Family and Aging

Is the nuclear family (mother, father, and biological children) still the most common family structure?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

The nuclear family is less common today due to rises in single parenting, cohabitation, same-sex couples, and other diverse family structures.

Do families play a key role in socializing children and passing on cultural values?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Families play a key role in socializing children, teaching norms, values, beliefs, and expected behaviors in society.

What can you infer from the fact that while seniors may need extra help with physical activities, they can keep improving at things like chess?

• Most chess masters don't reach their peak until their 60s or 70s

• The effects of aging on the human body can be reversed

• Although aging causes the body to break down, seniors often remain mentally sharp

• Older people are almost always smarter than younger people

Do children raised in single parent homes fare just as well as those in two parent households?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Research shows single parents can provide just as nurturing child-rearing environments as two parent households.

Does retirement require major social, identity, and financial adjustments?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Retirement requires major social, identity, and financial transitions that can be psychologically challenging.

Do physical and mental decline vary greatly among older individuals?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Aging does not inevitably cause decline. Many seniors remain in good physical and mental health into later years.

Does ageism affect older adults in spheres such as the workplace hiring/firing, healthcare, and media representation?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

Ageism is pervasive, and it affects older adults in the workplace where they have difficulty getting hired, or getting fired due to their age. It also affects older adults in areas such as healthcare where they commonly receive inadequate medical care or face biased doctors. It also shows up negatively in media, and they tend to face social exclusion.

Which stage is where the oldest child leaves the family for independent adult life until the time the last child leaves?

• Launching

• Aging

• empty nest

• beginning

Which family function teaches what is acceptable & appropriate in school/society?

• Socialization

• basic physical needs

• recreation

• education

Did the divorce rate peak around 1980 and decline since then?

• true

• false

Answer explanation

The divorce rate rose until around 1980 but has declined since, due to later marriages, more long-term cohabitation, and other factors.