Deck 1: An Introduction to Human Aging

Question 1

In this chapter's Senior View, Dr. Shealy advises you to

A) continue your education
B) diet and exercise
C) graduate and find a good job
D) all of the above

Answer 1

A

Question 2

Life expectancy at birth refers to

A) The maximum life span for members of a given species
B) The minimum life span for members of a given cohort
C) The age at which half of a cohort will still be living and half dead
D) The probability of a live birth for members of a given species

Answer 2

C

Question 3

It is expected that by the year 2020, older adults will make up about ____ of the U. S. population.

A) 15%
B) 25%
C) 50%
D) 75%

Answer 3

B

Question 4

One major reason for the continuing increase in number of older adults is the great increase in birth rate that immediately followed WW II and lasted for close to 20 years. This large group of persons is known as the

A) cohort effect
B) Baby Boom generation
C) Post-war birth burst
D) Generation X

Question 5

When one looks at the U. S. population over the last 70 years one finds that the proportion of ______ has remained relatively stable.

A) children
B) adolescents
C) middle-aged adults
D) old adults

Question 6

The current life span for humans is about ____ years.

A) 74.5
B) 84.5
C) 122
D) 150

Question 7

The biggest changes in life expectancy have been from

A) the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages
B) the Middle Ages to 1900
C) 1900 to 2000
D) life expectancy does not change

Question 8

Of the following animals, which has the longest life span?

A) cats
B) dogs
C) rabbits
D) tape worms

Question 9

Which of the following is longest?

A) LEAB
B) LEASA
C) Life span
D) there is no way of knowing

Question 10

The study of aging and old adults is known as

A) Gerontology
B) Geriatrics
C) Geropsychology
D) Geriagology

Question 11

People who live to be 100 or older are referred to as

A) Hundredairres
B) Centenarians
C) Oldsters
D) Very Oldsters

Question 12

Of the following, which is the more frequent stereotype of an older adult?

A) wise
B) capable
C) confused
D) wealthy

Question 13

Quantitative analyses of TV shows have found that

A) older adults are portrayed negatively
B) older women are especially underrepresented
C) older adults fare best during prime time
D) older adults fare worst in commercials

Question 14

Analyses of stereotypes of older adults in print media have found that one of the most frequent negative portrayals is that of

A) extreme disability
B) wisdom and generosity
C) being unable to remember where they are
D) sexual dysfunction

Question 15

A problem with stereotypes is that they may often lead to ageism. Ageism is

A) jealousy of older adults
B) prejudice against older adults
C) false beliefs about older adults
D) blaming of older adults

Question 16

Older adults are seen most positively by

A) men
B) women
C) children
D) other older adults

Question 17

Which of the following improves attitudes toward aging and older adults?

A) staying away from older adults
B) education about older adults
C) traveling to older communities
D) all of the above

Question 18

Older adults are more respected in which of the following locations?

A) Mexico
B) Hong Kong
C) Bolivia
D) Polynesia

Question 19

Some work on age stereotypes suggests that

A) negative stereotypes are stronger than positive
B) positive stereotypes are stronger than negative
C) stereotypes never last very long
D) stereotypes do not influence attitudes

Question 20

Use your knowledge of Life Expectancy at Birth (LEAB) and Life Expectancy at a Specific Age (LEASA) to explain the phenomenon known as the "Graying of America". What other factors affect this demographic phenomenon?

Question 21

Identify TWO (2) occupations in which you feel knowledge about aging would be useful. Describe how people in these areas might use information about processes of aging. Be specific, but brief.

Question 22

Explain the difference between positive and negative stereotypes of older adults. Give examples of each. Do you think either positive or negative stereotypes are more damaging? Why?