Australian Ageing Quiz

In old age, a person’s height

• Does not change

• Only appears to change

• Tends to decline

• Depends on how active one is

Answer explanation

In old age a person’s height decreases: consider why (OA, osteoporosis, compression fractures of vertebra or degeneration of IV discs. Also kyphosis and scoliosis (they should be able to name all of these). What is the impact of this on occ? Performance and engagement?

Older persons are limited in their activity by which type of illness?

• Acute illness

• Colds and Flu

• Infections

• Chronic illness

Answer explanation

What are some examples?

Which type of illness do older persons have less frequently than younger persons?

• Chronic illness

• Arthritis

• Stroke

• Acute illness

Compared with younger persons, older persons have

• More injuries in the home

• About the same number of injuries in the home

• Fewer injuries in the home

• Twice the likelihood to be injured in the home

Answer explanation

For everyone who said twice as many – what is the implication of having this view if you are in charge of discharging someone home?

Older worker’s absenteeism rates:

• Are higher than among younger workers

• Mean they can not be trusted

• Are about the same as among younger workers

• Are lower than among younger workers

Answer explanation

Consider the work history of older people, as well as the fact that the majority ~72% rated their health as excellent or good – this only changes as people reach 75+

The life expectancy of Indigenous Australians at age 65

• Is higher than that of non-Indigenous

• Is lower than that of non-Indigenous

• Is about the same as that of non-Indigenous

• Has not been determined

Answer explanation

What is or could be done about this?

Men’s life expectancy at age 65 years compared with women’s

• Is lower

• Is dropping

• Is about the same

• Is higher

Answer explanation

What do you think has contributed to this?

What percent of medical expenses for older people does Medicare pay?

• About 15 – 25%

• Nearly 50%

• About 75% - 85%

• Nearly 100%

Answer explanation

This is same as for all people with Medicare. Have you experienced any difficulty accessing health care due to cost? What will this mean in later life?

The Aged Pension

• Guarantees a minimum income for the needy older people

• Supplements the income of older people in nursing homes

• Provides extra income for all older people

• Pays medical expenses for older people

Answer explanation

Do you know how much it is?

Fear of crime among older people

• Is higher than among younger people

• Is lower than among younger persons

• Is about the same as among younger persons

• Is not significant

Answer explanation

What contributes to this?