Deck 14: The Personal Context of Later Life: Physical, Cognitive, and Mental Health Issues

Question 1

More than half of the elderly population live in _____ households.

A)nuclear
B)extended
C)wealthy
D)illiterate

Answer 1

B

Question 2

In order to depict the number of people of different ages in the population, Dr Rasool would be best served using a graphing technique called a(n)

A)demography.
B)presbycusis.
C)external aid.
D)population pyramid.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

Mandla asks his doctor, 'How long do you think I can live, doctor?' Mandla is asking for information regarding his

A)longevity.
B)average longevity.
C)useful life expectancy.
D)maximum longevity.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Based on data gathered from the Human Genome Project, researchers have attempted to increase longevity and health through

A)cloning.
B)transplanting of key organs (for example, heart and liver).
C)implanting genetically 'corrected' genes.
D)encouraging diets lower in saturated fats.

Question 5

Which statement concerning the life expectancy of African Americans and European Americans is true?

A)At birth, African Americans have a greater life expectancy than European Americans.
B)At age 45, African Americans have a greater life expectancy than European Americans.
C)At age 85, African Americans have a greater life expectancy than European Americans.
D)African Americans never have a greater life expectancy than European Americans.

Question 6

Lo is an impoverished member of an ethnic minority group in the U.S.A. Given this, how is her longevity most likely to be negatively impacted?

A)The fact that she is a female is a risk factor for reduced longevity.
B)She likely has less access to quality medical care.
C)Her diet will likely lack the amount of lead necessary for proper cell development.
D)She is significantly more likely to have AIDS.

Question 7

If one wanted to visit the country with the lowest average longevity, one should book a trip to

A)Uganda.
B)Fiji.
C)Sierra Leone.
D)Guyana.

Question 8

In one particular area, 50 per cent of the population who died in 2002 were older than 85. Thus, 85 would be the ____ longevity.

A)maximum
B)useful
C)average
D)modal

Question 9

Longevity appears to be determined

A)exclusively by genetic factors.
B)exclusively by environmental factors.
C)jointly by genetic and environmental factors.
D)by unexplained factors.

Question 10

South Africa's elderly population is expected to _____ by 2050.

A)double
B)triple
C)quadruple
D)stay the same

Question 11

Which headline concerns maximum longevity?

A)Women continue to outlive men
B)Most humans retain vitality through age 90
C)World's oldest human celebrates 120th birthday
D)Average South African now dies at age 80

Question 12

In South Africa, high levels of illiteracy were most prevalent among elderly

A)white and coloured people
B)black and Indian people
C)coloured and Indian people
D)coloured and black people

Question 13

Average longevity is also known as the ____ life expectancy.

A)mean
B)median
C)modal
D)maximum

Question 14

Which statement concerning sex differences in longevity is true?

A)In South Africa, the average longevity for women is about one year longer than that for men.
B)The reduction of death during childbirth has led to an increase in longevity for women over the past century.
C)In industrial countries, factors like education and work opportunities do not appear to impact longevity in women.
D)The rate of dying from one of the top 15 causes of death is significantly higher in women than in men.

Question 15

Genetic factors appear to play ____ role in determining whether people reach centenarian status.

A)no
B)a minimal
C)some
D)a major

Question 16

Within South Africa, which province has the highest average life expectancy for males?

A)The Western Cape
B)The Eastern Cape
C)Limpopo
D)Gauteng

Question 17

Environmental toxins appear to play ____ role in determining longevity.

A)no
B)a minimal
C)some
D)a major

Question 18

As the over-80 population increases dramatically in the next 40 years, which will probably be most affected in China?

A)Defense systems
B)Housing
C)Social service systems
D)Transportation systems

Question 19

Which South African is just about to reach the current average longevity for their sex?

A)Philani, a male who just turned 53
B)Rebecca, a female who just turned 63
C)Faith, a female who just turned 73
D)Boipelo, a male who just turned 83

Question 20

As a demographer, Siyabonga would be most interested in studying

A)how the number of young people in a population has changed over the past 50 years.
B)the number of neural connections contained in the central nervous system.
C)the distinction between presbyopia and presbycusis.
D)implicit memory.

Question 21

Telomeres are found exclusively on

A)the tips of chromosomes.
B)neurons.
C)cancer cells.
D)X and Y chromosomes.

Question 22

If the programmed cell theory of ageing is correct

A)people under stress should die sooner than those not under stress.
B)a low-fat diet should extend life.
C)the elimination of free radicals should greatly extend life.
D)humans are born with a 'prewired death clock'.

Question 23

While looking at slides of brain tissue in a physiology class, a student sees groups of damaged neurons that have collected around a core of protein. What is the student looking at?

A)Neurotransmitters
B)Neuritic plaques
C)Neurofibrillary tangles
D)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Question 24

One common characteristic of the Fourth Age is

A)a high level of dementia.
B)a virtual absence of chronic stress.
C)establishment of one's career.
D)a great probability of major improvement on physical strength/flexibility.

Question 25

The Third Age is to the Fourth Age as ____ is to ____.

A)longevity; health
B)good news; bad news
C)chronic; acute
D)afterlife; life

Question 26

____ are chemicals produced during normal cell metabolism that may cause cellular damage that impairs functioning.

A)Neurofibrillary tangles
B)Neuritic plaques
C)Transient ischemic attacks
D)Free radicals

Question 27

The Fourth Age is also characterised as

A)young-young.
B)young-old.
C)old-young.
D)oldest-old.

Question 28

Fifty-year-old Katlego is informed by his doctor that his brain is showing signs of the initial development of neuritic plaques and a few neurofibrillary tangles. This is

A)normal.
B)a definite indicator of Parkinson's disease.
C)a definite indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
D)a definite indicator of Huntington's disease.

Question 29

Mondli is currently experiencing 'the Third Age'. He could best be described as one of the

A)young-old.
B)oldest-old.
C)old-young.
D)young-young.

Question 30

Concerning brain imaging, MRI is to fMRI as ____ is to ____.

A)structure; function
B)internal; external
C)central nervous system; peripheral nervous system
D)explicit; implicit

Question 31

When one sees a book titled How neurons communicate with each other, one can be sure it will discuss

A)dendrites.
B)working memory.
C)internal aids.
D)cerebral vascular accidents.

Question 32

While doing an autopsy of a brain, Dr Govender shakes her head, saying, 'This is so very sad.' When an assistant asks her what she sees, she says, 'Two words ... deformed axons.' What was the source of Dr Govender's disgust?

A)Neuritic plaques
B)Neurotransmitters
C)Presbycusis
D)Neurofibrillary tangles

Question 33

The cellular theory of ageing focuses on

A)deterioration of cells over a lifetime.
B)the number of chromosomes in a cell.
C)the size of cells.
D)the sudden death of cells in one system

Question 34

If one's goal is to get the best image of a brain structure, one should use a

A)single-photon emission computerised tomography (SPECT).
B)computerised tomography (CT scan).
C)positron emission tomography (PET).
D)functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Question 35

Wandile has decided to increase his intake of antioxidants like vitamins A and E in order to lower the development of certain age-related diseases and to live longer. The most recent evidence in ageing suggests that Wandile will

A)be less likely to develop certain age-related diseases and will live longer.
B)be less likely to develop certain age-related diseases, but will not live any longer.
C)live longer, but will not show any decrease in the susceptibility to age-related diseases.
D)neither be less likely to develop certain age-related diseases nor live longer.

Question 36

When viewed through a microscope, a ____ would most resemble a spiral-shaped mass.

A)telomere
B)free radical
C)neurofibrillary tangle
D)neurotransmitter

Question 37

In explaining why people age and eventually die, Dr Sithole talks about 'free radicals' and how their buildup produces tissue damage. Dr Sithole is promoting a ____ theory of ageing.

A)wear-and-tear
B)metabolic
C)cellular
D)programmed cell death

Question 38

If a neuron becomes extremely tangled

A)a person will develop Parkinson's disease.
B)information can no longer flow through the neuron.
C)electrochemical energy begins to flow from the axon to the dendrite instead of from the dendrite to the axon.
D)it will not significantly affect neural functioning, as such tangling is a sign of normal development.

Question 39

Which of these best describes the potential role of telomeres in the ageing process?

A)They are the packets of fuel that feed each cell.
B)They are 'glue' that binds together the base pairs of DNA molecules.
C)They are a portion of a chromosome that gets shorter until DNA replication is no longer possible.
D)They are the scrubber cells that clear all debris from our arteries.

Question 40

Which would most dramatically impact the levels of free radicals in one's body?

A)Consuming antioxidants like vitamin E
B)Getting an injection of telomerase
C)Contracting sickle-cell anemia
D)Engaging in aerobic exercise

Question 41

While having a medical checkup, Ayanda is informed that she has extremely high pressure in her eye. This indicates that Ayanda likely has

A)presbyopia.
B)cataracts.
C)glaucoma.
D)macular degeneration.

Question 42

Visual adaptation involves the ability to adjust to changes in

A)an object's position.
B)an object's distance.
C)illumination.
D)acceleration.

Question 43

Melusi has just been informed that he is a diabetic. As a knowledgeable doctor, he realises that his risk for developing ____ has also increased.

A)macular degeneration
B)cataracts
C)retinopathy
D)glaucoma

Question 44

For maximum visual acuity to occur, light must be focused directly on the

A)optic nerve.
B)pons.
C)rods.
D)fovea.

Question 45

What does not typically happen to the cardiovascular system as people age?

A)The heart begins to pump more blood per minute.
B)The arteries stiffen.
C)Fat deposits form in the heart and arteries.
D)The amount of muscle tissue in the heart decreases.

Question 46

After a series of strokes, Jerry is unable to recognise family members and has a very difficult time understanding his home language. The most probable diagnosis is

A)Huntington's disease.
B)neuritic plaques.
C)vascular dementia.
D)presbycusis.

Question 47

The key factor in determining the impact of vascular dementia is

A)which areas of the brain are damaged.
B)the age of the individual involved.
C)which areas of the heart are damaged.
D)the sex of the individual involved.

Question 48

When visiting their eye specialist, an individual is informed that they have large opaque spots on the lens of their left eye. As a knowledgeable student, they would know that this means that they have

A)presbyopia.
B)glaucoma.
C)a cataract.
D)myopia.

Question 49

____ occurs when fat deposits build up in the heart and arteries.

A)A TIAs.
B)Presbycusis.
C)Atherosclerosis
D)Glaucoma

Question 50

Which of these is a more common term used to describe a cerebral vascular accident?

A)Parkinson's disease
B)Presbyopia
C)Presbycusis
D)Stroke

Question 51

Njabulo has just suffered an interruption of blood flow to her brain. Her doctor has told her that she has just experienced a(n) ____ and that they should now do what they can to prevent the onset of a stroke.

A)transient ischemic attack
B)presbycusis
C)amyloid
D)circadian rhythm

Question 52

As he has presbyopia, Vusi has difficulty seeing

A)colour.
B)objects at a distance.
C)depth.
D)objects up close.

Question 53

As a typical 80-year-old, Naledi's ____ would have decreased significantly since she was 20.

A)lung size
B)ability to take a big, deep breath
C)chances for developing COPD
D)chances of being short of breath following exercise

Question 54

Khetiwe has a very difficult time breathing. Even after walking short distances, she is gasping for air. Khetiwe is exhibiting symptoms of

A)Parkinson's disease.
B)circadian rhythms.
C)presbycusis.
D)chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Question 55

The defining characteristic of a cerebral vascular accident is

A)death.
B)neuritic tangling.
C)an interruption of blood flow to the brain.
D)the cessation of respiratory output.

Question 56

When someone hands Rendani a menu to read, he has to hold it at arm's length in order to be able to see the words well enough to read them. This behaviour indicates that Rendani is experiencing

A)presbycusis.
B)presbyopia.
C)telomeres.
D)neuritic plaques.

Question 57

The leading cause of functional blindness in older adults is the result of

A)glaucoma.
B)macular degeneration.
C)presbyopia.
D)cataracts.

Question 58

Nomzamo's doctor has just told her that the fluid in her eyes is not draining properly and that she will have to administer eye drops to prevent experiencing damage from the pressure in her eyes. Nomzamo has most likely been diagnosed with

A)diabetic retinopathy.
B)cataracts.
C)glaucoma.
D)macular degeneration.

Question 59

Which of these is not used as a diagnostic test for vascular dementia?

A)Computer tomography
B)Magnetic resonance imaging
C)Neuropsychological tests
D)Measurement of neurotransmitter levels

Question 60

As people grow old, their

A)lenses tend to yellow and the muscles controlling the eye loosen.
B)lenses tend to blacken and the muscles controlling the eye loosen.
C)lenses tend to yellow and the muscles controlling the eye stiffen.
D)lenses tend to blacken and the muscles controlling the eye stiffen.

Question 61

In order to find a park in a strange area, a driver stops at a local petrol station to get directions. The attendant tells the driver, 'Go to the robot, turn right, go two blocks, turn left, and the park will be a kilometre down the road on the left.' The driver then gets in her car and tries to remember the directions while driving to the park. The player is demonstrating the use of

A)working memory.
B)speed of processing.
C)cross-linking.
D)transient ischemia.

Question 62

Which sleep complaint would one least expect from an older adult?

A)'I just can't get to sleep at night.'
B)'Once I go to sleep, I sleep way too long.'
C)'I only slept four hours last night.'
D)'If I don't get enough sleep at night, I am just worthless the next day.'

Question 63

Presbycusis can occur due to all of these EXCEPT

A)diminished supply of nutrients to the cells in the receptor area.
B)atrophy and degeneration of receptor cells.
C)loss of neurons in the auditory pathway.
D)softening of the vibration structures in the receptor area.

Question 64

What is the name of the disease that occurs when there is above-normal sugar in the blood and urine caused by problems in metabolising carbohydrates?

A)Diabetic retinopathy
B)Presbycusis
C)Diabetes mellitus
D)Pancreatic cancer

Question 65

Presbycusis is the most common age-related

A)form of dementia.
B)type of hearing problem.
C)visual disorder.
D)variety of COPD.

Question 66

Age differences in divided attention tasks depend on the level of difficulty; on easy tasks there are ____ differences, but on hard tasks ____ adults do better

A)large; younger
B)small; older
C)no; younger
D)no; older

Question 67

Losing one's hearing is least likely to result in increases in

A)social isolation.
B)independence.
C)paranoia.
D)depression.

Question 68

As Dr Dlamini is interested in ____, she does research in which she always measures the reaction times of her subjects.

A)neurofibrillary tangles
B)selective attention
C)speed of processing
D)implicit memory

Question 69

How much energy the body needs is termed

A)caloric intake.
B)metabolism.
C)nutrition.
D)speed of processing.

Question 70

To determine whether 80-year-old Maggie's brain is active while she is reading, ____ should be used.

A)magnetic resonance imaging
B)positron emission tomography
C)functional MRI
D)a psychomotor test

Question 71

When older adults are asked to respond to an ambiguous question, one can expect

A)slower response rates.
B)mostly incorrect answers.
C)pseudodementia.
D)accurate and speedy responses.

Question 72

Who is most likely to develop cancer within the next year?

A)Jabu, who is 43 years old
B)Christinah, who is 58 years old
C)Sinazo, who is 73 years old
D)Dumi, who is 88 years old

Question 73

The only universal behaviour change in ageing that has been discovered is the fact that older adults

A)show improvements in vigilance.
B)exhibit dysphoria.
C)lose autobiographical memories.
D)have slower reaction times.

Question 74

Psychomotor slowing is a good predictor of cognitive performance in older adulthood

A)for all tasks.
B)only on tasks that require little effort.
C)only on tasks that require great effort.
D)only on tasks that tap into episodic memory.

Question 75

The most normative hearing-related change in adulthood involves the inability to hear

A)high-pitched tones.
B)voices.
C)bass sounds.
D)loud tones.

Question 76

The process of simultaneously holding and using information to solve a problem relies most heavily on ____ memory.

A)working
B)long-term
C)sensory
D)implicit

Question 77

Hlengiwe is buying a bulb that will light up when someone rings her doorbell. She is buying this because although she can hear people fairly well during normal conversations, she has a very difficult time hearing the high-pitched sound of the doorbell. Hlengiwe is most likely experiencing

A)Parkinson's disease.
B)Huntington's disease.
C)presbycusis.
D)COPD.

Question 78

If older adults practise making quick responses, reaction times

A)can be eliminated.
B)can be reduced.
C)will remain the same.
D)will actually be increased.

Question 79

Xolile is a social worker. Part of his job is doing safety inspections at the places where his older adults live. What would Xolile not want to see in these homes?

A)Night-lights by the beds
B)Handrails on both sides of stairways
C)Throw rugs on floors
D)Nonskid mats in bathtubs

Question 80

While at a conference dealing with issues related to ageing, Dikeledi is interested in learning about how sleep patterns change in late life. She will be best served by attending a presentation entitled '____ and the elderly.'

A)Circadian rhythms
B)Neuritic plaques
C)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
D)Selectivity