including the brain, is less efficient)
A: generalized slowing hypothesis

Q: Ninety-two-year-old Robert is watching his 25year-old grandson play an action video game that involves real time strategy. Robert challenges his grandson to a round, but a few minutes into the game, Robert gets frustrated because his fingers are not working fast enough, and decides to quit. What theory of aging might explain why Robert cannot keep up with his grandson’s quick game play?
- generalized slowing hypothesis (Incorrect. The theory that processing in all parts of the nervous system, including the brain, is less efficient with increasing, but the peripheral slowing hypothesis specifically hypothesizes that the nerves that branch from the spinal cord and brain to the extremities of the body become less efficient.)
- shortening of reaction time (Incorrect. The peripheral slowing hypothesis specifically hypothesizes that the nerves that branch from the spinal cord and brain to the extremities of the body become less efficient.)
- increased speed of processing time (Incorrect. The peripheral slowing hypothesis specifically hypothesizes that the nerves that branch from the spinal cord and brain to the extremities of the body become less efficient.)
- peripheral slowing hypothesis (Correct. It hypothesizes that the nerves that branch from the spinal cord and brain to the extremities of the body become less efficient.)
A: peripheral slowing hypothesis

Q: Yvonne is 75 year-old active retiree and has decided to volunteer part-time at a day care for her church. Although she is physically fit for her age, she faces challenges in retaining information. Given her age, the most challenging information for Yvonne to remember is ________.
- names of family members (Incorrect. Long-term memory involves the storage of information for long periods of time. Retrieving such information depends on how well it was learned in the first place rather than how long it has been stored. If information is stored effectively, an older person may remember facts, events, names and other types of information stored in long-term memory throughout life.)
- current events (Incorrect. Long-term memory involves the storage of information for long periods of time. Retrieving such information depends on how well it was learned in the first place rather than how long it has been stored. If information is stored effectively, an older person may remember facts, events, names and other types of information stored in long-term memory throughout life.)
- names of the children in her elementary class (Incorrect. Long-term memory involves the storage of information for long periods of time. Retrieving such information depends on how well it was learned in the first place rather than how long it has been stored. If information is stored effectively, an older person may remember facts, events, names and other types of information stored in long-term memory throughout life.)
- information presented quickly and orally, such as complicated instructions (Correct. When an elderly person demonstrates difficulty with multi-step verbal information that is presented quickly, the person is exhibiting problems with working memory. Working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age.)
A: information presented quickly and orally, such as complicated instructions

Q: Joe is 70 years old and recalls names of teachers or classmates from when he was an adolescent, but has difficulty remembering information presented quickly and orally, such as complicated instructions. His ________ memory seems to be intact, but his ________ memory is showing decline.
- autobiographical; long-term (Incorrect. If information is stored effectively, an older person may remember facts, events, names and other types of information stored in long-term memory throughout life.)
- semantic; long-term (Incorrect. If information is stored effectively, an older person may remember facts, events, names and other types of information stored in long-term memory throughout life.)
- factual; semantic (Incorrect. Older adults retain semantic memory or the ability to remember vocabulary.)
- long-term; working (Correct. Long-term memory involves the storage of information for long periods of time. Working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age. Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing.)
A: long-term; working

Q: ________ involves the storage of information for long periods of time, whereas ________ is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing and most sensitive to decline in old age.
- Factual; autobiographical (Incorrect. long-term memory is the storage of information over an extended period. working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing.Working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age.)
- Short-term; long-term (Incorrect. long-term memory is the storage of information over an extended period. working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing.Working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age.)
- Semantic; episodic (Incorrect. long-term memory is the storage of information over an extended period. working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing.Working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age.)
- Long-term memory; Working memory (Correct. long-term memory is the storage of information over an extended period. working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing.Working memory is among the cognitive functions most sensitive to decline in old age.)
A: Long-term memory; Working memory

Q: According to Salthouse’s processing theory of cognitive aging, ________ causes a decline in memory functioning.
- a deteriorating prefrontal cortex (Incorrect. Robert West argues that the pre-frontal cortex, which deteriorates more than other brain regions as we grow old, is the cause of memory decline.)
- too much irrelevant information (Incorrect. Lynn Hasher and Rose Zacks argue that this is the inhibition hypothesis, resulting in too much “clutter” causing memory abilities to decline.)
- advances in long-term memory (Incorrect. Changes in long-term memory, however minor, do not result in a decline of memory functioning.)
- a slower processing speed (Correct. Salthouse argues that slower processing causes working-memory contents to decay, thus reducing effective capacity)
A: a slower processing speed

Q: Mary at age 80 loves her independence, but lately she has been involved in more car accidents, although minor and mostly due the constant switching of attention when there is a lot of traffic. To explain Mary’s challenges, new research may point to problems in ________ among older adults, when it comes to activities such as driving.
- sustained attention (Incorrect. In general, older adults are not impaired on tasks that test sustained attention, like watching a screen for an infrequent beep or symbol.)
- long- term memory (Incorrect. Long-term memory involves the storage of information for long periods of time.)
- working- term memory (Incorrect. Working memory is a cognitive system with a limited capacity that is responsible for temporarily holding information available for processing.)
- divided attention (Correct. An important conclusion from research on changes in cognitive function as we age is that attentional deficits can have a significant impact on an older person’s ability to function adequately and independently in everyday life. One important aspect of daily functioning affected by attentional problems is driving, an activity that, for many older people, is essential to independence. Driving requires a constant switching of attention in response to environmental contingencies. Attention must be divided between driving, monitoring the environment, and sorting out relevant from irrelevant stimuli in a cluttered visual array. Research has shown that divided attention impairments are significantly associated with increased automobile accidents in older adults)
A: divided attention

Q: Research has shown that among the elderly, divided attention impairments are significantly associated with ________.
- holding information in memory long enough to process (Incorrect. Research has shown that divided attention impairments are significantly associated with increased automobile accidents in older adults)
- storing information for long periods of time (Incorrect. Research has shown that divided attention impairments are significantly associated with increased automobile accidents in older adults)
- watching a screen for a sustained period of time (Incorrect. Research has shown that divided attention impairments are significantly associated with increased automobile accidents in older adults)
- increased automobile accidents in older adults (Correct. Research has shown that divided attention impairments are significantly associated with increased automobile accidents in older adults)
A: increased automobile accidents in older adults

Q: Mary worked in customer service for 40 years. She was known to be insightful and able to overcome obstacles that she encountered on a daily basis. She retired from her management position at the age of 65. Now, as a volunteer at a polling bureau, she puts her ability to use common sense and good judgment in making decisions to good use. Which ability, common to many older people but not all, is Mary displaying ?
- expertise (Incorrect. Wisdom is the ability to use common sense and good judgment in making decisions. A wise person is insightful and has knowledge that can be used to overcome obstacles they encounter in their daily lives.)
- intelligence (Incorrect. Wisdom is the ability to use common sense and good judgment in making decisions. A wise person is insightful and has knowledge that can be used to overcome obstacles they encounter in their daily lives.)
- grace (incorrect. Wisdom is the ability to use common sense and good judgment in making decisions. A wise person is insightful and has knowledge that can be used to overcome obstacles they encounter in their daily lives.)
- wisdom (Correct. Wisdom is the ability to use common sense and good judgment in making decisions. A wise person is insightful and has knowledge that can be used to overcome obstacles they encounter in their daily lives.)
A: wisdom

Q: Essie is an 86-year-old woman who tries to function independently but has suffered for several years with forgetfulness, especially with recent memories. She has trouble finding her car in the parking lot after grocery shopping. The store managers have called her children to come and help her. She has been known to forget her way home at times. Her children worry that she may have a form of dementia called ________.
- delirium (Incorrect. Delirium is a syndrome encompassing disturbances in attention, consciousness, and cognition. It may also involve other neurological deficits, such as psychomotor disturbances (e.g. hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed), impaired sleep-wake cycle, emotional disturbances, and perceptual disturbances (e.g. hallucinations and delusions)
- drug intoxication (Incorrect. This is not a term used to describe Essie’s situation.)
- a stroke (Incorrect. A stroke is not a form of dementia.)
- Alzheimer’s disease (Correct. Alzheimer’s Disease is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems with language, disorientation (including easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioral issues. In its early stages, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to their environment.)
A: Alzheimer’s disease

Q: An 85-year-old man, George, is demonstrating serious memory loss, lessened intellectual ability, and impaired judgment. What diagnosis is George likely to receive from a doctor?
- Drug intoxication (Incorrect. The correct answer is Dementia. Dementia refers to severely impaired judgment, memory or problem-solving ability. It can occur before old age and is not an inevitable development even among the very old. Dementia can be caused by numerous diseases and circumstances, all of which result in similar general symptoms of impaired judgment, etc.)
- Delirium (Incorrect. The correct answer is Dementia. Delirium is a syndrome encompassing disturbances in attention, consciousness, and cognition. It may also involve other neurological deficits, such as psychomotor disturbances (e.g. hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed), impaired sleep-wake cycle, emotional disturbances, and perceptual disturbances (e.g. hallucinations and delusions).)
- A stroke (Incorrect. The correct answer is Dementia. Dementia refers to severely impaired judgment, memory or problem-solving ability. It can occur before old age and is not an inevitable development even among the very old. Dementia can be caused by numerous diseases and circumstances, all of which result in similar general symptoms of impaired judgment, etc.)
- Dementia (Correct. Dementia refers to severely impaired judgment, memory or problem-solving ability. It can occur before old age and is not an inevitable development even among the very old. Dementia can be caused by numerous diseases and circumstances, all of which result in similar general symptoms of impaired judgment, etc.)
A: Dementia

Q: Nancy is in her early 60s and nervous about growing old because she doesn’t want to be limited in her daily functioning or lose her memory or judgement. How might you reassure Nancy about her fears?
- If she practices memory exercises and other cognitive activities, she can avoid dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. (Incorrect. There is no clear way to prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s due to many unknown factors about its causes. Cognitive exercises are recommended, but do not guarantee dementia prevention.)
- Even if she does get Alzheimer’s Disease, those with the illness typically live twenty years after the diagnosis and in good health. (Incorrect. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis.)
- Even with dementia, she will retain her ability to remember important people and events.. (Incorrect. The most common early symptom of dementia is difficulty in remembering recent events.)
- Dementia is not inevitable; while 10% will develop dementia in their lifetime, less than half of people above age 84 will have it. (Correct. Just because a person grows old, does not mean they will have dementia.)
A: Dementia is not inevitable; while 10% will develop dementia in their lifetime, less than half of people above age 84 will have it.

Q: Seventy-three year old Larry has contemplated his life and realizes he is dissatisfied. He realizes that missed opportunities have passed, like staying in contact with his children and being an involved grandparent. When he thinks of his accomplishments, he cannot say that he has accomplished what he wished. According to the theory of psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, Larry is experiencing ________.
- integrity (Incorrect. According to Erik Erikson, integrity is said to consist of the ability to look back on one’s life with a feeling of satisfaction, peace and gratitude for all that has been given and received.)
- remorse (Incorrect. If a person sees their life as unproductive, or feel that they did not accomplish their life goals, they may become dissatisfied with life and develop what Erikson calls despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.)
- self-analysis (Incorrect. If a person sees their life as unproductive, or feel that they did not accomplish their life goals, they may become dissatisfied with life and develop what Erikson calls despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.)
- despair (Correct. If a person sees their life as unproductive, or feel that they did not accomplish their life goals, they may become dissatisfied with life and develop what Erikson calls despair, often leading to depression and hopelessness.)
A: despair

Q: Michael is in his mid-60s and beginning to looking back over his life, evaluate it, and come to terms with it. Which psychosocial stage according to Erikson describes what Michael is attempting to accomplish?
- Body transcendence versus body preoccupation (Incorrect. Body transcendence versus body preoccupation is Peck’s developmental task in which older adults must cope with declining physical well-being.)
- Continuity vs Disengagement (Incorrect. Continuity theory suggests that as people age, they continue to view the self in much the same way as they did when they were younger. Disengagement theory, developed by Cumming and Henry in the 1950s, emphasizes in contrast to activity theory that older adults should not be discouraged from following their inclination towards solitude and greater inactivity.)
- Generativity vs. Stagnation (Incorrect. When people reach their 40s, they enter the time known as middle adulthood, which extends to the mid-60s. The social task of middle adulthood is generativity vs. stagnation. Generativity involves finding your life’s work and contributing to the development of others through activities such as volunteering, mentoring, and raising children. During this stage, middle-aged adults begin contributing to the next generation, often through childbirth and caring for others; they also engage in meaningful and productive work which contributes positively to society)
- Integrity versus despair (Correct. From the mid-60s to the end of life, we are in the period of development known as late adulthood. Erikson’s task at this stage is called integrity vs. despair. He said that people in late adulthood reflect on their lives and feel either a sense of satisfaction or a sense of failure. People who feel proud of their accomplishments feel a sense of integrity, and they can look back on their lives with few regrets. However, people who are not successful at this stage may feel as if their life has been wasted.)
A: Integrity versus despair

Q: Jay is 72-years old and is someone who sees himself as having lived a satisfying and successful life. He is grateful to have had a good career at the division of motor vehicles for over 40 years, and even more grateful for the loving family he has. He coached his children and grandchildren in football. Even now, he babysits his great grandchildren and does activities with them as well. His life has been filled with productivity, or according to Erik Erikson, ________.
- industry (Incorrect. Erikson's fourth psychosocial crisis, involving industry (competence) vs. inferiority occurs during childhood between the ages of five and twelve.)
- initiative (Incorrect. Initiative versus guilt is the third stage of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. During the initiative versus guilt stage, children assert themselves more frequently.)
- generativity (Incorrect. Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh of eight stages of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage takes place during during middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 yrs).)
- integrity (Correct. Here integrity is said to consist of the ability to look back on one’s life with a feeling of satisfaction, peace and gratitude for all that has been given and received.If someone sees themselves as having lived a successful life, they may see it as one filled with productivity, or according to Erik Erikson, integrity.)
A: integrity

Q: Carol and Greg both retired at 65 by choice. They remain productive in many ways. Which of the following has not been reported to be one of the ways people in late adulthood continue to be productive?
- doing structured, face-to-face, volunteer work. (Incorrect. 40 percent of older adults are involved in some type of structured, face-to-face, volunteer work.)
- letter writing to congress on issues that affect them (Incorrect. The elderly are very politically active. They have high rates of voting and engage in letter writing to congress on issues that not only affect them, but on a wide range of domestic and foreign concerns.)
- working part-time (Incorrect. Some do participate in organized volunteer programs but interestingly enough, those who do tend to work part-time as well.)
- sleeping until midday every day and then watching television. (Correct. People in late adulthood continue to be productive in many ways. These include work, education, volunteering, family life, and intimate relationships. Older adults also experience generativity (recall Erikson’s previous stage of generativity vs. stagnation) through voting, forming and helping social institutions like community centers, churches and schools)
A: sleeping until midday every day and then watching television.

Q: Anna Mae is 72 years old. She recently became a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity when a project was introduced to her group of friends at the Senior Community Center where she was already involved in tutoring school children in reading and math. This is just an example of how people in late adulthood continue to be ________ in many ways.
- disengaged (Incorrect. People in late adulthood continue to be productive in many ways. These include work, education, volunteering, family life, and intimate relationships. Older adults also experience generativity (recall Erikson’s previous stage of generativity vs. stagnation) through voting, forming and helping social institutions like community centers, churches and schools)
- self-involved (Incorrect. People in late adulthood continue to be productive in many ways. These include work, education, volunteering, family life, and intimate relationships. Older adults also experience generativity (recall Erikson’s previous stage of generativity vs. stagnation) through voting, forming and helping social institutions like community centers, churches and schools)
- accommodating (Incorrect. People in late adulthood continue to be productive in many ways. These include work, education, volunteering, family life, and intimate relationships. Older adults also experience generativity (recall Erikson’s previous stage of generativity vs. stagnation) through voting, forming and helping social institutions like community centers, churches and schools)
- productive (Correct. People in late adulthood continue to be productive in many ways. These include work, education, volunteering, family life, and intimate relationships. Older adults also experience generativity (recall Erikson’s previous stage of generativity vs. stagnation) through voting, forming and helping social institutions like community centers, churches and schools)
A: productive

Q: Sheila retired two years ago at the age of 65. She would have worked a few more years, but felt pressure to make room for new younger recruits at her state job. No longer as active on a daily basis, her morale and self concept are lower. In addressing this issue, a developmental psychologist may recommend that Sheila gets involved in voluntary and leisure organizations, child care or other forms of social interaction. This supports which theory?
- Disengagement theory (Incorrect. The disengagement theory suggests that during late adulthood, the individual and society mutually withdraw)
- Continuity theory (Incorrect. The continuity theory suggests that as people age, they continue to view the self in much the same way as they did when they were younger)
- Free radical theory (Incorrect. The free radical theory of aging (FRTA) states that organisms age because cells accumulate free radical damage over time.)
- Activity theory (Correct. The activity theory addresses the issue of how persons can best adjust to the changing circumstances of old age–e.g., retirement, illness, loss of friends and loved ones through death, etc., thus strongly supports the avoidance of a sedentary lifestyle and considers it essential to health and happiness that the older person remains active physically and socially.)
A: Activity theory

Q: While Gary is at the ATM during the lunchtime rush, he fumbles while trying to insert his credit card and takes a long time reading the prompts to withdraw money and terminate his transaction. He overhears someone behind him mutter, “Hurry up, grandpa! Some of us have work to do.” The words are an example of ________.
- sexism (Incorrect. Sexism is prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination, typically against women, on the basis of sex.)
- racism (Incorrect. Rcaism is prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one's own race is superior.)
- abuse (Incorrect. Abuse is cruel and violent treatment of a person or animal.)
- ageism (Correct. Ageism is prejudice and discrimination that is directed at older people. This view suggests that older people are less in command of their mental faculties.)
A: ageism

Q: Stereotypes about people in late adulthood lead many to assume that aging automatically brings ________.
- power (Incorrect. Older people are viewed more negatively than younger people on a variety of traits, particularly those relating to general competence and attractiveness.)
- knowledge (Incorrect. Older people are viewed more negatively than younger people on a variety of traits, particularly those relating to general competence and attractiveness.)
- improved health (Incorrect. Older people are viewed more negatively than younger people on a variety of traits, particularly those relating to general competence and attractiveness.)
- mental decline (Correct. Ageism is prejudice and discrimination that is directed at older people. This view suggests that older people are less in command of their mental faculties.)
A: mental decline

Q: The ancient Greek city state of Sparta was ruled by a Gerousia. A Gerousia was a council made up of members who were at least 60 years old and served for life. The political power within the ruling class accumulates with age, making the oldest the holders of the most power. In many preindustrial societies, the elderly still have influence and power and their vast knowledge is respected. This type of political and social structure is known as a ________.
- theocracy (Incorrect. Theocracy is a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. Gerontocracy is common in theocratic states and religious organizations such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Vatican and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in which leadership is concentrated in the hands of religious elders.)
- stateless society (Incorrect. A stateless society is a society that is not governed by a state, or, especially in common American English, one that has no government.)
- republic (Incorrect. A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a “public matter”, not the private concern or property of the rulers.)
- gerontocracy (Correct. Gerontocracy is a type of social structure wherein the power is held by a society’s oldest members)
A: gerontocracy

Q: Denise has been retired for 12 years and is 72 years old. She is having a conversation with her daughter, discussing plans to do different things with each of her grandchildren during the summer vacation. She loves spending time with them and values her friendship with them. What style of grandparenting characterizes the type of grandparent Denise must be?
- remote grandparent (Incorrect. These grandparents rarely see their grandchildren. Usually they live far away from the grandchildren, but may also have a distant relationship. Contact is typically made on special occasions such as holidays or birthdays.)
- involved grandparent (Incorrect. These grandparents take a very active role in their grandchild’s life. They might even live with the grandchild. The involved grandparent is one who has frequent contact with and authority over the grandchild.)
- surrogate parent (Incorrect. A grandparent in this role is one who has taken over the caretaking of the grandchild.)
- companionate grandparent (Correct. These grandparents do things with the grandchild but have little authority or control over them. They prefer to spend time with them without interfering in parenting. They are more like friends to their grandchildren.)
A: companionate grandparent

Q: Sebastian is age 75 and was married for 42 years. His spouse died more than 3 years ago. Helen is also 75 and is now widowed after 50 years of marriage. Which of the two may experience complicated grief, or difficulty because they do have a social network and can take care of their own daily needs?
- Helen (Incorrect. Widows may have less difficulty because they do have a social network and can take care of their own daily needs.)
- Both (Incorrect. The death of a spouse is one of life’s most disruptive experiences. It is especially hard on men who lose their wives. Often widowers do not have a network of friends or family members to fall back on and may have difficulty expressing their emotions to facilitate grief. Also, they may have been very dependent on their mates for routine tasks such as cooking, cleaning, etc. In addition, they typically expect to precede their wives in death and by losing a wife, have to adjust to something unexpected. Widows may have less difficulty because they do have a social network and can take care of their own daily needs.)
- Neither (Incorrect. The death of a spouse is one of life’s most disruptive experiences. It is especially hard on men who lose their wives. Often widowers do not have a network of friends or family members to fall back on and may have difficulty expressing their emotions to facilitate grief. Also, they may have been very dependent on their mates for routine tasks such as cooking, cleaning, etc. In addition, they typically expect to precede their wives in death and by losing a wife, have to adjust to something unexpected. Widows may have less difficulty because they do have a social network and can take care of their own daily needs.)
- Sebastian (Correct. The death of a spouse is one of life’s most disruptive experiences. It is especially hard on men who lose their wives. Often widowers do not have a network of friends or family members to fall back on and may have difficulty expressing their emotions to facilitate grief. Also, they may have been very dependent on their mates for routine tasks such as cooking, cleaning, etc. In addition, they typically expect to precede their wives in death and by losing a wife, have to adjust to something unexpected)
A: Sebastian

Q: Friendships tend to be an important influence in life satisfaction during late adulthood. Friends may be more influential than family members for many older adults. Which of the following theories supports the idea that as people age, friendships are not formed in order to enhance status or careers, but may be based purely on a sense of connection or the enjoyment of being together ?
- continuity theory (Incorrect. Continuity theory suggests that as people age, they continue to view the self in much the same way as they did when they were younger)
- activity theory (Incorrect. Activity theory suggests that people are barred form meaningful experiences as they age and that physical and social activities are important)
- disengagement theory (Incorrect. Disengagement theory suggests that during late adulthood, the individual and society mutually withdraw)
- socioemotional selectivity theory (Correct. The socioemotional selectivity theory says that as time horizons shrink, people become increasingly selective, investing greater resources in emotionally meaningful goals, activities, and relationships.)
A: socioemotional selectivity theory