Deck 18: Social and Personality Development in Late Adulthood

Question 1

Which of the following is the best example of ego integrity,as described by Erikson?

A) Mrs. Chiu tells her family that she will die at peace with the world because she has lived a good life and has few regrets.
B) Mrs. Valentino and Mr. Antonczyk had both been widowed for many years and were eager for the love and companionship they could offer each other in their last years.
C) When Mr. Benoit offers advice to his family, he often says, "Don't make the same mistakes I did. I wish I could live my life over."
D) Mr. and Mrs. Li are the unofficial grandparents of many children in their neighbourhood, and their home is always open to any child who needs a hot meal or a caring word.

Answer 1

Mrs. Chiu tells her family that she will die at peace with the world because she has lived a good life and has few regrets.

Question 2

When you visit a former co-worker who recently retired,you are astonished at his list of activities and projects,and he says,"Staying busy keeps me young!" Your former co-worker's philosophy is most consistent with which of the following perspectives on aging?

A) activity theory
B) adaptation theory
C) programmed senescence theory
D) ego integrity

Answer 2

activity theory

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of volunteerism for older adults?

A) improved health
B) personality change
C) improved life satisfaction
D) reduced mortality rate

Answer 3

personality change

Question 4

The positive effects of religious faith have more to do with a general attitude of _____________ than on any particular set of doctrines or teachings.

A) health
B) spirituality
C) well-being
D) social support

Question 5

Frank is 80 years old and reminiscences happily about his life when he spends time with younger members of his family.According to Erikson,Frank has achieved which of the following characteristics?

A) autonomy
B) ego integrity
C) life competency
D) closure

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement about religious coping by older adults?

A) Religious coping refers to the tendency to turn to religious beliefs and institutions in times of trouble or stress.
B) The need to deal with multiple stressors may explain why religious coping is particularly important in the lives of older adults.
C) Studies suggest that men use religious coping more than women do.
D) Elders themselves often cite religious coping as a way of coping with stress.

Question 7

According to research,what is the most common effect of activity upon later life?

A) greater life satisfaction and morale
B) increased mortality because the effects of disabling conditions such as diabetes may be magnified
C) fatigue and depression from overwhelming roles and responsibilities
D) more rewarding relationships with members of the social support network

Question 8

Which of the following is an aspect of disengagement theory?

A) decreased individuality
B) increased responsibility
C) shrinkage of life space
D) inactive extrication from roles and relationships

Question 9

According to research studies,which of the following characterizes individuals with the best prospects for recovery from a health crisis such as a stroke or a fracture?

A) adopts recovery goals proposed by rehabilitation specialists
B) has a combative, argumentative spirit
C) is steadfastly optimistic and positive
D) sees the health care professionals as adversaries to be beaten

Question 10

According to Erikson,the task of achieving ego integrity involves

A) being able to incorporate oneself into the identity of another person without fear of losing oneself.
B) serving as a steward for the heritage of the next generation.
C) regretting lost opportunities and fearing death.
D) coming to terms with the life one has lived and accepting the relentless approach of death.

Question 11

According to activity theory,what can older adults do in order to have the most psychologically and physically healthy response to old age?

A) reduce their activity and involvement in most of their social roles
B) increase their physical activity, preferably through aerobic and weight-bearing exercise
C) eliminate excessively demanding roles and save their energy for truly important roles
D) maintain the greatest possible level of activity and involvement in the greatest possible number of roles

Question 12

Abraham's grandparents have requested that he help them buy a computer and teach them how to use email and other programs.Which of the following terms describes Abraham's grandparents' readiness to learn something new?

A) cognitive adventurousness
B) social engagement
C) ego integrity
D) generativty

Question 13

How did Erikson characterize the developmental task of late adulthood?

A) generativity versus stagnation
B) ego integrity versus despair
C) industry versus inferiority
D) conscientious versus individualistic

Question 14

All of the following statements are true about religious coping and good health EXCEPT:

A) Those who are religious tend to recover faster and cope better when suffering from symptoms of depression.
B) Elders who place a great deal of faith in religion worry less.
C) Religion helps people believe that their life serves a purpose.
D) Religion lowers self-blame by providing the option of blaming the devil or other sources of evil for difficulties.

Question 15

Rowe and Kahn did not include which of the following components in their definition of successful aging?

A) retention of cognitive abilities
B) social engagement
C) good physical health
D) extroversion

Question 16

Which of the following best summarizes the paradigm of successful aging proposed by Rowe and Kahn?

A) Successful aging integrates components of physical, cognitive, and social health that were influenced by earlier behaviours and decisions.
B) Religious coping and the use of religious belief and practice are effective means of adapting to aging.
C) The healthiest response to old age is to maintain the greatest possible level of activity and involvement in the greatest number of roles.
D) An aging adult is not governed by the expectations of others that she fulfill certain roles.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a true statement about the role of reminiscence in human development?

A) Young adults use reminiscence for problem-solving, and older adults use reminiscence as a way of communicating their experiences to younger individuals.
B) Young adults reminisce more often than middle-aged or older adults.
C) Reminiscence is the most important component of ego integrity and psychological preparation for death.
D) Structured reminiscence increases life satisfaction and can have therapeutic value.

Question 18

When you contact a retired neighbour to ask if she is interested in participating in a charity fund-raiser,she tells you that she is no longer interested in activities such as this and she is content to do as little as possible since she retired.Your neighbour's perspective is most consistent with which of the following views on aging?

A) disengagement
B) adaptation
C) continuity
D) compensation

Question 19

Which of the following factors predicts life satisfaction among older adults?

A) letting go of a need for "control"
B) disengaging from comparing one's life circumstances with those of peers
C) a perceived adequacy in social support and income
D) the number of ongoing relationships to which the person has regular access

Question 20

According to researchers,which component of social support is most meaningful to elderly adults?

A) instrumental support, such as help with chores, rather than emotional support
B) the opportunity to reciprocate and give support as well as receive it
C) knowing that others can be depended upon to help when their assistance is needed
D) the frequency of social contacts with friends, family, and community members

Question 21

Marriages in late adulthood tend to be based more on

A) mutual disclosure.
B) convenience.
C) passion.
D) mutual investment.

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT an accurate description of partner relationships in late life?

A) Older adult couples typically are not sexually active.
B) Married older adults who spend more time with their spouses report high levels of happiness.
C) Older couples report lower levels of conflict in their relationships than do middle-aged couples.
D) According to research, marital satisfaction is higher in the late adult years than when children are still at home.

Question 23

In Canada,remarriage statistics for people over 65 years of age indicate that

A) men and women have similar remarriage rates.
B) men have higher remarriage rates.
C) men and women remarry for the same reasons.
D) widows are eager to remarry.

Question 24

Mr.Roussel is a healthy 75-year-old widower who lives independently on his comfortable pension.What factor is most likely to cause a change in his independent living status?

A) development of a significant health problem
B) being encouraged by his son to join his son's household and spend more time with his grandchildren
C) a decrease in his pension income and financial circumstances
D) development of a mild or moderate disability or health problems such as diabetes

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement about the nature of marital status and living arrangements in late adulthood in Canada?

A) Older men are more likely to live alone than older women.
B) The normal expectation for a woman is that she will eventually be without an intimate partner or spouse.
C) Most elders with mild to moderate disability or health problems do not live with relatives.
D) In Canada, living alone is the most common and the most preferred living arrangement among unmarried elders.

Question 26

Which of the following statements most accurately explains why sibling relationships become more important in late adulthood?

A) In late adulthood, relationships with siblings are typically less stressful and have less conflict than relationships with adult children or spouses.
B) Most older adults expect to live with siblings when health problems or disabilities, such as arthritis or diabetes, occur.
C) Siblings share reminiscences and companionship and provide each other emotional support.
D) Siblings typically provide practical assistance to each other, such as help with activities of daily living.

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement about family relationships in late adulthood?

A) Grandchildren are rarely a part of an elderly adult's close family network.
B) Older adults typically describe a sense of family solidarity and support.
C) Childless elders typically are less happy and less able to cope with the stresses of age than elders who have children.
D) When older adults need help that cannot be given by a spouse, aid typically is provided by children.

Question 28

The normal expectation for a woman in late adulthood is that she will live

A) with her spouse until she begins to experience health problems, at which time she will move in with a child or family member.
B) alone, even if she experiences health problems or mild to moderate disability.
C) with her spouse or intimate partner until she dies.
D) with her spouse until she has difficulty performing activities of daily living, at which time she will move to a nursing home.

Question 29

Which of the following individuals is more likely to remarry after the death of a spouse?

A) Marie, age 70, who is wealthy and has no children
B) Elizabeth, age 72, who has a comfortable retirement pension
C) Robert, age 70, who has a modest retirement income
D) Elena, age 65, who owns her own home

Question 30

Among older adults,the positive effects of marriage for physical and psychological functioning

A) that were seen in early and middle adulthood have largely disappeared by late adulthood.
B) exist for men, but there are no benefits for older women.
C) are greater for women than for men.
D) occur among both women and men, but are generally greater for men than women.

Question 31

Which of the following phrases best captures an advantage associated with the loss of role definition experienced by older adults?

A) "I did it my way."
B) "Free to be me!"
C) "I've paid my dues."
D) "I take a licking and keep on ticking."

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT an accurate statement about elder abuse in Canada?

A) Physical abuse is most likely to be directed at elders who have some type of dementia.
B) Abuse of elders is a common family interaction pattern in Canada.
C) Financial dependency of the abuser on the victim is a risk factor for abuse.
D) Abuse by spouses is twice as likely as abuse by children.

Question 33

According to current estimates,approximately what percentage of Canadian elders living in private homes are emotionally abused?

A) 18 percent
B) 20 percent
C) 10 percent
D) 7 percent

Question 34

The normal expectation for a man in late adulthood is that he will live

A) with a spouse or intimate partner until he dies.
B) alone until he experiences health problems that will cause him to enter institutional care.
C) alone until he has difficulty performing activities of daily living, at which time he will live with family members.
D) an average of five to ten years as a widower.

Question 35

Which of the following accurately describes the general nature of social roles in late adulthood?

A) lowered risk of social isolation or alienation
B) a "licence for eccentricity"
C) less freedom to pursue or express individuality
D) increased role content which may lead to role strain and role conflict

Question 36

Mrs.Kendall is a 75-year-old healthy widow who receives a good retirement pension.She most likely lives

A) with a son, daughter, or other family member.
B) with a sibling or long-time friend.
C) alone.
D) in a nursing home or other form of institutional care.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for the occurrence of elder abuse?

A) significant financial resources controlled by the victim
B) external stresses
C) social isolation
D) mental illness or alcoholism in the abuser

Question 38

In contrast to the relationship between an older adult and her adult children,the relationship between an older adult and her friends is more likely to

A) be reciprocal or equitable.
B) include assistance with daily tasks such as shopping or housework.
C) feature shared activities.
D) provide opportunities for fun and companionship.

Question 39

Which of the following most accurately describes the relationships of older adults with their children?

A) Most contacts between older adults and their children occur in order to fulfill obligations and a sense of duty.
B) Good relationships and regular contact between older adults and their children are not essential for happiness or life satisfaction in old age.
C) Older adults who need aid or assistance that cannot be provided by a spouse typically rely on friends, neighbours, and community agencies for the services they need.
D) Very few adults over age 65 have regular contact or spend time with their children.

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a factor that influences the living arrangements of older adults?

A) income
B) number of daughters and sons
C) hobbies or leisure-time pursuits
D) health

Question 41

What percentage of Canadian seniors were living below the poverty line in 1998?

A) 40%
B) 20%
C) 50%
D) 10%

Question 42

Who provides the greatest amount of companionship to Canadians over 65?

A) grandchildren
B) children
C) spouses
D) siblings

Question 43

According to Health Canada,senior women's income rose by ________ between 1981 and 1988.

A) 20%
B) 22%
C) 34%
D) 60%

Question 44

What is the current average age of retirement in Canada?

A) 65
B) 55
C) 58
D) 62

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT likely to be a factor that influences an individual's decision to retire?

A) health
B) financial resources during retirement
C) financial incentives to retire
D) personality

Question 46

Which of the following statements is true regarding relationships with siblings in late adulthood?

A) Siblings often provide practical assistance and other resources in old age.
B) Siblings provide emotional support, based on shared history, reminiscences, and companionship.
C) Siblings' roles in late adulthood are more important than spousal roles.
D) Relationships with siblings tend to be more reciprocal and equitable than relationships with spouses or friends.

Question 47

Of the following,which person is likely to retire earliest?

A) an individual in poor health
B) an individual in good health
C) an individual who will rely solely on federal pension benefits for support during retirement
D) an individual who still has young children at home

Question 48

Of the following,which person is likely to retire latest?

A) an individual whose work is challenging and interesting
B) an individual whose retirement will be supported by an adequate pension and Social Security
C) a working-class individual who considers his Social Security benefits to be adequate for retirement
D) an individual who has poor health

Question 49

What is the most likely reason that a working-class man in poor health continues to work past the typical retirement age?

A) He has a limited social network of family and friends with whom to spend time during retirement.
B) His spouse continues to work.
C) He has failed to develop an internal model or "expected life history" that includes retirement.
D) He must continue to work in order to supplement his income.

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT one of the typical patterns of residential mobility occurring after retirement,as identified by Charles Longino?

A) a familial move into the home of a family member to permit a cross-generational exchange of assistance
B) an institutional migration, typically to a nursing home
C) a kinship migration, typically closer to one's children and forced by the development of chronic and limiting disability
D) an amenity move, typically away from one's children and to a warmer climate

Question 51

Which of the following factors has the most influence on the timing of retirement?

A) whether a spouse has retired
B) characteristics of the work
C) health status
D) whether siblings and friends have retired

Question 52

Which of the following is the best example of a compensatory or kinship move after retirement,as described by Charles Longino?

A) After Mr. and Mrs. Dupont retired, they assumed custody of their grandchildren and moved to a larger house.
B) After Mr. Shah was released from the hospital, he entered a nursing home where he was cared for until he died.
C) When Mrs. Shortt became disabled by arthritis and could no longer live independently in her home, she decided to move into an apartment in the town where her daughter lived.
D) When Mr. and Mrs. Polanski retired, they wanted year-round opportunities to hike and bird-watch, so they moved to a retirement community in Arizona.

Question 53

How do supervisors rate older adult employees?

A) Older employees are not as reliable.
B) Older employees produce better quality work.
C) Older employees are not desirable employees.
D) Older employees learn new skills more effectively.

Question 54

______ involves a common evaluative process in which seniors make judgments about their past behaviours as part of the process of achieving ego integrity.

A) Reminiscence
B) A life review
C) A life recap
D) Writing memoirs

Question 55

It is estimated that a Canadian will need ______ of current pre-tax earnings to maintain his/her standard of living in retirement.

A) 60-80%
B) 40-50%
C) 80-90%
D) 50-60%

Question 56

Which of the following is the best example of an amenity move after retirement,as described by Charles Longino?

A) When Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln could no longer drive themselves or perform routine household maintenance, they moved into an assisted-living community in the same town as their son.
B) After Mr. and Mrs. Ling retired, they moved into their daughter's home and became the primary caretakers of three small grandchildren while their daughter and her husband were employed full-time.
C) When Mr. and Mrs. Johnson retired, they wanted warmer weather and opportunities to be physically active throughout the year, so they moved to a retirement community in Texas.
D) Mrs. White entered a nursing home after she was released from the hospital, and she died three weeks later.

Question 57

According to research,those who respond least well to retirement are those who

A) were not married.
B) retired from satisfying jobs.
C) made an amenity move within a year of retiring.
D) had the least control over the process.

Question 58

Mrs.Maraj suffers from fibromyalgia and arthritis and is no longer able to care for herself;she has no choice but to move into a nursing home.According to Charles Longino,this is an example of

A) an amenity move.
B) a compensatory move.
C) a kinship move.
D) an institutional migration.

Question 59

Many more retirement-age women today are

A) divorced than in past cohorts.
B) more likely to have paid employment.
C) more likely to have earned retirement benefits.
D) less likely to be poor.

Question 60

Paul Baltes and Margaret Baltes suggest that as adults get older they maintain high levels of performance by focusing on

A) their past by reminiscing.
B) their future by learning new skills.
C) their strengths using optimization and compensation.
D) increasing activity levels and involvement in the greatest possible number of roles.

Question 61

Most developmentalists agree that reminiscence is an essential aspect of old age and necessary as an individual prepares for death.

Question 62

The advantages of marriage generally are greater for married older men than for married older women.

Question 63

According to research,the healthiest response to aging is to disengage from roles and relationships and to turn inward and away from interactions with others.

Question 64

In late adulthood,the typical expectation is that a man will live alone for a number of years before he enters a nursing home,and a woman will live with her spouse until she dies.

Question 65

An individual's perception of her situation,such as the adequacy of her income or the level of social support she receives,is the most important predictor of her life satisfaction.

Question 66

Compared to their younger counterparts,older employees are viewed by their employers to possess a greater level of all of the following characteristics EXCEPT

A) loyalty
B) reliability
C) flexibility
D) higher quantities of work

Question 67

The percentage of seniors living below Statistic Canada's low income cut-off fell to 20% by the late 1980s.

Question 68

Friends are more likely to provide assistance with daily tasks to seniors than are family members.

Question 69

The successful aging paradigm consists of two components: good physical health and retention of cognitive abilities.

Question 70

According to Erikson,it is essential to achieve ego integrity in late adulthood,or else feelings of hopelessness and despair will result.

Question 71

Most elders who have mild or moderate disabilities or health problems prefer to live with relatives.

Question 72

Canadian adults who regularly attend religious services are more optimistic,physically healthier,live longer,feel satisfied with their lives,and have less stressful lives.

Question 73

Older adults typically are most often abused by their children.

Question 74

Cognitive adventurousness (the willingness to learn new things)seems to be an important part of successful aging.

Question 75

Elders often cite religious coping as their primary means of managing stress.

Question 76

The disengagement theory proposes that aging has three aspects: shrinkage of life space,increased individuality,and reminiscence.

Question 77

Those who retire after the age of 65 do not retire due to health concerns,possibly because they are in good health.

Question 78

According to research,elderly homosexuals with long-term partners typically identify the partner as the most important source of emotional support.

Question 79

Married elders experience more conflict and less pleasure in their marriages than do middle-aged couples.

Question 80

Increasingly,couples are closer in age to one another than in the past and men are living proportionately longer.