Chapter 17 - Older Adulthood: Personality and Sociocultural Development 1. Which of the following is the final stage in Erikson’s theory of the life cycle? a. integrity versus despair b. generativity versus self-absorption c. intimacy versus isolation d. identity versus identity confusion Answer: a Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the final stage of life involves the conflict between integrity and despair. This stage typically occurs in late adulthood, where individuals reflect on their lives and evaluate the meaning and significance of their accomplishments. Integrity involves accepting one's life as meaningful and worthwhile, while despair involves feelings of regret and disappointment over unfulfilled goals and missed opportunities. 2. Questions that assess a person’s best time for retirement provide an index of a. functional well-being b. openness to experience c. retirement maturity d. emotional health Answer: c Rationale: Questions about the best time for retirement assess retirement maturity. Retirement maturity reflects an individual's readiness and preparedness for retirement, including factors such as financial stability, emotional readiness, and planning for post-retirement life. It encompasses considerations beyond functional well-being, openness to experience, or emotional health, focusing specifically on the readiness for the transition into retirement. 3. According to statistics reported in the text, the fastest-growing segment of the U. S. population is: a. adults age 55-64 b. adults age 65-74 c. adults age 75-84 d. adults age 85 and over Answer: d Rationale: The fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, according to reported statistics, is adults age 85 and over. This demographic trend is attributed to advancements in healthcare and increased life expectancy, leading to a larger proportion of the population reaching advanced ages. 4. If you were to describe the emotionality of the majority of older adults, the best conclusion to come to would be that, compared to earlier in their lives, their emotionality is ______ complex and their sense of well-being is _________. a. more; lower b. more; greater c. less; lower d. less; greater Answer: b Rationale: Generally, the emotionality of older adults tends to be more complex compared to earlier stages in their lives. This complexity may stem from a lifetime of experiences, including successes, losses, and personal growth. Despite this increased complexity, their sense of well-being tends to be greater, as they often have more stable social networks, increased self-awareness, and a greater appreciation for life's simple pleasures. 5. Generalizing from information presented in the text, in which of the following years would you predict to see the highest proportion of retirements occurring at ages 65 or younger? a. 1955 b. 1970 c. 1988 d. 2009 Answer: c Rationale: Based on the information provided, the highest proportion of retirements occurring at ages 65 or younger would likely be in 1988. This prediction is based on historical trends indicating that earlier generations tended to retire at younger ages compared to more recent years due to factors such as changes in pension plans, Social Security eligibility, and societal attitudes towards retirement. 6. For men who are age 75-84, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________. a. widowed; widowed b. married; widowed c. widowed; married d. married; married Answer: b Rationale: Among men aged 75-84, the most common marital status is married. Similarly, among women in the same age range, the most common marital status is widowed. This reflects both gender differences in life expectancy and historical marriage patterns, where women tend to outlive their spouses. 7. Who are the Gray Panthers? a. an activist group that promotes issues important to older adults b. a political action committee that raises money to support older candidates for public office c. a group of health-care workers who lobby for health-care reform for the elderly d. retired workers who volunteer to help new businesses and volunteer agencies improve their operations Answer: a Rationale: The Gray Panthers are an activist group that advocates for issues important to older adults. Founded in the 1970s, the organization focuses on social justice, healthcare, and economic security for older individuals, working to address ageism and promote policies that benefit older adults. 8. An elderly widow is angry with her children for telling her she should not live alone in her home anymore, because she fell recently. She blames the fall on inadequate lighting and claims that if her children did some house repairs, she could stay in her house. This woman’s inability to deal with her changed circumstances reflects her difficulty in which of the following processes? a. making a successful status passage into older adulthood b. achieving intimacy with herself c. assimilation d. accommodation Answer: d Rationale: The woman's inability to deal with her changed circumstances, as evidenced by her resistance to altering her living situation and blaming external factors for her fall, reflects a difficulty in the process of accommodation. Accommodation, in the context of aging and adaptation, involves adjusting to new circumstances or changing one's perspective to better fit reality. In this case, the woman's resistance to change and insistence on maintaining the status quo hinder her ability to accommodate to her evolving needs and circumstances. 9. Frank says that he doesn’t like having to use a walker, but at least he’s in better shape than his brother, who must use a wheelchair. Frank’s statement exemplifies the basic principle involved in: a. integrity b. despair c. social comparison d. conflict resolution Answer: c Rationale: Frank's statement exemplifies the basic principle of social comparison. Social comparison theory posits that individuals evaluate their own abilities and opinions by comparing themselves to others. In this case, Frank compares his own mobility limitations to those of his brother, using his brother's situation as a reference point to assess his own condition and find a sense of relative satisfaction. 10. If Julie were the youngest child in her family and the last to leave home, she should expect that the stress her parents feel after she moves away will ______ and their level of marital satisfaction will _______. a. increase; increase b. increase; decrease c. decrease; increase d. decrease; decrease Answer: c Rationale: If Julie were the youngest child and the last to leave home, her departure would likely decrease the stress her parents feel, as it marks the end of their active parenting responsibilities. Additionally, their level of marital satisfaction may increase as they have more time and freedom to focus on their relationship without the demands of parenting. This scenario aligns with research indicating that empty nest transitions often lead to positive changes in marital dynamics and overall well-being for parents. 1. According to Piaget, if new events and changing circumstances can be absorbed into one’s self-concept, this defines the process called: a. equilibration b. accommodation c. integrity d. assimilation Answer: d Rationale: Assimilation, as defined by Piaget, is the process of incorporating new experiences or information into existing schemas or mental structures. It allows individuals to interpret new experiences in terms of their current understanding. In this context, assimilation aligns with the idea of incorporating new events into one's self-concept. 2. In the United States today, about what percent of the population continues to work part-time or return to work following retirement? a. about 3% b. about 10% c. about 33% d. about 50% Answer: d Rationale: As per contemporary statistics, a significant portion of the population in the United States continues to work part-time or return to work following retirement. While exact figures may vary, approximately 50% is a reasonable estimate based on current trends and demographics. 3. Which of the following expenses does Medicare currently cover, in whole or in part? a. hospital visits, but not physician charges or medication costs b. physician charges and medication costs, but not hospital visits c. hospital visits and physician charges, but not medication costs d. hospital visits, physician charges, and medication costs Answer: d Rationale: Medicare, the federal health insurance program in the United States primarily for people who are 65 or older, covers a range of medical expenses, including hospital visits, physician charges, and medication costs. While coverage specifics may vary based on different plans and circumstances, Medicare typically provides comprehensive coverage for these essential healthcare services. 4. Suppose you show positive and negative images on a computer screen to younger and older adults. If younger adults remember 25% of the positive images and 25% of the negative images, you would expect that, of the total number of images they remembered, older adults would remember _____ positive images and _____ negative images. a. more than 25%; more than 25% b. less than 25%; less than 25% c. less than 25%; more than 25% d. more than 25%; less than 25% Answer: d Rationale: Research suggests that older adults tend to remember relatively more positive than negative information compared to younger adults. Therefore, older adults would likely remember more than 25% of the positive images but less than 25% of the negative images, aligning with option d. 5. In a national survey of older Americans reported in the text, adults age 65 and over rated their health and well-being. The most accurate conclusion to be drawn from the data reported would be that _______ of the people in this study reported that their health was good to excellent and Black Americans reported _______ levels of health than did White Americans: a. less than half; lower b. less than half; higher c. about three-quarters; lower d. about three-quarters; higher Answer: c Rationale: Older adults generally rated their health and well-being as good to excellent in the national survey. However, the data indicated that Black Americans reported lower levels of health compared to White Americans. Therefore, option c provides the most accurate conclusion based on the information provided. 6. For men who are age 75-84, the most common marital status is ; for women in the age range the most common marital status is . a. widowed; widowed b. married; widowed c. widowed; married d. married; married Answer: b Rationale: In the specified age range (75-84), the most common marital status for men is typically married, while for women, it is often widowed. This reflects general demographic trends regarding marital status in older age groups. 7. If you conducted a random survey of older people who were living alone after a spouse had died, and of the people you surveyed 100 were men, you should expect that your survey group included about _____ women. a. 80 b. 120 c. 300 d. 600 Answer: c Rationale: Assuming an equal number of men and women in the surveyed population living alone after a spouse's death, if 100 men were surveyed, it would be reasonable to expect a similar number of women, approximately 100 as well, resulting in a total survey group of around 200 individuals. Therefore, the correct answer is option c. 8. When she is honest with herself, Judy recognizes that she has wasted many of the opportunities that could have led her to a positive lifestyle. In this respect, Judy is engaging in the developmental task that Erikson thought characterized which of the following periods of the lifespan? a. adolescence b. early adulthood c. middle adulthood d. later adulthood Answer: d Rationale: Erik Erikson proposed a psychosocial theory of development that included stages spanning the entire lifespan. The developmental task described in the scenario, involving reflection on life choices and potential regrets, aligns with Erikson's stage of "ego integrity versus despair," which characterizes later adulthood. 9. Rod visited with a retirement counselor who asked him if he had adequate savings and income, a place to live, and other related questions to learn how prepared Rod is to retire. The retirement counselor was most likely trying to estimate Rod’s index of: a. functional well-being b. emotional health c. openness to experience d. retirement maturity Answer: d Rationale: The retirement counselor's inquiries about savings, income, and living arrangements aim to assess Rod's readiness for retirement, which encompasses factors such as financial preparedness, housing, and related considerations. This aligns with the concept of "retirement maturity," which refers to an individual's readiness and preparedness for retirement. 10. Mr. Jones has suffered a severe stroke that has left him unable to walk, speak, or dress and feed himself. He needs nursing care for several hours a day, but his wife has died and his adult son lives 1,000 miles away. Which of the following options would most likely be the type of living arrangement that would best serve Mr. Jones’s needs? a. an adult daycare facility b. an assisted living facility c. a nursing home d. an Elderhostel Answer: c Rationale: Given Mr. Jones's need for nursing care and the absence of immediate family nearby to provide consistent support, a nursing home would be the most appropriate living arrangement. Nursing homes offer round-the-clock medical care and assistance with activities of daily living for individuals with significant health needs, such as Mr. Jones. Multiple Choice questions: Personality and Aging 1. A change in role and social position that occurs as one enters a new developmental stage is the text’s definition of: a. role reversal b. lateral transition c. status passage d. rite of passage Answer: c Rationale: A status passage refers to the transition from one social position or role to another, typically associated with entering a new developmental stage in life. This transition involves changes in roles and social positions, marking a shift in one's identity and responsibilities. 2. Max and Toni just had their first child, thereby entering a new period of their lives. According to the text, such a change in role and position would best be considered an example of what is meant by the term: a. role transfer b. status passage c. developmental step d. developmental integrity Answer: b Rationale: Status passages refer to the changes in role and social position that occur when a person enters adolescence, becomes a parent, retires, or becomes a widow or widower. 3. According to the text, the major difference between the status passage into older adulthood, compared to status passages into earlier stages of the lifespan, is that moving into older adulthood includes: a. having to deal with grandchildren b. losses of power, responsibility, and autonomy c. poorer health d. more freedom from responsibility Answer: b Rationale: Moving into older adulthood often involves facing losses of power, responsibility, and autonomy due to factors such as retirement, declining health, and societal perceptions of aging. While other options may also be aspects of aging, the loss of power, responsibility, and autonomy is a fundamental aspect that distinguishes this stage from earlier ones. 4. Although individuals must sometimes deal with losses that occur unexpectedly in their lives, losses are an inevitable part of which of the following stages of the lifespan? a. adolescence b. older adulthood c. early adulthood d. infancy and toddlerhood Answer: b Rationale: The text notes that the status passage into older adulthood differs from all others in that it includes dealing with losses, in addition to gains. Earlier status passages typically are characterized by gains in such things as ability, freedom, autonomy, status, and so forth. 5. Which of the following is the final stage in Erikson’s theory of the life cycle? a. integrity versus despair b. generativity versus self-absorption c. intimacy versus isolation d. identity versus identity confusion Answer: a Rationale: Erikson's final stage of psychosocial development is "integrity versus despair," where individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of fulfillment and acceptance (integrity) or experience regret and bitterness (despair) about their past. This stage typically occurs in older adulthood, making it the final stage in his theory. 6. Wilma, age 90, is able to look back and say that her life had meaning and that she has done the best she could under the circumstances. According to Erik Erikson's theory of the life cycle, Wilma has successfully resolved the conflict called: a. integrity versus despair b. generativity versus self-absorption c. identity versus identity confusion d. trust versus mistrust Answer: a Rationale: According to Erikson, integrity versus despair is the final developmental task in the lifespan when people think about how their lives have fulfilled their earlier expectations. 7. Gwen looks back over the last 77 years of her life and feels satisfied that her life has had meaning and that she has done the best she could with life's circumstances. According to Erikson, Gwen will develop a sense of: a. hope b. integrity c. generativity d. ego transcendence Answer: b Rationale: According to Erikson, those who can look back and feel satisfied that their lives have had meaning and that they have done the best they could develop a strong sense of personal integrity. Integrity versus despair is the developmental conflict that Erikson believed characterized older adulthood. 8. When she is honest with herself, Judy recognizes that she has wasted many of the opportunities that could have led her to a positive lifestyle. In this respect, Judy is engaging in the developmental task that Erikson thought characterized which of the following periods of the lifespan? a. adolescence b. early adulthood c. middle adulthood d. later adulthood Answer: d Rationale: Reflecting on one’s lost opportunities is what Erikson defined as despair, which is the negative outcome of the stage of integrity versus despair. Integrity versus despair is the developmental conflict that Erikson believed characterized older adulthood. 9. Marie is dying of cancer and she tells her husband that she is “at peace” with the way she lived her life, because she always tried to do her best to be a good wife and mother. Marie’s statement best reflects the meaning of the term: a. integrity b. autonomy c. identity d. self-esteem Answer: a Rationale: According to Erikson, those who can look back and feel satisfied that their lives have had meaning and that they have done the best they could develop a strong sense of personal integrity. Integrity versus despair is the developmental conflict that Erikson believed characterized older adulthood. 10. Lou is dying of cancer and he is very angry that his life “didn’t work out the way it should have.” In Erik Erikson’s view, Lou’s disappointment is best considered to be an example of: a. mistrust b. guilt c. despair d. isolation Answer: c Rationale: Reflecting on one’s lost opportunities, wrong turns, and failures is what Erikson defined as despair, which is the negative outcome of the stage of integrity versus despair. Integrity versus despair is the developmental conflict that Erikson believed characterized older adulthood. 11. According to Erikson, older adulthood is ideally a time when: a. identity has predominated over integrity b. integrity has predominated over despair c. identify has predominated over role confusion d. trust has predominated over mistrust Answer: b Rationale: in Erikson’s view, a satisfactory resolution of the developmental tasks of older adulthood involves accepting that not everything in life has worked out as ideal, yet realizing that one’s life has been of value (that is, that integrity has predominated over despair). 12. According to Piaget, if new events and changing circumstances can be absorbed into one’s self-concept, this defines the process called: a. equilibration b. accommodation c. integrity d. assimilation Answer: d Rationale: Assimilation, in Piaget's theory of cognitive development, refers to the process by which individuals interpret new experiences and incorporate them into their existing mental schemas or self-concepts. 13. According to Piaget, if new events and changing circumstances cannot be absorbed into one’s self-concept, and the self-concept changes in order to adapt to these new events, this defines the process called: a. equilibration b. accommodation c. integrity d. assimilation Answer: b Rationale: Piaget described accommodation as the process by which individuals modify their existing mental schemas or self-concepts to incorporate new experiences or information that cannot be assimilated into existing schemas. 14. Greta has lost her driver’s license because she can no longer pass the vision test. Rather than feeling bad about her lost abilities, she has simply adjusted to this new circumstance by selling her car, getting a bus pass, and using a taxi service for unanticipated trips. Greta’s ability to adjust to her new circumstances without its negatively affecting her self-concept is a good example of: a. a status passage b. integrity c. assimilation d. generativity Answer: c Rationale: Piaget described the process of adaptation, which involves assimilating new events and changing circumstances into one’s existing self-concept. 15. An elderly widow is angry with her children for telling her she should not live alone in her home anymore, because she fell recently. She blames the fall on inadequate lighting and claims that if her children did some house repairs, she could stay in her house. This woman’s inability to deal with her changed circumstances reflects her difficulty in which of the following processes? a. making a successful status passage into older adulthood b. achieving intimacy with herself c. assimilation d. accommodation Answer: d Rationale: Piaget described the process of adaptation, which involves accommodating (changing) one’s self when major life events cannot be readily assimilated. 16. According to Piaget, the best adjustment is characterized by: a. reliance on assimilation, rather than on accommodation b. reliance on accommodation, rather than on assimilation c. a balance between assimilation and accommodation d. avoiding assimilation and accommodation in favor of association Answer: c Rationale: Ideally, according to Piaget’s view, people maintain a balance between assimilation and accommodation. Refusal to accommodate may mean that the person is denying reality. Such a person may be defensive, rigid, and may unjustifiably blame other people. On the other hand, accommodating too readily can make a person hysterical, impulsive, or hypersensitive. 17. The text describes a study of older adults who experienced major negative changes to their health and living circumstances. As these people adjusted, they usually did so by: a. denying that their new circumstances were permanent b. thinking more about the past than the present c. becoming very, very angry and bitter d. giving up and becoming totally dependent on others, to a degree greater than necessary Answer: b Rationale: Those who were in this study, mostly individuals in their 70s and 80s, who were most successful in adapting managed to do so by maintaining and validating their identities. Despite adversity, they were able to say, “I am who I have always been.” Even while they were being faced with very real shifts in their lives and in their physical abilities, they were able to do this by shifting from thinking about the present to thinking about the past. 18. During most of older adulthood, people’s emotional adjustment would be characterized by _________; and at the very end of life, their emotional satisfaction usually __________. a. emotional growth; remains the same or declines b. emotional stagnation; remains the same or declines c. emotional growth; becomes more positive d. emotional stagnation; becomes more positive Answer: a Rationale: Research suggests that this life stage is usually experienced as one of continued emotional growth. If well-being declines at all, it generally does so only in the period immediately preceding a person’s death when cognitive and physical problems seriously impact a person’s critical areas of functioning. 19. In comparison to early stages of adulthood, in older adulthood, adults tend to have _______ friends; during this stage, their friendships tend to be _________ meaningful. a. more; more b. fewer; more c. more; less b. fewer; less Answer: b Rationale: Older adults may not maintain as many relationships, but the ones they keep do not diminish in intensity. In fact, older people tend to experience more satisfaction with their interpersonal relationships than they have throughout their earlier lives. 20. As a young adult, Aaron had many friends, but his friends were not very important to him. In older adulthood, researchers would expect that Aaron would have ______ friends and his friends would __________ to him. a. even more; still be unimportant b. fewer; still be unimportant c. even more friends, more important d. fewer; more important Answer: d Rationale: Older adults may not maintain as many relationships, but the ones they keep do not diminish in intensity. In fact, older people tend to experience more satisfaction with their interpersonal relationships than they have throughout their earlier lives. 21. According to research presented in the text, you would expect that in older adulthood adults would experience all of the following changes EXCEPT: a. a reduced capacity to feel positive emotions b. fewer mood swings c. less agitation d. a greater ability to control emotions Answer: a Rationale: In studies across cultures, older adults consistently reported fewer mood swings, less agitation, and a greater ability to control their emotions than did young adults, which contributes to a greater sense of well-being. 22. According to the text, the positivity effect is best described as: a. older adults’ increased ability to look on the “bright side” of health-related problems b. the peace that they feel as they assume fewer responsibilities for caring for others c. older adults’ decrease in intellectual flexibility such that they feel more positive they are right d. the tendency to remember positive information better than negative information Answer: d Rationale: The positivity effect refers to the tendency of older adults to recall and focus on positive information more than negative information, leading to a generally more positive outlook on life and experiences. 23. Jane is surprised to learn that her income for most of her career was quite low, because when she thinks back she remembers making more money than she actually did. Jane’s memory distortion is best considered to be an example of: a. the positivity effect b. the negativity effect c. state-dependent memory d. episodic drift Answer: a Rationale: The positivity effect refers to the well-documented finding that older adults seem to attend more to positive information than negative information; they remember positive information better as well. 24. If you looked at MRI results of brain activity of younger and older adults while viewing positive images, you would expect that brain activity would be relatively ___________ for older adults in the area of the brain called the ____________. a. lower; amygdala b. lower; prefrontal cortex c. higher; amygdala d. higher; prefrontal cortex Answer: c Rationale: The book describes a research study in which, relative to younger adults, older adults were found to experience greater neural activation for positive images than negative ones in the amygdala, an area in the brain involved in the processing of emotional responses. 25. Suppose you show positive and negative images on a computer screen to younger and older adults. If younger adults remember 25% of the positive images and 25% of the negative images, you would expect that, of the total number of images they remembered, older adults would remember _____ positive images and _____ negative images. a. more than 25%; more than 25% b. less than 25%; less than 25% c. less than 25%; more than 25% d. more than 25%; less than 25% Answer: d Rationale: The book describes a research study in which, relative to younger adults, older adults were found to experience greater neural activation for positive images than negative ones in the amygdala, an area in the brain involved in the processing of emotional responses. 26. If you were to describe the emotionality of the majority of older adults, the best conclusion to come to would be that, compared to earlier in their lives, their emotionality is ______ complex and their sense of well-being is _________. a. more; lower b. more; greater c. less; lower d. less; greater Answer: b Rationale: As people grow older, their sense that time is fleeting usually deepens and makes for more complex emotionality. A greater ability to negotiate the conflicts between what they believe they should do and what they want to do contributes to a greater sense of well-being. 27. According to the text, the major difference between stage theories and continuity theories that describe adult development is the degree to which they: a. focus on emotional development b. focus on physical changes c. see changes as being dramatic or cumulative d. view behavior as being the result of hereditary versus environmental forces Answer: c Rationale: Stage theorists emphasize the idea that people pass through discrete stages, changing in some dramatic ways in the passage from one stage to another. Continuity theorists emphasize the role of smaller, continuous adjustments as people respond to aging, which allows people to maintain a stable sense of who they are over the lifespan. 28. According to the text, in older adulthood, personality dimensions generally _________ and well-being generally ___________. a. remain consistent; increases b. remain consistent; decreases c. change considerably; increases d. change considerably; decreases Answer: a Rationale: Research suggests that in older adulthood, personality tends to remain relatively consistent, while well-being generally increases due to factors such as greater emotional regulation, wisdom, and acceptance of life's ups and downs. 29. Which of the following in NOT one of the six components of adult well-being, as identified by Carol Ryff? a. self-acceptance b. personal growth c. autonomy d. parenthood Answer: d Rationale: Carol Ryff identified six components of adult well-being: self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, environmental mastery, autonomy, and positive relations with others. Parenthood is not explicitly listed as one of these components. 30. According to research conducted by Carol Ryff, which of the following statements describe a person who scores LOW on the “autonomy” component of adult well-being? a. relies on judgments of others to make important decisions b. evaluates self by personal standards c. is able to resist social pressures to think and act in certain ways d. regulates behavior from within Answer: a Rationale: Table 17-1 describes the characteristics of high- and low-scorers on the 6 components of adult well-being. The table describes low-scorer on autonomy as a relying on judgments of others to make important decisions. 31. According to the text, as men age, they typically become: a. less conscientious b. less agreeable c. less open to new experiences d. less extroverted Answer: d Rationale: The text notes that as men age, they become more introverted. From Chapter 16, in which the Big Five personality traits are discussed, students should have learned that introversion is the opposite end of the trait of extroversion. 32. According to the text, in comparison to the coping styles used by younger adults, older adults are more likely to use coping styles that are more: a. passive and focused on specific problems b. passive and focused on emotions c. active and focused on specific problems d. active and focused on emotions Answer: b Rationale: Research suggests that older adults are more likely to use coping strategies that are passive and focused on emotions, such as acceptance and positive reinterpretation, compared to younger adults who may employ more problem-focused or active coping strategies. 33. In comparison to older women, older men tend to be _____ emotional and to cope _____ effectively. a. more; more b. more; less c. less; more d. less; less Answer: c Rationale: Research suggests that older men tend to be less emotional and cope more effectively than older women. This can be attributed to various factors such as socialization, gender norms, and coping strategies developed over the lifespan. 34. In a national survey of older Americans reported in the text, adults age 65 and over rated their health and well-being. The most accurate conclusion to be drawn from the data reported would be that _______ of the people in this study reported that their health was good to excellent and black Americans reported _______ levels of health than did white Americans: a. less than half; lower b. less than half; higher c. about three-quarters; lower d. about three-quarters; higher Answer: c Rationale: In a recent national survey of older Americans, about three-quarters of adults age 65 and older rated their health and well-being as good to excellent. Figure 17-1 shows that the percentage of non-Hispanic black respondents who rated their health as good to excellent was consistently lower than the percentage of non-Hispanic white respondents who did so (in the 65-74 age range, for example, the percentages of Black and White respondents providing this rating were 80 and 66, respectively). 35. According to research cited in the text, which of the following groups of people age 65 and older would be expected to report the highest levels of healthiness? a. white Americans b. black Americans c. Hispanic Americans d. White Americans and Hispanic Americans would report equally high levels of healthiness, which would be higher than that reported by black Americans. Answer: a Rationale: In a recent national survey of older Americans, about three-quarters of adults age 65 and older rated their health and well-being as good to excellent. Figure 17-1 shows that the percentage of non-Hispanic White respondents who rated their health as good to excellent was consistently higher than the percentage of non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic respondents who did so. 36. A study of Americans 65 or older found that about ____ rated their health and well-being as good to excellent: a. 10% b. 25% c. 50% d. 75% Answer: d Rationale: The majority of Americans aged 65 or older rate their health and well-being as good to excellent, with approximately 75% falling into this category. This indicates a generally positive perception of health and well-being among older adults. 37. Frank says that he doesn’t like having to use a walker, but at least he’s in better shape than his brother, who must use a wheelchair. Frank’s statement exemplifies the basic principle involved in: a. integrity b. despair c. social comparison d. conflict resolution Answer: c Rationale: When people use social comparison, they evaluate themselves and their own situation against the experiences of others they perceive to be similar. Using social comparison can allow older adults to maintain a positive outlook despite their failing health and declining abilities. 38. According to the text, which of the following is the most important determinant of satisfaction in older adulthood? a. money b. marital status c. amount of social interaction d. health Answer: d Rationale: Health is considered the most important determinant of satisfaction in older adulthood. This is because good health enables older adults to engage in various activities, maintain independence, and enjoy life, ultimately contributing to overall satisfaction and well-being. Retirement: A Major Change in Status 39. About what percent of workers in 2012 chose to retire “in the traditional sense” – to quit working entirely at age 65? a. 10% b. 25% c. 33% d. 50% Answer: c Rationale: In 2012, approximately 33% of workers chose to retire "in the traditional sense," meaning they quit working entirely at age 65. This suggests that a significant portion of the workforce still adhered to the traditional retirement age and pattern. 40. Generalizing from information presented in the text, in which of the following years would you predict to see the highest proportion of retirements occurring at ages 65 or younger? a. 1955 b. 1970 c. 1988 d. 2009 Answer: c Rationale: According to the text, retirement at the traditional ages of 62 or 65 seems to have peaked in the 1980s or early 1990s. 41. Maria, who worked full-time for her entire adult life, has recently retired. However, she misses her friends at work and she feels lonely and bored. According to Robert Atchley, she is in which stage of retirement? a. retirement routine b. disenchantment c. reorientation d. termination of retirement Answer: b Rationale: Table 17-2 outline’s Atchley’s six stages of retirement. Maria’s response is characteristic of Phase 3: Disenchantment. 42. Which of the following situations would be LEAST likely to predict a negative adjustment to retirement? a. when the retiree loved her job b. when retirement is accompanied by a substantially reduced standard of living c. when the transition to retirement has been anticipated for a long period of time d. when the retiree’s self-concept is dependent upon her job role and job status Answer: c Rationale: According to the text, if the shift to retirement is sudden and dramatic, if the person’s standard of living is compromised, or if an individual’s identity has been closely tied to an occupational role, the transition may be very difficult. 43. In the United States today, about what percent of the population continues to work part-time or return to work following retirement? a. about 3% b. about 10% c. about 33% d. about 50% Answer: d Rationale: In the United States today, about 50% of the population continues to work part-time or return to work following retirement. This indicates a substantial proportion of older adults remaining engaged in the workforce either for financial reasons or personal fulfillment. 44. According to the text, about what percent of retired U. S. adults over age 65 rely to a significant degree on Social Security as a source of income? a. about 25% b. about 45% c. about 66% d. about 90% Answer: c Rationale: Approximately 66% of retired U.S. adults over age 65 rely to a significant degree on Social Security as a source of income. Social Security plays a crucial role in providing financial support to older adults in retirement. 45. According to the text, about what percent of retired U. S. adults over age 65 rely on Social Security as virtually their only source of income? a. about 8% b. about 15% c. about 31% d. about 40% Answer: d Rationale: About 40% of retired U.S. adults over age 65 rely on Social Security as virtually their only source of income. This underscores the importance of Social Security as a primary financial resource for many retirees. 46. According to the text, about what percent of America’s elderly live below the poverty line? a. 7% b. 10% c. 24% d. 46% Answer: b Rationale: Approximately 10% of America's elderly live below the poverty line. Despite social safety nets like Social Security, poverty among older adults remains a concern, highlighting the need for continued support and resources. 47. Statistically speaking, in the U.S. today, which group is most likely to be poor? a. married people b. men c. young adults d. older adults Answer: c Rationale: The text notes that in terms of net worth, older adults tend to be wealthier than younger adults. 48. Statistically speaking, in the U S. today, which of the following individuals is most likely to be poor? a. a black older woman b. a black older man c. a white older woman d. a white older man Answer: a Rationale: The text notes that those suffering the discrimination that typically comes with being both female and a member of a minority group are the most likely to be poor: Almost 27% of older African American women are impoverished. 49. According to a study reported in the text, which of the following groups has the largest proportion of its members in the U.S. work force? a. men, ages 65-69 b. men, ages 70 and older c. women, ages 65-69 d. women, ages 70 and older Answer: a Rationale: Figure 17-2 shows the percentage of older men and women in the U.S. labor force by age. Persons in the age group 55-61 are most likely to still be in the labor force. At this age, 75.8% of men and 64.6% of women report they are still working. 50. Generalizing from information presented in the text, which of the following persons would adjust best to retirement? a. a healthy man who wanted to retire b. a healthy man who did not want to retire c. an unhealthy man who wanted to retire d. an unhealthy man who did not want to retire Answer: a Rationale: The adjustment to retirement is easier when people are prepared. One of the most important considerations in how people fare after retirement is whether they actually choose to retire, as opposed to being forced to retire because of their age, because of being squeezed out by a younger person, or because of corporate downsizing. 51. According to research presented in the text, about what percent of people who retire report that their mental and physical health DECLINED during the period immediately after retirement? a. about 83% b. about 50% c. about 33% d. about 17% Answer: d Rationale: The text reports the results of a study that found that 33% of retirees report an improvement in their mental and physical health in the period immediately after retirement and another 50% report no change. Thus, 17% reported a decline in their health. 52. Questions that assess a person’s best time for retirement provide an index of: a. functional well-being b. openness to experience c. retirement maturity d. emotional health Answer: c Rationale: Questions assessing a person's best time for retirement provide an index of retirement maturity. Retirement maturity encompasses various factors such as financial preparedness, readiness for lifestyle changes, and personal goals, which influence the decision-making process regarding retirement timing. 53. How prepared a person is to retire is known as an index of: a. retirement maturity b. emotional health. c. openness to experience d. functional well-being Answer: a Rationale: How prepared a person is to retire is known as an index of retirement maturity. This includes factors such as financial readiness, emotional readiness, and the ability to adapt to changes associated with retirement. 54. Rod visited with a retirement counselor who asked him if he had adequate savings and income, a place to live, and other related questions to learn how prepared Rod is to retire. The retirement counselor was most likely trying to estimate Rod’s index of: a. functional well-being b. emotional health c. openness to experience d. retirement maturity Answer: d Rationale: Considerations such as how long the potential retiree has worked and if the retiree has adequate savings, income, a place to live, and plans for further work or activities after retirement constitute an index of retirement maturity—how prepared a person is to retire. Family and Friends: Interpersonal Contexts 55. According to the text, all of the following are trends taking place in U. S. society EXCEPT: a. people are retiring at younger ages b. divorce and remarriage are more common c. there is a wider range of single lifestyles d. kinship relationships with grandchildren are more complex Answer: a Rationale: The correct answer is a. People are not retiring at younger ages; in fact, the trend is towards later retirement due to various factors such as increased life expectancy and changes in pension policies. 56. After children leave home, parents generally experience ______ stress and ______ feelings of satisfaction and harmony. a. more; more b. less; less c. less; more d. more; less Answer: c Rationale: After children leave home, parents generally experience less stress as they have fewer responsibilities, and they often experience more feelings of satisfaction and harmony due to increased freedom and the ability to focus more on their own interests and relationship with their partner. 57. Ruth and John have just entered the “empty nest” phase of their lives. You would expect that the amount of stress that Ruth feels would ______ and the amount than John feels would ______. a. decrease; decrease b. decrease; increase c. increase; decrease d. increase; increase Answer: a Rationale: Although there may be some initial difficulty in adjusting to each other as a couple, most empty nest couples report decreased stress. 58. If Julie were the youngest child in her family and the last to leave home, she should expect that the stress her parents feel after she moves away will ______ and their level of marital satisfaction will _______. a. increase; increase b. increase; decrease c. decrease; increase d. decrease; decrease Answer: c Rationale: Although there may be some initial difficulty in adjusting to each other as a couple, most empty nest couples report decreased stress and increased feelings of satisfaction and harmony; on average, older married couples report being more satisfied with their marriage after their children leave home. 59. In comparison to marriages that have not been happy, marriages that are happy tend to be more _________ in older adulthood. a. traditional in terms of religion b. egalitarian c. organized along gender lines d. stressful Answer: b Rationale: Happy marriages tend to be more egalitarian in older adulthood, meaning that there is a more equal distribution of roles and responsibilities between partners, leading to higher satisfaction and harmony. 60. Generally speaking, older adults who become grandparents generally feel _________ about this role and those who become great-grandparents generally feel _________ about this role. a. negative; positive b. positive; negative c. negative; negative d. positive; positive Answer: d Rationale: Generally, older adults who become grandparents feel positive about this role, and those who become great-grandparents generally feel positive as well. Grandparenthood is often associated with feelings of joy, pride, and fulfillment. 61. The text reports that in 1980, 2.3 million grandchildren lived in a grandparent-maintained household and that by 1997 this number was: a. 2.1 million b. 7.5 million c. 2.9 million d. 3.9 million Answer: b Rationale: The correct answer is b. The number of grandchildren living in a grandparent-maintained household increased significantly from 2.3 million in 1980 to 7.5 million by 1997, indicating a notable trend in family structure. 62. In 1997, about what percent of U. S. children under the age of 18 lived with grandparents in a grandparent-maintained home? a. about 28% b. about 16% c. about 12% d. about 6% Answer: d Rationale: The correct answer is d. In 1997, about 6% of U.S. children under the age of 18 lived with grandparents in a grandparent-maintained home, illustrating the prevalence of this family arrangement during that time period. 63. The text cites two reasons why the percent of grandparent-maintained families are becoming more predominant. These factors are: a. economic conditions are worsening and grandparents are living longer b. economic conditions are getting better and grandparents are living longer c. more children are being born to younger and younger parents and grandparents are living longer d. more children are being born to younger and younger parents and grandparents are more likely to be divorced Answer: a Rationale: The correct answer is a. The two reasons cited for the increasing prevalence of grandparent-maintained families are worsening economic conditions and the fact that grandparents are living longer, leading to more extended caregiving roles within families. 64. Among older married couples, if one partner becomes seriously ill, that person’s most likely caregiver is: a. a spouse b. a sibling c. a grandchild d. a son Answer: a Rationale: The correct answer is a. Among older married couples, if one partner becomes seriously ill, the most likely caregiver is the spouse, as spouses typically provide the highest level of care and support for each other in times of illness or need. 65. For men who are age 65-74, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________. a. widowed; widowed b. married; widowed c. widowed; married d. married; married Answer: d Rationale: Figure 17-3 shows the marital status of the U.S. population age 65 and over, by age and gender. According to this figure, 79% of men and 57% of women ages 65-74 are married. 66. For men who are age 75-84, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________. a. widowed; widowed b. married; widowed c. widowed; married d. married; married Answer: b Rationale: Figure 17-3 shows the marital status of the U.S. population age 65 and over, by age and gender. According to this figure, 72% of men ages 75-84 are married and 53% of women ages 75-84 are widowed. 67. For men who are age 85 and over, the most common marital status is __________; for women in the age range the most common marital status is ___________. a. widowed; widowed b. married; widowed c. widowed; married d. married; married Answer: b Rationale: Figure 17-3 shows the marital status of the U.S. population age 65 and over, by age and gender. According to this figure, 55% of men 85 and older are married and 76% of women 85 and older are widowed. 68. Today, in the United States, there were ___ times more widows than widowers. a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 6 Answer: b Rationale: The correct answer is b. In the United States, there are approximately three times more widows than widowers, reflecting the gender disparity in life expectancy and mortality rates among older adults. 69. If you conducted a random survey of older people who were living alone after a spouse had died, and of the people you surveyed, 100 were men, you should expect that your survey group included about _____ women. a. 80 b. 120 c. 300 d. 600 Answer: c Rationale: Today, in the United States the total number of older adult women who were widows was more than 3 times the number of older adult men who were widowers. 70. According to the text, of U. S. women over the age of 85, about ____ are widows. a. 40% b. 50% c. 75% d. 90% Answer: c Rationale: The correct answer is c. 75%. This is supported by the understanding that a significant majority of women over the age of 85 in the United States are widows, which indicates a high prevalence of widowhood in this demographic group. 71. If you conducted a survey of 1,000 women over the age of 85 and asked them if they were widows, you should expect that about how many of them would answer “yes.” a. 500 b. 625 c. 750 d. 880 Answer: c Rationale: Figure 17-3 shows the marital status of the U.S. population age 65 and over, by age and gender. According to this figure, 76% of women 85 and older are widowed. 72. Which of the following is NOT a reason why older women are more likely to be widows than older men are to be widowers? a. Women live longer than men. b. Men are more likely to marry younger women than women are likely to marry younger men. c. Women have higher incomes in older adulthood so they don’t have to remarry for financial reasons. d. Women live longer after being widowed than men do. Answer: c Rationale: In fact, over the lifespan, women as a group overall work for lower wages than do men. 73. In the U.S. today, are more likely to live with their spouse and are more likely to live alone. a. men; men b. men; women c. women; men d. women; women Answer: b Rationale: Figure 17.4 shows that the percent of men and women living with their spouse is 71.9% for men and 41.7% for women; the percent living alone is 18.5% for men and 39.5% for women. 74. If all of the following men were living in the U. S. and were over the age of 65, who would be MOST likely to be living alone? a. Greg, who is White b. Rodney, who is Black c. Mark, who is Asian d. Fred, who is Hispanic Answer: b Rationale: Figure 17-5 shows the living arrangements of the U.S. population age 65 and over. This figure indicates that 30.2% of Black men over the age of 65 live with alone, a higher percentage than for White (18.2%), Asian (10.6%), or Hispanic (12.8%) men. 75. If all of the following women were living in the U S. and were over the age of 65, who would be LEAST likely to be living alone? a. Wanda, who is white b. Renee, who is black c. Melinda, who is Asian d. Fauna, who is Hispanic Answer: c Rationale: Figure 17-5 shows the living arrangements of the U.S. population age 65 and over. This figure indicates that 22.3% of Asian women over the age of 65 live alone, a lower percentage than for white (41.1%), Black (41.7%), or Hispanic women (26.7%). 76. If all of the following men were living in the U. S. and were over the age of 65, who would be LEAST likely to be living alone? a. Greg, who is white b. Rodney, who is black c. Mark, who is Asian d. Fred, who is Hispanic Answer: c Rationale: Figure 17-5 shows the living arrangements of the U.S. population age 65 and over. This figure indicates that 10.6% of Asian men over the age of 65 live alone, a lower percentage than for white (18.2%), black (31.2%), or Hispanic (12.8%) men. 77. If all of the following women were living in the U.S. and were over the age of 65, who would be MOST likely to be living alone? a. Wanda, who is white b. Renee, who is black c. Melinda, who is Asian d. Fauna, who is Hispanic Answer: b Rationale: Figure 17-5 shows the living arrangements of the U.S. population age 65 and over. This figure indicates that 41.7% of Black women over the age of 65 live alone, a higher percentage than for white (41.1%), Asian (22.3%), or Hispanic (26.7%) women. 78. According to the text, widows typically are ______ likely than widowers to experience depression in the time just before their spouse’s death, in part because ________ generally have better social support networks. a. more; widows b. more; widowers c. less; widows d. less; widowers Answer: c Rationale: The correct answer is c. less; widows. This is because widows typically have better social support networks compared to widowers, which can help mitigate feelings of depression and loneliness before their spouse's death. 79. According to the text, which of the following would LEAST likely be called on to help manage long-term responsibilities associated with caring for an older adult who has lost a spouse? a. a child b. a brother c. a sister d. a friend Answer: d Rationale: The prevailing view is that friends will help in an immediate emergency, such as a sudden illness, but kin (i.e., relatives) should handle long-term responsibilities. U. S. Social Policy and Older Adulthood 80. By 2050, the older adult population in the Unites States is expected to include 1 in every ____ Americans: a. 5 b. 6 c. 8 d. 10 Answer: a Rationale: The correct answer is a. 5. This reflects the projected increase in the older adult population as a proportion of the overall population by 2050, indicating that one out of every five Americans will be an older adult. 81. In the United States in 1900, about 1 in ___ people in the general population were older adults; in 2010, about 1 in ___ people belong to this group; and by 2050 this group is expected to comprise 1 of every ___ U. S. residents. a. 50; 20; 10 b. 25; 12; 6 c. 25; 8; 5 d. 25; 20; 25 Answer: c Rationale: The correct answer is c. 25; 8; 5. This progression highlights the demographic shift towards an older population, with the proportion of older adults increasing from 1 in 25 in 1900 to 1 in 8 in 2010, and projected to be 1 in 5 by 2050. 82. Of the older adult population living in the Unites States in 2006, about ____ percent were white; in 2050, the percentage of white older adults is expected to be about ____. a. 92%; 50% b. 80%; 59% c. 55%; 65% d. 55%; 45% Answer: b Rationale: The correct answer is b. 80%; 59%. This reflects the demographic composition of the older adult population in the United States, with a majority being white in 2006, but with a projected decrease in the proportion of white older adults by 2050 due to changing demographics. 83. As a proportion of the total population of the United States, by 2050 we should expect that there will be _____ older adults and of the older adults, ______ will be white. a. more; more b. more; less c. less; more d. less; less Answer: b Rationale: There were 40 million older adults in 2010, which is about 1 in every 8 people. By 2050, the number of older adults in the population is expected to grow to nearly 90 million people and to represent 1 in every 5 people. By 2050, the percentage of white older adults is expected to decline from its 2008 level of 80% to 59%. 84. Social Security is essentially ________ program. a. an insurance b. a pension c. a tax on the elderly d. a health care Answer: b Rationale: Social Security is a pension program because it forces people to save for retirement by taxing wages, and then paying these taxes back to older adults upon reaching a certain minimum age. 85. If you wish to draw full benefits from Social Security beginning in 2012, how old must you be? a. 62 b. 63 c. 65 d. 66 Answer: d Rationale: The correct answer is d. 66. Full retirement age for Social Security benefits depends on the year of birth. For individuals born in 1943-1954, full retirement age is 66. 86. Health-care services are provided to older adults in the United States by a government program called: a. Medicare b. Medicaid c. Social Security d. Government Funded Health Assistance for Adults (GFHAA) Answer: a Rationale: The correct answer is a. Medicare. Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people who are 65 or older, although it also covers some younger individuals with disabilities. 87. Which of the following expenses does Medicare currently cover, in whole or in part? a. hospital visits, but not physician charges or medication costs b. physician charges and medication costs, but not hospital visits c. hospital visits and physician charges, but not medication costs d. hospital visits, physician charges, and medication costs Answer: d Rationale: The correct answer is d. Medicare covers hospital visits, physician charges, and medication costs, either in whole or in part, depending on the specific coverage plan. 88. Medicare–Part D is a government program that helps older adults pay for: a. physician visits to preventative health care check-ups b. nursing home care c. hospitalization costs d. prescription medicines Answer: d Rationale: Medicare Part D specifically addresses the cost of prescription medicines for older adults. It is a prescription drug benefit program designed to assist Medicare beneficiaries in covering the costs of their prescription drugs. 89. According to the text, what is the biggest concern that most people have regarding Medicare? a. It does not pay for wellness-related doctor visits. b. It requires treatment in hospitals, rather than doctor’s offices and clinics. c. It may not have enough money to pay expenses. d. It does not pay for prescription drugs, which many older adults require. Answer: c Rationale: Medicare does pay for doctor visits, regardless of the purpose, and for treatment in hospitals and clinics, and for part of the cost of prescription drugs. However, the major concern is that these costs are growing faster than Medicare may be able to sustain. 90. According to the text, what is the primary reason that Medicare is severely challenged financially? a. The costs per person for health care are increasing dramatically. b. The average life expectancy is increasing in the United States. c. The sheer number of older adults is increasing dramatically. d. There are many more people living past the age of 90. Answer: c Rationale: Although health-care costs per person are increasing, the average life expectancy is increasing, and there are more people living past the age of 90, and these factors do contribute to the costs paid by Medicare, the PRIMARY reason for the financial challenge that Medicare is facing is that the sheer number of older adults covered by this plan is increasing so dramatically. 91. During which period of the lifespan are health care costs typically the highest? a. between ages 55 and 64 b. between the ages of 85 and 90 c. in the first 2 years of life d. in the last 2 years of life, at whatever age death occurs Answer: d Rationale: Figure 17-8 clearly shows that health-care expenditures are much higher in the period just before death, at whatever age death occurs. The text additionally notes that people in the oldest age groups often are healthier than those in younger-older adulthood, and that when they die they often do so quickly and with little medical expense. 92. According to statistics reported in the text, the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population is: a. adults age 55-64 b. adults age 65-74 c. adults age 75-84 d. adults age 85 and over Answer: d Rationale: The segment of the U.S. population that is growing the fastest is adults aged 85 and over. This is due to advancements in healthcare and improved longevity leading to more individuals reaching older ages. 93. According to the text, about what percent of the U. S. population age 65 and over resides in nursing homes? a. about 4% b. about 6% c. about 9.9 % d. about 14% Answer: a Rationale: Only about 4% of the U.S. population age 65 and over resides in nursing homes. This indicates that the majority of older adults are not living in nursing home facilities. 94. In comparison to the percentage of people age 85 and over who were cared for in nursing homes in 1985, the percentage in 2007 was: a. about the same b. slightly higher c. much higher d. somewhat lower Answer: d Rationale: Figure 17-9 shows the percentage of people in the U.S. ages 65 and older living in nursing homes in the years 1985 and 2007. According to this figure, a higher percentage of older adults lived in nursing homes in 1985 as compared to in 2007, 22.0% in 1985 versus 15.4% in 2007. 95. Mr. Jones has suffered a severe stroke that has left him unable to walk, speak, or dress and feed himself. He needs nursing care for several hours a day, but his wife has died and his adult son lives 1,000 miles away. Which of the following options would most likely be the type of living arrangement that would best serve Mr. Jones’s needs? a. an adult day-care facility b. an assisted living facility c. a nursing home d. an Elderhostel Answer: c Rationale: Needs that can be served through a nursing home are most acute for individuals who lack the social support of family or friends, who display unusual behavior patterns, or who have trouble with self-care. Nursing homes provide an important and needed alternative for caring for those with substantial needs, such as Mr. Jones who needs nursing care for several hours each day. 96. Mrs. Brown, a widow, has suffered a stroke which has left her unable to walk, although she can feed herself and still likes to read and play cards. Her adult daughter lives in the same town and would like to care for Mrs. Brown, but she can’t afford to quit her job in order to do so. Which of the following options would likely provide the best alternative to the care that Mrs. Brown needs and that her daughter is willing to provide: a. an Elderhostel b. a nursing home c. an adult daycare facility d. an assisted-living facility Answer: c Rationale: Day-care centers provide an option for older adults who require some assistance in living. The text provides an example of a 77-year-old stroke victim who lived with her daughter and son-in-law, but she spent her days in a day-care center where she received therapy, kept busy, and made new friends. Her morale and temperament improved dramatically after only a few weeks of attendance, which made her family’s burden of care much lighter. 97. The text mentions a facility called the Life Center operated by the Quakers in Philadelphia. The main way in which this center is different from most other assisted living facilities or retirement communities is that it: a. is federally funded under the National Endowment for the Arts b. includes mandatory religious services for all residents, who come from many different religious traditions c. it has seniors living in the same complex as people of other ages, including students d. it requires people who live there to be widows or widowers Answer: c Rationale: The text describes the Life Center operated by the Quakers in Philadelphia in which older people live in a large converted house with students and people in other age groups. Costs, housework, and meals are shared, and the resulting sense of community keeps older adults in the mainstream of life rather than segregated into age-defined groups. 98. Although only about of people over the age of 65 live in nursing homes today, this percentage increases to about for those age 85 and over. a. 4%; 15% b. 4%; 33% c. 14%; 29% d. 14%; 33% Answer: a Rationale: While about 4% of people over the age of 65 live in nursing homes, this percentage increases to about 15% for those aged 85 and over. This demonstrates that the likelihood of residing in a nursing home increases with age. 99. If you were to choose one word to describe adults in the period defined by the text as “older adulthood,” the best choice would be: a. frail b. depressed c. diverse d. backward-focused Answer: c Rationale: The chapter has frequently made the point that adulthood is a long period, spanning 40 or more years, and that younger and healthy adults in this period are very different from older or sicker older adults. It also has dispelled the negative ageist stereotypes that portray older adults as frail, unhealthy, depressed, or interested only in the past. Thus, “diverse” is the best word to describe adults in this period of the lifespan. 101. Who are the Gray Panthers? a. an activist group that promotes issues important to older adults b. a group of politicians money to support older candidates for public office c. a group of health-care workers who lobby for health care reform for the elderly d. retired workers who volunteer to help new businesses and volunteer agencies improve their operations Answer: a Rationale: The Gray Panthers is a coalition of older and younger people that work to advance the issues that are especially important to older adults. This group began organizing to combat the stereotypes of rocking-chair seniors and raise awareness of this group’s needs, and now they often speak out on behalf of other social groups as well. 101. The text includes a list of 3 goals for social programs that address the needs of older adults. Which of the following is NOT one of these three goals? a. to integrate older adults into society b. to improve the effectiveness and limit costs of elder-care programs c. to expand the lifespan for most older adults, helping more to live to age 90 and beyond d. to devise programs to help caregivers avoid burnout Answer: c Rationale: Table 17-5 lists the goals for social programs that address the needs of older adults. The goals that are listed are to do as much as possible to keep older adults integrated in society while at the same time trying to improve the quality of their lives and the care they receive, to recognize the burdens and stresses experienced by caregivers and devise programs to help avoid caregiver burnout, and to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of elder-care programs, thereby limiting costs. Current Issues: Psychological Well-Being in Later Adulthood 102. According to Carol Ryff, psychological well-being is best studied by focusing on: a. illness b. stress c. grief d. positive adjustment Answer: d Rationale: Carol Ryff suggests that psychological well-being is best understood through the lens of positive adjustment rather than focusing solely on negative factors such as illness, stress, or grief. 103. According to the results of the MIDUS study reported in the text, the psychological well-being of which of the following groups was generally found to be LOWEST? a. white Americans b. black Americans c. Hispanic Americans d. Black and Hispanic Americans were equally low, and were lower than white Americans on reported well-being Answer: a Rationale: The results of the MIDUS study indicate that the psychological well-being of white Americans was generally found to be the lowest compared to black Americans and Hispanic Americans. 104. Generalizing from results of the MIDUS study reported in the text, you would expect which of the following people to report the highest level of personal growth and purpose? a. Aaron, who is a younger, white adult b. Bob, who is a younger, black adult c. Rich, who is an older, white adult d. Terry, who is an older, black adult Answer: b Rationale: The results of the MIDUS study found that white Americans scored lowest on ratings of psychological well-being, and that young adults scored higher on measures of personal growth and purpose than did older adults. 105. Generalizing from results of the MIDUS study, you would expect which of the following people to report the highest level of environmental mastery? a. Aaron, who is a younger, white adult b. Bob, who is a younger, black adult c. Rich, who is an older, white adult d. Terry, who is an older, black adult Answer: d Rationale: The results of the MIDUS study found that White Americans scored lowest on ratings of well-being, and that older adults scored higher on measures of environmental mastery than did older adults. Changing Perspectives: Assisted Living – The In-Between Choice for Frail, Older Adults 106. John is recently widowed and decides to sell his house and move to a condominium complex for seniors. John is looking forward to having his meals prepared and served in a community dining room, and also to having staff available to help him with chores such as shopping, housekeeping, and laundry. The type of facility that John is moving into would best be considered a(n): a. nursing home b. lifestyle condo c. assisted-living facility d. senior daycare center Answer: c Rationale: ALFs (assisted-living facilities) typically provide small individual apartments or condominiums, meals in a common dining room, some management of medications as needed, housekeeping and laundry services, and transportation to doctors’ visits or for shopping. 107. Typically, assisted-living facilities provide ______ care than a nursing home and ______ care than living in one’s own home. a. more; more b. more; less c. less; more d. less; less Answer: c Rationale: Assisted-living facilities typically provide less care than a nursing home but more care than living in one's own home. They offer a middle ground between independent living and the extensive care provided in nursing homes. 108. Mabel is thinking about selling her home and moving to an assisted-living facility. She completes a screening interview, in which a nurse evaluates how much help she needs in bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, grooming, and physical mobility. The behaviors the nurse evaluated are usually called: a. activities of daily living b. instrumental activities of daily living c. core abilities for older adults (CAOA) d. assisted-living quotient (AQ) Answer: a Rationale: To help determine the level of support required, health-care professionals typically assess how well a person can manage two types of daily activities. One type is activities of daily living, which includes six basic self-maintenance capabilities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, feeding, grooming, and physical mobility. 109. Carl is thinking about selling his home and moving to an assisted-living facility. He completes a screening interview, in which a nurse evaluates how much help he needs in shopping, housekeeping, laundering his clothes, preparing his meals, managing his medications and finances, and transportation. The behaviors the nurse evaluated are usually called: a. activities of daily living b. instrumental activities of daily living c. noncore abilities for older adults (NCAOA) d. assisted-living quotient (AQ) Answer: b Rationale: To help determine the level of support required, health-care professionals typically assess how well a person can manage two types of daily activities. One type is instrumental activities of daily living, which includes areas of functioning such as telephoning, shopping, housekeeping, laundering, food preparation, transportation, and managing one’s own medications and finances. 110. In comparison to older adults who reside in nursing homes, older adults who live in assisted-living facilities for high-income people fair _______, and those who live in assisted-living facilities for low-income people fair ________. a. better; better b. better; worse c. better; about the same d. about the same; worse Answer: a Rationale: The text notes that research on the outcomes associated with ALFs usually reveals favorable results, and these positive outcomes are found in both expensive ALFs and those provided for low-income adults. True-False questions: Personality and Aging 111. Status passages in older adulthood differ significantly from those in other periods of the lifespan. Answer: True Rationale: Status passages in older adulthood often involve transitions such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and changes in health status, which are distinct from the transitions experienced in earlier stages of life, such as education, career entry, and starting a family. 112. Erik Erikson’s view of the stage of life representing older adulthood is one focused on the issues of identity versus role confusion. Answer: False Rationale: Erikson saw the fundamental developmental challenge for older adults to be one of integrity versus despair. 113. If a person’s focus is on how well her life has been lived and whether or not she has made a positive contribution to her family and her social groups, she is probably an older adult focused on the developmental conflict called integrity versus despair. Answer: True Rationale: According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory, integrity versus despair is the developmental conflict faced by older adults. During this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and evaluate whether they have led a meaningful existence, contributing positively to their relationships and society. 114. According to the ideas presented by Jean Piaget, older adulthood, like childhood, involves learning to accommodate, rather than assimilate, life experiences into one’s sense of self-identity. Answer: False Rationale: Piaget believed that assimilation and accommodation are both important, and healthy development involves finding a balance, or equilibration, between these two processes. 115. Accommodation becomes a more difficult task when an older person becomes ill or frail, and unable to take care of daily needs. Answer: True Rationale: Accommodation refers to the adjustment of existing cognitive structures in response to new experiences. In older adulthood, when individuals face illness or frailty, their ability to adapt and accommodate to these changes may be hindered, making it more challenging to maintain independence and take care of daily needs. 116. Research suggests that an older adult’s emotional and social world is typically one of increasing narrowness and emptiness. Answer: False Rationale: During the majority of older adulthood, older people tend to experience more satisfaction with their interpersonal relationships. 117. Compared to younger adults, older adults typically remember positive information better than negative information. Answer: True Rationale: Research indicates that older adults tend to have a positivity bias in memory, whereby they recall more positive information than negative information. This positivity effect may serve as a cognitive strategy to maintain emotional well-being in later life. 118. Most older adults experience this period as one of increasing complexity, but also one in which emotional adjustment, happiness, and satisfaction are high. Answer: True Rationale: Despite facing various challenges such as health issues and loss of social roles, many older adults report high levels of emotional well-being, happiness, and life satisfaction. This phenomenon is often attributed to factors such as wisdom, acceptance of life's limitations, and meaningful social connections. 119. Erikson’s theory of a development is better described as a consistency theory than as a stage theory. Answer: False Rationale: Erikson’s theory specified that people go through 8 distinct stages, each different from the others and each have fairly well-defined points of transition. As such, Erikson’s view is a stage perspective. Consistency theories emphasize instead a more gradual transition through life, without noticeable changes from one period of the lifespan to the next. 120. Robert Atchley believed that people’s self-concept usually does not change throughout the lifespan, and his view fits better with consistency theories than with stage theories. Answer: True Rationale: Robert Atchley proposed the continuity theory of aging, which suggests that individuals maintain a consistent self-concept and adapt their behaviors and roles to align with this self-concept as they age. This perspective contrasts with stage theories, which posit distinct developmental stages with unique tasks and challenges. 121. According to research conducted by Carol Ryff, maintaining a sense of autonomy and purpose in life are both linked to positive well-being in adulthood. Answer: True Rationale: Carol Ryff's model of psychological well-being emphasizes the importance of autonomy, purpose, and personal growth in fostering positive mental health outcomes across the lifespan. Research supports the notion that individuals who maintain a sense of autonomy and purpose tend to experience greater overall well-being. 122. Both men and women become more extroverted as they age. Answer: False Rationale: The text reports that many people, and especially men, become more introverted as they age. Introversion is the opposite of extroversion. 123. Coping styles may become more androgynous in older adulthood, although women tend to cope less effectively during this period of the lifespan than do men. Answer: True Rationale: As individuals age, they may adopt coping strategies that are more flexible and adaptable, regardless of gender. However, research suggests that women may face additional challenges in coping with stressors in older adulthood, such as caregiving responsibilities and financial insecurity, which can impact their overall coping effectiveness compared to men. 124. In surveys of older Americans, researchers should expect that slightly less than half would report that their health and well-being were good-to-excellent. Answer: False Rationale: In a recent national survey of older Americans, about three-quarters of adults age 65 and older rated their health and well-being as good to excellent. 125. A good example of social comparison would be if a woman who had a stroke said, “I am worse off than I have ever been in my life.” Answer: False Rationale: Social comparison involves comparing oneself to another. A good example would be in the women described in this question would have said, “I am disabled, but not nearly so much as my good friend, Esther, who can neither see nor hear.” Retirement: A Major Change in Status 126. Retirement at the traditional age of 62 or 65 seems to have peaked in the 1980s or early 1990s, and more people today are choosing to retire either earlier or later. Answer: True Rationale: Socioeconomic factors, changes in pension policies, and increased life expectancy have influenced retirement patterns in recent decades. Many individuals now choose to retire earlier or later than the traditional retirement age of 62 or 65, based on personal preferences, financial considerations, and health status. 127. People who loved their job and those who have defined their self-concept in terms of being a worker typically have the easiest time retiring. Answer: False Rationale: These people typically have the hardest time retiring. 128. In terms of net worth, retired people are less wealthy than are younger adults who are still working. Answer: False Rationale: Retired adults on average have a higher net worth, which is the value of the assets they own. They do, however, have lower annual incomes than younger, working people and their standard of living typically declines after retirement. 129. In older adulthood, women are more likely to live below the poverty line than men, and African American and Hispanic American women are especially likely to be impoverished. Answer: True Rationale: Gender disparities in income and wealth persist into older adulthood, with women being more vulnerable to poverty due to factors such as lower lifetime earnings, interrupted careers due to caregiving responsibilities, and limited access to retirement benefits. Minority women, including African American and Hispanic American women, face intersecting challenges related to gender and racial discrimination, further increasing their risk of poverty in later life. 130. In comparison to 1950, there is a higher proportion of U. S. men over the age of 65 still working in the labor force. Answer: False Rationale: In 1950, about 50% of U. S. men over age 65 were in the labor force; in 2008 this percentage was 36% for men. 131. In comparison to adults born before 1954, adults born after this date will need to work longer in order to qualify for full Social Security benefits. Answer: True Rationale: Changes in Social Security legislation have gradually increased the full retirement age for individuals born after 1954. As a result, younger generations will need to work longer or delay claiming Social Security benefits to receive the maximum amount. This shift reflects efforts to address demographic changes and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Social Security system. Family and Friends: Interpersonal Contexts 132. Although there are exceptions, most married couples experience a decrease in marital satisfaction and an increase in their level of stress when their last child leaves home. Answer: False Rationale: Most empty next couples report decreased stress and increased feelings of satisfaction and harmony after their children leave home. 133. Today in the United States, about 40% of grandparents who live in the same homes as their grandchildren are responsible for their care. Answer: True Rationale: According to various studies and reports, approximately 40% of grandparents who reside with their grandchildren are involved in providing care for them. This arrangement is often due to various reasons such as parental issues, financial constraints, or cultural norms. 134. There are more than five times more elderly widowers in the United States than widows. Answer: False Rationale: There are about 3 times more older adult widows than widowers in the U. S. today. 135. In the 85-year-old-and-over age group, women are more likely to be widows than be married, and men are more likely to be married than be widowers. Answer: True Rationale: Statistics consistently show that in the 85-year-old-and-over age group, women outnumber men significantly, leading to a higher likelihood of women being widowed. Men, on the other hand, tend to have higher remarriage rates, leading to a higher likelihood of being married than being widowers. 136. In older adulthood, women are more likely than men to be married. Answer: False Rationale: Women are much less likely to be married than men throughout older adulthood, as shown in Figure 17.3. 137. Widowers have more trouble coping emotionally than do widows, who have a broader support network. Answer: True Rationale: Studies on bereavement and coping mechanisms have often found that widowers tend to have more difficulty coping emotionally after the loss of a spouse compared to widows. This is partly attributed to differences in social support networks, where women generally have stronger social ties and support systems. U. S. Social Policy and Older Adulthood 138. In the U. S. today, older adults make up about 1 in every 8 people, and this proportion is expected to grow dramatically in the next few decades. Answer: True Rationale: Current demographic trends indeed indicate that older adults represent a significant portion of the population in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 8 people being classified as elderly. Furthermore, projections suggest that this proportion will increase substantially in the coming decades due to factors such as aging baby boomers and increased life expectancy. 139. In comparison to the “shape” of the U. S. population pyramid today, in 2025 this shape will become more “rectangular.” Answer: True Rationale: Demographic shifts, including lower birth rates and longer life expectancies, are reshaping the population pyramid of the United States. As fertility rates decline and the population ages, the pyramid shape traditionally characterized by a broad base and narrowing top will become more rectangular, indicating a more balanced distribution across age groups. 140. Among older adults, in the next few decades the proportion of Black Americans is expected to decline and the proportion of Hispanic Americans is expected to increase, relative to the proportion of White older adults. Answer: False Rationale: The proportion of all minority groups is expected to become larger, compared to the proportion of White Americans between today and 2050, as Figure 17-7 shows. 141. Medicare is paid for by taxes collected by the federal government from incomes of working Americans. Answer: True Rationale: Medicare, the federal health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, is funded through various sources, including payroll taxes collected from working Americans. These taxes contribute to the Medicare Trust Fund, which helps finance the program's expenses. 142. Medicare – Part D is a government program that helps older adults in the U. S. pay for prescription drugs. Answer: True Rationale: Medicare Part D is indeed a government program designed to assist older adults in the United States with the cost of prescription drugs. It provides coverage for prescription medications through private insurance plans approved by Medicare. 143. The major reason that Medicare is expected to become increasingly strained is that more people are living into the “old-old” age group and the health-care needs of this group are much higher than any other group of older adults. Answer: False Rationale: According to the text, the major reason that Medicare is expected to become increasingly strained is that there are so many more adults moving into the “over 65 age group,” due to the aging of the large baby boomer generation. Because the end of life is the most expensive part of the lifespan from a health-care perspective regardless of how old the person is when he or she dies, this increase in the total number of people in this age category will likely provide a challenge for Medicare. 144. Negative stereotypes about nursing homes probably contribute to the sense of dread that most older adults feel about this living-care option. Answer: True Rationale: Negative stereotypes surrounding nursing homes, such as concerns about loss of independence, poor quality of care, and social isolation, often contribute to the apprehension many older adults feel about transitioning to such facilities. These stereotypes can influence perceptions and decision-making regarding long-term care options. 145. Since 1985, the proportion of older adults living in nursing homes has been increasing. Answer: False Rationale: Figure 17-9 shows that a significantly smaller percentage of the older adult population lived in nursing homes in 2007 than in 1985. This decline is especially apparent in the age 85-and-older group, with the percentage declining from 22.0% to 15.4% during this span of time. 146. Assisted-living facilities are becoming an increasingly popular option for older adults who do not remain in their own homes. Answer: True Rationale: Assisted-living facilities offer a middle ground between independent living and nursing homes, providing support with daily activities while allowing residents to maintain some level of autonomy. Due to preferences for greater independence and personalized care, assisted-living facilities have indeed grown in popularity among older adults who may not be able to remain in their own homes but do not require the level of care provided in nursing homes. 147. While the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) aims to protect the interests of older adults, the organization known as the Gray Panthers aims to limit the success of organizations like AARP. Answer: False Rationale: Both AARP and the Gray Panthers advocate for better treatment for older adults. 148. Helping older adults remain in their own homes as long as possible is a policy goal in the United States, but not in most other countries. Answer: False Rationale: The text notes that having older adults remain in their homes is a goal of the World Health Organization and of most industrialized nations. Short Answer questions: Personality and Aging 149. Describe how the status passage into older adulthood differs from those at other transition points in the lifespan. Answer: The status passage into older adulthood differs from those at other transition points in the lifespan in several ways. Unlike transitions such as entering school, starting a career, or getting married, which are often marked by clear societal milestones and expectations, the transition into older adulthood is more gradual and variable. Additionally, status passages in older adulthood typically involve adjustments to retirement, changes in health and mobility, loss of loved ones, and shifts in social roles and identity. These transitions may be accompanied by existential reflections on mortality, meaning, and legacy, setting them apart from earlier life transitions. 150. Define what Erik Erikson meant by the term “integrity,” as he used it to describe the final developmental challenge in the lifespan. Answer: Erik Erikson used the term "integrity" to describe the final developmental challenge in the lifespan, which occurs during older adulthood in his psychosocial theory. Integrity refers to a sense of wholeness, coherence, and acceptance of one's life, including both the successes and failures experienced throughout the lifespan. It involves a deep reflection on one's life experiences, relationships, and contributions to society, leading to a sense of fulfillment and wisdom. Individuals who successfully navigate this stage develop a sense of integrity, feeling at peace with their past and ready to face the end of life without regrets. 151. Give an example for how a wife might assimilate her husband’s retirement into her own life. Give an example of how she might accommodate this situation. Answer: Assimilation: A wife might assimilate her husband's retirement into her own life by incorporating his newfound free time into their shared activities and routines. For example, she may adjust their daily schedule to spend more time together, plan leisure activities that they both enjoy, or involve him in household tasks and decision-making processes. Accommodation: On the other hand, accommodation might involve the wife making significant changes to her own routine and lifestyle to accommodate her husband's retirement. For instance, she may take on additional responsibilities to support his transition, such as managing finances, providing emotional support, or renegotiating roles and expectations within their relationship. This could entail sacrificing some of her own personal time or career aspirations to prioritize their shared well-being during this new phase of life. 152. Describe two general shifts that usually take place in older adulthood regarding friendships by describing how the friends and friendship patterns change as adults grow older. Answer: In older adulthood, two general shifts commonly occur regarding friendships and friendship patterns: 1. Decrease in social network size: As adults grow older, they often experience a natural decrease in the size of their social network. This may be due to factors such as retirement, relocation, health limitations, and loss of friends and family members. Consequently, older adults tend to prioritize quality over quantity in their friendships, maintaining closer relationships with a select group of individuals who provide meaningful support and companionship. 2. Emphasis on emotional closeness: Older adults place greater emphasis on emotional closeness and intimacy in their friendships. They value relationships that offer emotional support, understanding, and companionship, rather than merely engaging in social activities or shared interests. Friendships become more focused on mutual trust, empathy, and shared life experiences, fostering a sense of belonging and connection in later life. 153. Describe the research summarized in the text that supports the “positivity effect.” Answer: The positivity effect refers to the tendency for older adults to prioritize and remember positive information over negative information. Research has consistently demonstrated this phenomenon through various experimental paradigms, such as memory tasks and emotional processing tasks. For example, studies have shown that older adults exhibit a bias towards processing and recalling positive stimuli, such as happy faces or uplifting stories, compared to negative stimuli, such as sad faces or distressing events. Neuroimaging studies have also revealed age-related differences in brain activation patterns, indicating that older adults may engage neural mechanisms associated with emotion regulation and cognitive control to enhance the processing of positive information while attenuating responses to negative information. Overall, the positivity effect suggests that as individuals age, they tend to maintain emotional well-being by focusing on positive aspects of life and regulating their emotional responses to negative experiences. 154. How does a “stage” theory of adult development differ from a “continuity” theory? Answer: A "stage" theory of adult development posits that individuals progress through a series of discrete stages, each characterized by distinct psychological qualities or challenges. In contrast, a "continuity" theory suggests that development is more gradual and continuous, with individuals building upon earlier experiences and maintaining a certain level of consistency in their characteristics and behaviors over time. 155. Using Carol Ryff’s theory as a guide, identify and briefly describe 4 factors that contribute an older adult’s sense of psychological well-being. Answer: Carol Ryff's theory of psychological well-being identifies six factors that contribute to an individual's sense of well-being. Four of these factors relevant to older adults include: 1. Autonomy: Feeling a sense of control over one's own life and decisions. 2. Environmental mastery: Being able to effectively manage and adapt to the environment and life circumstances. 3. Positive relations with others: Having satisfying and supportive relationships with family, friends, and the community. 4. Personal growth: Continuously striving for self-improvement and development, regardless of age or life stage. 156. Who generally copes better in older adulthood, men or women? Provide an explanation for why this result is generally observed. Answer: Generally, women tend to cope better in older adulthood compared to men. This observation is often attributed to several factors: • Social support: Women typically have stronger social networks and engage more frequently in social activities, which can provide greater emotional support and buffering against stress. • Coping strategies: Women are more likely to utilize adaptive coping strategies such as seeking social support and expressing emotions, which are beneficial for dealing with life's challenges. • Health behaviors: Women tend to engage in healthier behaviors, such as regular healthcare utilization and adherence to medical advice, which contribute to better overall well-being and coping abilities. • Biological factors: Some research suggests that biological factors, such as hormonal differences, may play a role in women's resilience to stress and ability to cope with aging-related changes. 157. Describe how an older adult might use social comparison as a means of adjusting to diminished capabilities, such as limitations that might accompany a stroke. Answer: Social comparison involves evaluating one's abilities, opinions, and emotions by comparing oneself to others. An older adult dealing with diminished capabilities, such as those resulting from a stroke, might engage in social comparison by observing how others with similar conditions manage their limitations. This comparison can provide insights into adaptive strategies, offer reassurance that they are not alone in facing challenges, and foster a sense of belonging within a supportive community, thus aiding in the adjustment process. Retirement: A Major Change in Status 158. Describe 2 ways in which retirement patterns today are different from those experienced by the typical worker 50 years ago. Answer: Firstly, retirement patterns today often involve more flexibility and diversity in retirement age and employment transitions compared to 50 years ago. Many workers today may choose to work past traditional retirement age for financial security, personal fulfillment, or to maintain social connections. Secondly, retirement today is often characterized by increased longevity, leading to longer retirement periods and the need for adequate financial planning and health management strategies to support a longer lifespan compared to earlier generations. 159. Identify 3 factors that help explain why some workers make an easy and positive adjustment to retirement and others do not. Answer: Firstly, financial preparedness plays a crucial role in retirement adjustment. Workers who have saved adequately for retirement and have a clear financial plan are more likely to transition smoothly into retirement without significant stress about income security. Secondly, social support networks, including family, friends, and community groups, can contribute to a positive retirement adjustment by providing emotional support, opportunities for social engagement, and a sense of purpose beyond work. Thirdly, individuals who have cultivated diverse interests, hobbies, and activities outside of work tend to adjust more positively to retirement as they have a range of fulfilling pursuits to occupy their time and maintain a sense of purpose and identity. 160. In comparison to adults who remain in the work force, how do the net worth and income level of retired individuals compare? Answer: Retired individuals generally have lower net worth and income levels compared to those who remain in the workforce. Retirement often involves a transition from earning wages to relying on savings, pensions, and social security benefits, which may not be as substantial as active employment income. Moreover, retirees may experience decreased earning potential and may draw down their savings over time, leading to lower net worth compared to working individuals. 161. How important are Social Security benefits to older, retired workers in the U.S. today? Cite statistics to support your Answer: Answer: Social Security benefits play a crucial role in the financial security of older, retired workers in the United States. According to statistics, nearly 9 out of 10 individuals aged 65 and older receive Social Security benefits. Furthermore, for many retirees, Social Security represents a significant portion of their income. According to the Social Security Administration, Social Security benefits make up at least 50% of the income for 50% of married couples and 71% of unmarried individuals aged 65 and older. 162. Which segments of the older adult population are most likely to live below the poverty line? Do race and gender influence this pattern? Answer: Older adult populations most likely to live below the poverty line include minorities, particularly African American and Hispanic individuals, and women. Statistics indicate that minority groups, due to historical socioeconomic disparities, are disproportionately affected by poverty in old age. Additionally, gender plays a significant role, with women being more likely to live below the poverty line than men due to factors such as lower lifetime earnings, interrupted careers due to caregiving responsibilities, and longer life expectancies leading to higher healthcare costs. These disparities highlight the intersectionality of race and gender in influencing poverty rates among older adults. 163. In comparison to the proportion of people still working at age 65 in 1950, how have retirement patterns in the U. S. changed in the years since then? Answer: Retirement patterns in the United States have significantly evolved since 1950. Back then, a majority of individuals continued working past the age of 65. However, in recent decades, there has been a notable shift towards earlier retirement. This change can be attributed to various factors such as increased life expectancy, changes in pension systems, and shifts in societal attitudes towards leisure and retirement. 164. Describe how financial circumstances and employment options are both influencing the retirement patterns of older adults in the United States today. Answer: Financial circumstances and employment options play significant roles in shaping retirement patterns among older adults in the United States. Financial stability, including savings, pension availability, and investment returns, often determines the feasibility of retirement. Additionally, employment options, such as access to part-time work, flexible schedules, and phased retirement programs, influence individuals' decisions regarding the timing and nature of retirement. Those with adequate financial resources and favorable employment opportunities may choose to retire later or transition gradually, whereas others may retire earlier due to financial constraints or limited employment options. Family and Friends: Interpersonal Contexts 165. How well do most couples adjust to the “empty nest”? Explain how this event in the life cycle of the family affects marital satisfaction and stress. Answer: The adjustment to the "empty nest" phase varies among couples, with some experiencing smooth transitions while others encounter challenges. For many couples, the departure of children from the household can lead to increased marital satisfaction as they have more time and freedom to focus on each other and pursue shared interests. However, the empty nest can also bring about feelings of loneliness, loss, or purposelessness, particularly if couples have centered their lives around their children. Marital stress may arise if partners struggle to redefine their roles and relationship dynamics without the presence of children, or if they experience conflicts stemming from unmet expectations or divergent interests. Overall, the empty nest represents a significant life transition that can impact marital dynamics, with outcomes varying depending on individual and relational factors. 166. Describe 2 factors that are responsible for the finding that more children are being cared for in grandparent-maintained homes in the United States today than in previous decades. Answer: Two factors contributing to the increase in children being cared for in grandparent-maintained homes include changes in family structures, such as higher rates of single parenthood or parental incarceration, and economic factors, such as the rising cost of childcare and the need for dual incomes, forcing parents to rely on grandparents for childcare support. 167. Identify and briefly describe two reasons why older women are more likely to be widows than older men are likely to be widowers. Answer: Older women are more likely to be widows primarily due to their longer life expectancy compared to men, as well as historical trends of women marrying older men, leading to a higher likelihood of women outliving their spouses. Additionally, men often remarry at higher rates after being widowed, further contributing to the gender disparity in widowhood. 168. Describe 2 reasons why women typically have an easier time adjusting to widowhood than do men. Answer: Women typically have an easier time adjusting to widowhood due to their stronger social support networks, including friendships and family connections, which provide emotional support during the grieving process. Additionally, women tend to be more adept at seeking out and utilizing available support services and resources to cope with the challenges of widowhood. 169. For what types of help do older adults more typically depend on friends and for what types of help do they usually depend on family members for assistance? Answer: Older adults more typically depend on friends for emotional support, companionship, and recreational activities, as friends often serve as confidants and peers with shared interests. Conversely, older adults usually depend on family members, such as adult children or siblings, for instrumental support with tasks like transportation, household chores, and financial assistance, as family members often have closer proximity and a sense of familial obligation to provide such assistance. U. S. Social Policy and Older Adulthood 170. How has the U. S. population changed since 1900 with respect to the proportion of older adults? Answer: Since 1900, the U.S. population has experienced a significant shift in the proportion of older adults. At the beginning of the 20th century, the percentage of older adults (aged 65 and older) was relatively low compared to other age groups. However, due to factors such as increased life expectancy, declining fertility rates, and the aging of the baby boomer generation, the proportion of older adults has steadily risen over time. This demographic trend is commonly referred to as population aging. 171. How is Social Security funded, and what is its primary goal? Answer: Social Security is primarily funded through payroll taxes collected from current workers, employers, and self-employed individuals. These taxes are deposited into the Social Security Trust Fund, which is used to pay out benefits to eligible recipients, including retirees, disabled individuals, survivors of deceased workers, and their families. The primary goal of Social Security is to provide a financial safety net and income support for individuals and families during retirement, disability, or in the event of the death of a wage earner. 172. What is Medicare and what is its primary goal? Answer: Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States that primarily provides coverage for healthcare services to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities and those with end-stage renal disease. The primary goal of Medicare is to ensure access to essential healthcare services, including hospital care, medical services, and prescription drugs, for eligible beneficiaries, thereby promoting health and well-being in older and disabled populations. 173. Why would Social Security and Medicare programs be of great interest to older adults in the United States? Cite statistics to support your conclusion. Answer: Social Security and Medicare programs are of significant interest to older adults in the United States due to their crucial roles in providing financial security and healthcare coverage during retirement and aging. According to statistics, Social Security benefits lift millions of older Americans out of poverty each year. For example, in 2019, Social Security benefits kept over 22 million people, including retirees, disabled workers, and their families, out of poverty. Additionally, Medicare provides essential healthcare coverage to approximately 63 million Americans, primarily individuals aged 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities. These programs are vital lifelines for older adults, ensuring access to income support and healthcare services, thereby improving quality of life and promoting healthy aging. 174. What is the primary reason that Medicare funding is under considerable strain in the United States today? Answer: The primary reason Medicare funding is under considerable strain in the United States today is the aging population coupled with rising healthcare costs. As more baby boomers reach retirement age and life expectancy increases, the number of Medicare beneficiaries is growing rapidly. Additionally, advancements in medical technology and treatments contribute to increased healthcare expenses, putting pressure on Medicare's financial sustainability. 175. Describe two reasons why older adults typically dread the possibility of spending their final years in a nursing home. Answer: Older adults often dread the possibility of spending their final years in a nursing home due to several reasons: 1. Loss of Independence: Nursing homes are often associated with a loss of independence as residents may need assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. This loss of autonomy can be distressing for older adults who value their ability to live independently. 2. Quality of Care Concerns: There are concerns about the quality of care in nursing homes, including issues such as neglect, abuse, and inadequate staffing levels. Older adults may fear experiencing mistreatment or receiving substandard care, leading to a decline in physical and mental well-being. 176. Is there a larger, or a smaller, proportion of older adults living in nursing homes today, compared to 20 years ago? Explain what factors account for this trend in living arrangements for the elderly. Answer: There is a smaller proportion of older adults living in nursing homes today compared to 20 years ago. This trend can be attributed to several factors: 1. Preference for Aging in Place: Many older adults prefer to age in place, remaining in their own homes or communities for as long as possible. This preference is supported by advancements in home healthcare services, assistive technologies, and community-based programs that enable older adults to maintain independence and receive care in familiar surroundings. 2. Expansion of Alternative Care Options: The availability and diversity of alternative care options, such as assisted living facilities, independent living communities, and home care services, have increased over the past few decades. These alternatives offer varying levels of support and care tailored to individual needs, providing viable alternatives to traditional nursing home care. 177. Describe how the services provided in a nursing home would typically differ from those provided in an assisted-living facility. Answer: The services provided in a nursing home typically differ from those offered in an assisted-living facility in the following ways: 1. Level of Care: Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care and medical supervision for residents with complex medical needs who require 24-hour assistance. In contrast, assisted-living facilities offer assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and medication management, but do not typically provide skilled medical care. 2. Staffing and Oversight: Nursing homes are staffed with licensed healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and certified nursing assistants, who provide round-the-clock care and supervision. Assisted-living facilities may have fewer medical staff and may rely more on non-medical caregivers to assist residents with daily tasks. 3. Environment: Nursing homes often have a more clinical environment, resembling healthcare facilities, with shared rooms or wards and limited personalization. Assisted-living facilities, on the other hand, are designed to feel more like home, with private or semi-private apartments, communal dining areas, and recreational spaces aimed at promoting independence and social engagement. 178. Who are the Gray Panthers and what is their purpose? Answer: The Gray Panthers are an advocacy organization founded by Maggie Kuhn in 1970. Their purpose is to address issues affecting older adults, promote social justice, and combat ageism in society. The organization advocates for policies and programs that support the rights, dignity, and well-being of older individuals. 179. What is the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and what is its purpose? Answer: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1958. Its purpose is to empower people aged 50 and older to live their best lives. AARP provides a wide range of resources, advocacy efforts, and services aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of older adults, including healthcare, financial security, and community engagement. 180. Identify 3 goals for the care of elderly adults, as discussed in the text. Answer: 1. Promoting independence and autonomy: One goal for the care of elderly adults is to support and enhance their ability to live independently for as long as possible. This may involve providing access to home care services, assistive technologies, and community resources that enable older individuals to maintain their autonomy and quality of life. 2. Ensuring access to quality healthcare: Another goal is to ensure that elderly adults have access to comprehensive and affordable healthcare services tailored to their unique needs. This includes preventive care, medical treatment, rehabilitation services, and long-term care options that promote health, well-being, and dignity. 3. Preventing social isolation and promoting social connections: Addressing social isolation and loneliness is a crucial goal for the care of elderly adults. This involves creating opportunities for older individuals to engage in social activities, connect with peers and community members, and maintain meaningful relationships. Programs such as senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and intergenerational activities can help combat isolation and enhance social support networks. Essay questions: Personality and Aging 181. What did Erik Erikson mean when he identified the critical conflict of older adulthood as one of integrity versus despair? Answer: Erik Erikson's concept of integrity versus despair suggests that in older adulthood, individuals face a psychological conflict regarding the evaluation of their lives. Integrity refers to a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment derived from reflecting on one's life experiences, accomplishments, and relationships. On the other hand, despair arises when individuals perceive their lives as unfulfilled, filled with regrets, or lacking in purpose. This stage involves reconciling past achievements and failures, ultimately leading to either a sense of integrity or despair. 182. How do older adults use the processes of assimilation and accommodation to adjust to their changing circumstances and capabilities? Provide an example of each type of process that demonstrates a positive adaptation to an age-related limitation, such as losing the ability to drive a car. Answer: • Assimilation involves incorporating new information or experiences into existing cognitive frameworks or schemas. In the context of adjusting to age-related limitations, an older adult who can no longer drive a car might assimilate by relying on alternative modes of transportation, such as public transit or ridesharing services, while maintaining a positive attitude and sense of independence. • Accommodation entails modifying existing cognitive structures to accommodate new information or experiences. For instance, an older adult who loses the ability to drive may accommodate by embracing the opportunity to explore new hobbies or interests that do not require driving, such as gardening, painting, or volunteering. By adapting their lifestyle and finding fulfillment in alternative activities, they demonstrate positive accommodation to the limitation. 183. Explain how older adults adjust as they maintain a positive sense of their own identity and emotionality. Answer: Older adults often maintain a positive sense of identity and emotionality by engaging in various strategies and coping mechanisms: • They may engage in activities that reinforce their sense of self-worth and purpose, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or participating in meaningful social activities. • Older adults often draw upon their life experiences and wisdom to navigate challenges and setbacks, fostering resilience and emotional well-being. • Maintaining social connections and seeking support from friends, family, or community networks can help older adults cope with feelings of loneliness or isolation, contributing to a positive sense of identity and emotional fulfillment. • Embracing new roles and opportunities for personal growth, such as volunteering, mentoring, or lifelong learning, can enhance self-esteem and provide a sense of fulfillment in later life. 184. Define the “positivity effect” and describe how this effect helps explain how older adults are able to cope effectively with their declining health and independence. Answer: The positivity effect refers to the tendency for older adults to prioritize and remember positive information more than negative information. This cognitive bias helps older adults maintain emotional well-being despite challenges such as declining health and independence. Older adults may focus on positive aspects of their lives, such as cherished memories, close relationships, and meaningful experiences, which can buffer the impact of negative changes and foster resilience in coping with adversity. 185. List and briefly describe the six components of adult well-being identified by Carol Ryff and colleagues. What are the differences between people who score high versus low on each component? Answer: The six components of adult well-being identified by Carol Ryff and colleagues are: 1. Self-acceptance: High scorers possess a positive attitude towards themselves, accepting both their positive and negative qualities. Low scorers may struggle with self-doubt and self-criticism. 2. Positive relations with others: High scorers have fulfilling and supportive relationships with others, experiencing empathy and intimacy. Low scorers may feel isolated or experience conflicts in relationships. 3. Autonomy: High scorers have a sense of independence and self-determination, making decisions aligned with their values and goals. Low scorers may feel controlled by external forces or lack confidence in their abilities. 4. Environmental mastery: High scorers effectively manage their environment, demonstrating competence and resourcefulness in navigating life challenges. Low scorers may feel overwhelmed by life circumstances or lack a sense of control. 5. Purpose in life: High scorers have a sense of direction and meaning, feeling that their lives are purposeful and significant. Low scorers may struggle to find meaning or purpose, feeling aimless or disconnected. 6. Personal growth: High scorers engage in continuous self-improvement and development, seeking new experiences and challenges for personal enrichment. Low scorers may resist change or lack motivation to pursue growth opportunities. 186. The text concludes that both continuity and change characterize adjustment in older adulthood. Give an example of how this period is characterized by change, and how it also is a time of continuity. Answer: In older adulthood, retirement represents a significant change as individuals transition from full-time employment to a more leisure-oriented lifestyle. This change can bring adjustments in daily routines, social roles, and financial circumstances. However, continuity is also evident as older adults may maintain lifelong interests and hobbies, such as gardening or volunteering, providing a sense of continuity and purpose beyond the workplace. Additionally, relationships with family and friends often endure, contributing to a sense of continuity and stability amidst life changes. 187. Describe 3 ways in which older adults cope and adapt in order to maintain, or even increase, their life satisfaction in this stage of life. In your answer, note how the process of social comparison can assist in this process. Answer: 1. Developing Social Networks. Older adults often focus on building and maintaining strong social networks. They engage in activities like joining clubs, attending social events, or participating in community programs. Through social interactions, they find support, companionship, and a sense of belonging, which contribute significantly to their overall life satisfaction. Social comparison plays a role here, as they may compare their social connections with others and strive to expand their networks, enhancing their sense of fulfillment. 2. Finding Meaning and Purpose. Many older adults seek activities or hobbies that provide a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. They may volunteer, mentor younger generations, or pursue lifelong passions and interests. By engaging in meaningful activities, they derive a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction, which positively impacts their overall well-being. Social comparison comes into play as they may compare their contributions and achievements with others, motivating them to continue seeking purposeful activities. 3. Adopting Positive Mindsets. Older adults often cultivate positive attitudes and perspectives towards aging. Instead of focusing on limitations, they emphasize their strengths and capabilities. They may engage in practices like mindfulness, gratitude, or positive self-talk to foster a positive mindset. Social comparison can assist in this process by observing others who maintain positive outlooks despite challenges, inspiring them to adopt similar attitudes and coping strategies. Retirement: A Major Change in Status 188. What changes – good and bad – does retirement typically bring? Answer: Retirement brings a variety of changes, both positive and negative. • Positive Changes. • Increased Leisure Time. Retirement often provides individuals with more free time to pursue hobbies, travel, or spend time with family and friends. • Reduced Stress. For many, retirement brings relief from the stresses of work, including long hours, deadlines, and workplace pressures. • Opportunity for Personal Growth. Retirement can be a time for personal growth and self-discovery, as individuals have the freedom to explore new interests or take on different roles. • Negative Changes. • Financial Concerns. Many individuals experience financial challenges in retirement, such as a decrease in income or concerns about outliving their savings. • Loss of Social Connections. Retirement may lead to a loss of social connections that were primarily based on work relationships, potentially resulting in feelings of isolation or loneliness. • Identity Shift. Retirement often involves a shift in identity, as individuals may struggle with the loss of their professional roles and the sense of purpose that work provided. 189. Is it true that older adults have less money after retirement than before retirement? In your answer, discuss how both net worth and income contribute to an answer to this question. Answer: Yes, it's often true that older adults have less money after retirement compared to before retirement, but this can vary widely based on individual circumstances. Both net worth and income contribute to understanding this phenomenon. • Net Worth. Net worth refers to the total value of assets minus liabilities. While some older adults may have substantial savings and investments, others may have limited assets, particularly if they did not have adequate retirement planning or faced financial setbacks. Additionally, factors such as healthcare expenses or unexpected costs can deplete savings during retirement, leading to a decrease in net worth. • Income. Retirement typically involves a transition from earning a steady income to relying on retirement savings, pensions, and Social Security benefits. While some individuals may have sufficient income sources to maintain their lifestyle, others may face a decrease in income, especially if they did not adequately save for retirement or if they experience unexpected financial challenges. Factors such as inflation and changes in living expenses can further impact the purchasing power of retirement income. Overall, while some older adults may indeed have less money after retirement, it's essential to consider individual financial planning, savings habits, investment strategies, and external factors influencing financial stability during retirement. 190. The text notes that a person’s attitude toward work, economic status, and health all influence adjustment to retirement. For each of these, identify the key factors that influence the likelihood of a person’s making a good, versus a bad, retirement adjustment. Answer: • Attitude toward work. • Good adjustment. Individuals who view retirement as an opportunity for personal growth, leisure, and pursuing hobbies tend to adjust well. • Bad adjustment. Those who heavily identified with their careers and lack other meaningful activities may struggle with retirement adjustment. • Economic status. • Good adjustment. Financial security, including adequate retirement savings and pensions, contributes to a positive retirement transition. • Bad adjustment. Economic instability, such as insufficient savings or unexpected expenses, can lead to stress and difficulty in retirement. • Health. • Good adjustment. Good physical and mental health enables retirees to engage in activities they enjoy and maintain independence. • Bad adjustment. Poor health, chronic conditions, or limited mobility can restrict retirees' abilities to participate in desired activities and lead to feelings of isolation or frustration. 191. The text notes that women and members of some minority groups are more likely to experience economic hardship following retirement. Describe 3 reasons that help explain this result. Answer: • Gender wage gap. Women often earn less over their lifetimes due to wage disparities, resulting in lower Social Security benefits and retirement savings. • Occupational segregation. Women and minorities are more likely to work in lower-paying jobs or sectors with limited retirement benefits, impacting their financial security in retirement. • Caregiving responsibilities. Women, in particular, tend to take on caregiving roles, leading to interruptions in their careers and reduced opportunities for retirement savings accumulation. 192. Are more, or fewer, people retiring at age 65 today, compared to previous decades? Describe 3 factors that help explain this trend. Answer: • Delayed retirement age. Many individuals are choosing to work beyond age 65 due to increased life expectancy, better health, and the desire to continue working in fulfilling roles. • Financial necessity. Economic factors such as insufficient retirement savings, rising healthcare costs, and uncertainty about Social Security benefits encourage people to delay retirement and continue earning income. • Changes in pension plans. The shift from defined benefit pension plans to defined contribution plans has made it less financially feasible for some individuals to retire at age 65, as they need to accumulate more savings to support themselves in retirement. 193. What is “retirement maturity,” how is it measured, and of what use is it? Answer: "Retirement maturity" refers to the readiness of an individual to transition into retirement successfully. It is measured by various factors such as financial preparedness, emotional readiness, social engagement, and health status. Assessments often include evaluating savings and investments, psychological readiness for a major life change, social connections and support networks, and physical health. The concept is useful in helping individuals and policymakers understand the readiness of retirees to navigate this phase of life effectively, ensuring a smoother transition and better quality of life during retirement. Family and Friends: Interpersonal Contexts 194. Describe why kinship patterns are described in the text as being more complex now than in former generations. What impact do the changes you identify have on the typical experience of becoming a grandparent? Answer: Kinship patterns today are more complex due to factors such as increased divorce rates, remarriages, blended families, delayed marriage and childbearing, and geographical mobility. These changes result in families being less structured along traditional lines, leading to a greater diversity of family structures. The impact of these changes on becoming a grandparent is significant, as it can mean navigating relationships with step-grandchildren, dealing with ex-spouses, and adjusting to new family dynamics. Grandparents may also find themselves providing support to grandchildren in non-traditional family arrangements. 195. Why is it especially difficult to care for a spouse that has Alzheimer’s disease? Answer: Caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease is particularly challenging due to several factors. Firstly, the progressive nature of the disease means that caregiving responsibilities often increase over time as the condition worsens. Secondly, Alzheimer's patients may experience changes in behavior, personality, and cognitive abilities, making communication and caregiving tasks more complex. Additionally, caregivers may experience emotional distress and grief as they witness their spouse's decline and cope with the loss of their relationship as they knew it. The long-term nature of Alzheimer's caregiving can also lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. 196. Do widows or widowers typically have an easier time adjusting to the loss of their spouse? Identify 3 reasons why this is typically the case. Answer: Typically, widowers tend to have an easier time adjusting to the loss of their spouse compared to widows. Three reasons for this phenomenon include. 1. Social support. Research suggests that widowers often have larger social networks and receive more support from friends and family following the loss of their spouse, which can help them cope with grief and loneliness. 2. Financial independence. Historically, men have been more likely to be the primary breadwinners in heterosexual marriages, leading to widowers often being more financially stable after their spouse's death, reducing stress related to financial concerns. 3. Gender differences in coping mechanisms. Studies have shown that men and women tend to utilize different coping strategies when faced with loss. Men may be more likely to seek out distractions or engage in activities that help them avoid dwelling on their emotions, which can facilitate adjustment to widowhood. 197. How does race and gender affect the likelihood that a widow or widower will remarry? Answer: The likelihood of remarriage for widows and widowers is influenced by race and gender dynamics. Research suggests that race can play a role, with widows and widowers from certain racial and ethnic groups exhibiting different patterns of remarriage. Additionally, gender norms and societal expectations may impact how individuals of different genders approach remarriage after the loss of a spouse. Factors such as cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and personal preferences also intersect with race and gender, influencing the likelihood of remarriage for individuals who have been widowed. 198. What role do friendships play in the lives of older adults? How do our friendships change as we age? Answer: Friendships play a crucial role in the lives of older adults, providing emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. As people age, their friendships often become even more important, particularly as they may face life transitions such as retirement, loss of a spouse, or health challenges. Friendships in later life tend to focus on quality rather than quantity, with individuals prioritizing deep, meaningful connections with a smaller circle of friends. Moreover, older adults may rely on friendships for social engagement, shared activities, and coping with the changes and losses that come with aging. U. S. Social Policy and Older Adulthood 199. Discuss how the population of older adults is expected to change in the coming decades. How is the size of this group expected to change with respect to the size of the overall population in the United States, and how is the racial/ethnic composition of this group expected to change? Answer: In the coming decades, the population of older adults is expected to undergo significant changes, driven primarily by demographic shifts such as increasing life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomer generation. As a result, the proportion of older adults within the total population of the United States is projected to increase substantially. This trend, often referred to as population aging, poses both opportunities and challenges for society, particularly in areas such as healthcare, retirement planning, and social services. Additionally, the racial and ethnic composition of the older adult population is expected to diversify. While non-Hispanic whites have historically made up the majority of older adults, projections indicate that the proportion of older adults who are racial and ethnic minorities, including Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other groups, will continue to grow. This demographic shift underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs and experiences of diverse older adult populations and promoting equity in aging-related policies and programs. 200. What are the goals of the Social Security and the Medicare programs? What specific challenges do both of these programs face in the decades to come? Answer: The goals of the Social Security program are to provide financial support to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. It aims to ensure a basic level of economic security for these groups by providing monthly benefits. Medicare, on the other hand, aims to provide health insurance coverage to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities. Its goal is to ensure access to essential healthcare services. Both Social Security and Medicare face significant challenges in the decades to come, primarily due to the aging population and increasing healthcare costs. With a large portion of the population reaching retirement age, there will be fewer workers paying into these programs relative to the number of beneficiaries. This demographic shift puts pressure on the sustainability of both programs. Additionally, rising healthcare costs, advancements in medical technology, and longer life expectancies contribute to the financial strain on Medicare. 201. What is a baby boomer? What impact will baby boomers have on the demographic profile of the working and retired population in the United States as they move into older adulthood? How will baby boomers affect Social Security and Medicare funds? Answer: A baby boomer refers to someone born during the post-World War II baby boom, roughly between 1946 and 1964. Baby boomers constitute a significant portion of the population in the United States. As baby boomers move into older adulthood, they will significantly impact the demographic profile of both the working and retired population. The retirement of baby boomers means a larger proportion of the population will be in retirement compared to the working-age population. This demographic shift places strain on Social Security and Medicare funds because there will be fewer workers contributing payroll taxes to support a growing number of retirees. This imbalance threatens the financial sustainability of both programs unless adjustments are made to revenue or benefits. 202. Explain what is incorrect about the following statement. “The major problem with Medicare today is that adults are living longer.” In your answer, provide a more correct analysis of the problem that lies at the core of funding challenge regarding Medicare. Answer: The major problem with the statement is that it oversimplifies the challenges facing Medicare. While it's true that longer life expectancies contribute to increased utilization of healthcare services, the primary funding challenge regarding Medicare is not solely due to adults living longer. The core issue lies in the structure of Medicare financing and the increasing costs of healthcare services. Medicare is financed through payroll taxes, premiums, and general revenue, and it faces significant financial strain due to rising healthcare costs, advancements in medical technology, and inefficiencies within the healthcare system. These factors, coupled with demographic shifts such as the aging population, contribute to the funding challenge regarding Medicare. Simply living longer is a contributing factor but not the sole or primary problem. 203. Describe three different lifestyle options usually available to families when older adults need assistance in living. What are the advantages and disadvantages typically associated with each option? Answer: 1. Home Care Services. Home care involves hiring caregivers to provide assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medication management, and light housekeeping within the older adult's own home. • Advantages. Allows the older adult to remain in familiar surroundings, promotes independence, personalized care, and potentially lower cost compared to institutional care. • Disadvantages. Limited medical supervision, potential for caregiver burnout, quality of care may vary, and safety concerns if the home environment is not suitable. 2. Assisted Living Facilities. Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals, personal care assistance, and social activities in a community setting designed for older adults who need some help with daily tasks but do not require intensive medical care. • Advantages. Provides a supportive environment with 24-hour assistance available, opportunities for socialization, and access to various amenities and services. • Disadvantages. Costlier than home care in some cases, less personalized care compared to home care, potential for adjustment issues, and limited medical services. 3. Nursing Homes or Skilled Nursing Facilities. Nursing homes offer around-the-clock medical care and assistance with activities of daily living for older adults with more complex medical needs or disabilities. • Advantages. Access to skilled medical care and supervision, assistance with daily tasks, structured environment, and specialized care for specific health conditions. • Disadvantages. Loss of independence, potentially institutional environment, higher cost, and potential for social isolation. 204. List and describe 5 services that most communities provide to citizens who are elderly but wish to stay in their own homes. Which of these do you think is the most critically important service, and why do you think this is the case? Answer: 1. Home Health Care. This service provides skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other medical services in the comfort of the individual's own home. 2. Meals on Wheels. Volunteers or paid staff deliver nutritious meals to elderly individuals who are unable to prepare their own food. 3. Transportation Services. Assistance with transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and other essential errands. 4. Home Modification Programs. These programs help elderly individuals adapt their homes to their changing needs, such as installing grab bars, wheelchair ramps, or stairlifts. 5. Socialization Programs. Community centers, senior centers, and other organizations offer social activities, recreational programs, and support groups to combat loneliness and isolation among the elderly. The most critically important service among these is likely Home Health Care. This service provides essential medical care and assistance to elderly individuals in their own homes, allowing them to maintain their independence while receiving necessary medical attention. It not only addresses immediate health needs but also promotes overall well-being and can help prevent unnecessary hospitalizations or institutionalization. 205. Why have groups such as the Gray Panthers and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) formed? In today’s world, do you think these groups continue to have a reason to exist? If so, what are those reasons; if not, why not? Answer: Groups like the Gray Panthers and AARP were formed to advocate for the rights and interests of older adults, including issues related to healthcare, social security, housing, and employment. In today's world, these groups continue to have a significant reason to exist due to several factors. 1. Policy Advocacy. They advocate for policies and legislation that benefit older adults, such as healthcare reform, Social Security protection, and age-friendly community initiatives. 2. Information and Resources. These groups provide valuable information, resources, and support services to help older adults navigate various aspects of aging, including healthcare, finances, and social activities. 3. Community Engagement. They facilitate social connections and engagement opportunities for older adults, combating social isolation and promoting active and fulfilling lifestyles. 4. Consumer Advocacy. They work to protect older adults from financial exploitation, fraud, and age discrimination in various sectors such as housing, employment, and healthcare. Given the ongoing challenges and evolving needs of aging populations worldwide, groups like the Gray Panthers and AARP continue to play a vital role in representing and supporting the interests of older adults in society. Test Bank for Understanding Human Development Wendy L. Dunn, Grace J. Craig 9780205989522, 9780135164204, 9780205233878, 9780205753079
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