Exam 17: Late Adulthood: Physical and Cognitive Development

Correct Answer:

Verified

One myth is that most people over the age of 65 live in hospitals, nursing homes, and other elder-care institutions. The fact is that with increased longevity in the population and with increases in the elderly population, the actual number of nursing home residents is expected to increase. However, the rates of nursing home placements are decreasing. Another myth is that many of the elderly are incapacitated and spend much of their time in bed due to illness. The fact is that only about 3 percent of the elderly who live at home are bedridden and only 9 percent are housebound. One half or more of the elderly population function without any limitations. Even among those 85 and older, one-third of them report no incapacitating limitation on their activity. Another myth is that most elderly people live in fear of crime. The fact is that Americans over the age of 65 have the lowest victimization rates of any age group. Yet another myth is that most people over 65 are in financial trouble. In fact, the financial situation for the elderly is better than it has been in past decades. Another myth is that elderly parents are abandoned by their grown children. In fact, most middle-aged children do help their aging parents by providing care or financial support.