Quiz on Aging and Gerontology

Which statement best reflects evidence-based research about older adults?

• Most older adults have significant cognitive decline after age 70.

• Older adults are generally less adaptable to new technologies.

• Many older adults remain physically active, cognitively sharp, and socially engaged.

• Aging inevitably leads to isolation and dependency.

Answer explanation

Research shows that many older adults maintain physical activity, cognitive sharpness, and social engagement, countering stereotypes of decline and isolation. This highlights their adaptability and resilience.

Gerontology differs from geriatrics because:

• Gerontology is exclusively medical, while geriatrics includes social perspectives.

• Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging, while geriatrics is medical care for older adults.

• Geriatrics examines cultural aging patterns, while gerontology focuses on lifespan theories.

• Geriatrics emphasizes preventive health, while gerontology focuses on pathology.

Answer explanation

Gerontology is a multidisciplinary field that studies aging from various perspectives, while geriatrics specifically focuses on the medical care and treatment of older adults.

The fastest-growing age group in the U.S. population is:

• Adults aged 65–74, due to the aging Baby Boomer generation.

• Adults aged 75–84, due to extended life expectancy.

• Adults aged 85+, due to advances in healthcare and longevity.

• Adults aged 55–64, due to midlife health improvements.

Answer explanation

The fastest-growing age group in the U.S. is adults aged 85+, primarily due to advances in healthcare and increased longevity, allowing more individuals to live into their late 80s and beyond.

In Hispanic/Latino cultures, the term “familismo” refers to:

• Respect for ancestors and spiritual traditions.

• A focus on independence and self-sufficiency.

• Strong loyalty, interdependence, and responsibility within the extended family unit.

• The belief that elders should live alone to maintain autonomy.

Answer explanation

In Hispanic/Latino cultures, "familismo" emphasizes strong loyalty, interdependence, and responsibility within the extended family unit, highlighting the importance of family ties over individualism.

Which approach reflects contemporary perspectives on aging?

• Viewing aging as a period of inevitable withdrawal and decline.

• Treating aging solely as a biomedical condition to be managed.

• Recognizing aging as a holistic process of resilience, growth, and meaning-making.

• Assuming all older adults will need long-term care services.

Answer explanation

The correct choice recognizes aging as a holistic process, emphasizing resilience and growth, which aligns with contemporary views that value the experiences and contributions of older adults rather than viewing them solely as declining.

Existential therapy is particularly useful with older adults because it:

• Focuses on behavioral change without exploring life meaning.

• Helps individuals confront mortality, find purpose, and process life transitions.

• Avoids discussing difficult topics such as death or loss.

• Primarily teaches coping skills for anxiety reduction only.

Answer explanation

Existential therapy is beneficial for older adults as it encourages them to confront mortality, discover purpose, and navigate life transitions, addressing key issues they face in later life.

Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) prioritizes:

• Building independence by reducing reliance on social support.

• Identifying pathology rather than focusing on resilience.

• Fostering growth through mutual empathy, connection, and authentic relationships.

• Emphasizing individual achievement as the main measure of success.

Answer explanation

Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) emphasizes the importance of relationships and connection. It fosters growth through mutual empathy and authentic relationships, contrasting with the other options that focus on independence or individual achievement.

Ageism can be best described as:

• Advocating for age-inclusive policies and programs.

• Systemic bias, stereotyping, or discrimination against people based on age.

• Promoting the positive aspects of aging.

• Researching demographic shifts in older populations.

Answer explanation

Ageism refers to systemic bias, stereotyping, or discrimination against individuals based on their age, making this the correct choice. The other options focus on positive aspects or research, which do not define ageism.

Which of the following best demonstrates the concept of intersectionality in aging?

• An older adult who develops physical limitations due to age-related conditions.

• An African American older woman facing both racial bias and age-based stereotypes when seeking healthcare.

• A senior who struggles to adapt to new technology.

• A retired individual who experiences loneliness after leaving the workforce.

Answer explanation

The correct choice illustrates intersectionality by highlighting how the African American older woman faces compounded challenges from both racial bias and age-related stereotypes in healthcare, showcasing the interconnectedness of these identities.

Which statement most accurately reflects current research on older adults and technology?

• Older adults are largely incapable of learning digital skills due to cognitive decline.

• Many older adults successfully adapt to technology when training is accessible and culturally relevant.

• Technology use among older adults is limited to basic functions like calling and texting.

• Older adults generally reject technology because it conflicts with their values.

Answer explanation

Current research shows that many older adults can learn and adapt to technology effectively, especially when training is tailored to their needs and cultural context, contradicting the notion of their incapacity.