Deck 18: Social and Personality Development in Late Adulthood

Question 1

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

Answer 1

False

Question 2

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

Answer 2

True

Question 3

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

Answer 3

True

Question 4

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

Question 5

According to research, childless elders are less happy, have lower life satisfaction, and are more likely to have adjustment problems than elders who have children.

Question 6

In general, working-class people tend to retire earlier than those in the middle and upper classes.

Question 7

Older adults typically are most often abused by their children.

Question 8

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

Question 9

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

Question 10

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 11

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

Question 12

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

Question 13

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 14

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

Question 15

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

Question 16

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 17

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

Question 18

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 19

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

Question 20

The loss of role definition in old age may permit eccentricity or a freedom to express one's individuality that was not possible at an earlier age.

Question 21

Social engagement contributes to successful aging because it provides opportunities for older adults to both give and get support.

Question 22

"Snowbirds" who choose to spend their winter months in sunnier areas are an example of an amenity move.

Question 23

At least half of the baby boomer population say that they will continue working at least part-time in retirement.

Question 24

The majority of older adult couples are still sexually active and may be somewhat more sexually adventurous than younger adults.

Question 25

Older adults who reported regular contact with their adult children said that they enjoyed the relationships but the relationships did not seem to enhance overall happiness or health.

Question 26

Late-in-life eccentricity in dress, language, and personal preferences is an early sign of dementia.

Question 27

Canadians will need between 60 and 80% of their pre-retirement earnings to maintain their standard of living in retirement.

Question 28

Workplace supervisors typically give older adults higher ratings on job functioning than they give younger adults, based on the view that older employees' work is better and that they are more reliable.

Question 29

The positive effects of religious coping among seniors transcends race, ethnicity, and gender.

Question 30

The most important factor in the timing of retirement is the availability of adequate financial support for retirement.

Question 31

Continuity theory argues that the primary means by which seniors adjust to aging is by continuing to engage in new activities that challenge them.

Question 32

In one Canadian study, friends surpassed spouses, children, and siblings as the most important sources of companionship identified by seniors over age 65.

Question 33

For most elderly people in Canada, the largest portion of retirement income comes from government sources.

Question 34

Among unattached seniors, women are less likely to be poor than men.

Question 35

The successful aging paradigm is a new form of ageism targeting older adults who suffer from disabilities and obvious outward signs of aging.

Question 36

Older adults with higher household incomes are more likely to live with family members.

Question 37

The degree to which seniors maintain cognitive functioning is linked in large part to education.

Question 38

Seniors aged 65 to 74 do the highest number of annual volunteer hours of any age group in Canada.

Question 39

Approximately two-thirds of all the reported instances of senior abuse involve family members.

Question 40

Since mandatory retirement was eliminated in 1999, the average age of retirement in Canada has been increasing.

Question 41

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 42

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 43

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 44

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 45

In Canada, the age at which women will retire cannot be predicted by retirement benefits, health, or job characteristics.

Question 46

Most typically, an amenity move is a move in a direction away from the older person's children, frequently to a warmer climate.

Question 47

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 48

Evidence suggests that those who respond least well to retirement are those who had the least control over the decision.

Question 49

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.

Question 50

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 51

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 52

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 53

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 54

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 55

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

Question 56

One of the greatest obstacles to employment for older adults is that many potential employers express concerns about older adults' ability to learn new job skills.

Question 57

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 58

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 59

Canadian seniors have several potential sources of income in retirement.

Question 60

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 61

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 62

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 63

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 64

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 65

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 66

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 67

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 68

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 69

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 70

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 71

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 72

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 73

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 74

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 75

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 76

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 77

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 78

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 79

Marriages in late adulthood tend to be based more on

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

Question 80

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