Question 1

Compared to older adults of 50 years ago, adults today are generally

Accepted Answer

Today's adults are generally healthier and more active compared to those from 50 years ago, thanks to advances in healthcare, nutrition, and an increased focus on physical fitness and well-being.

Question 2

The young-old are adults between the ages of

Accepted Answer

The young-old are typically defined as adults aged 65-79, reflecting the period after traditional retirement age and before the onset of more significant age-related challenges.

Question 3

In ancient Rome, life expectancy was approximately how many years?

Accepted Answer

A

Question 4

In the Middle Ages (around the year 1250), life expectancy was about how many years?

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy in the Middle Ages, around the year 1250, was approximately 32 years. This figure is often misunderstood; it was significantly influenced by high infant mortality rates. If individuals survived childhood, they could live much longer, potentially into their 50s or 60s.

Question 5

In the 2000 years before 1900, life expectancy increased by about 	_____years. In the 70 years between 1900 and 1970, life expectancy increased by about 	_____years.

Accepted Answer

In the 2000 years before 1900, life expectancy increased by about 23 years. In the 70 years between 1900 and 1970, life expectancy increased by about 28 years.

Question 6

Baby Jack was born last week. His great, great-grandfather Emmet was born in 1900 and fulfilled his life expectancy. How many more years longer can we expect Jack to live than his great-grandfather?

Accepted Answer

Life expectancy has significantly increased over the past century due to advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and overall living conditions. In 1900, the average life expectancy was about 47 years. Today, it is approximately 77 years or more in many parts of the world. This represents an increase of about 30 years.

Question 7

In a recent survey of 224 countries, how did the United States rank in life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

As of my last update in 2023, the United States does not rank in the top 10 for life expectancy among countries worldwide. It is significantly lower, with various sources placing it around the 40th to 50th position, depending on the specific metrics and data used. This reflects challenges such as healthcare access, lifestyle diseases, and other public health issues.

Question 8

In countries with the longest life expectancies, people can expect to live to what age?

Accepted Answer

In countries with the longest life expectancies, such as Japan, Switzerland, and Singapore, people can expect to live into their early 80s.

Question 9

In terms of age composition, what is the "oldest" country in the world?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In terms of age composition, what is...

Question 10

Which of the following is true about the "over age 65" segment of the population of the United States?

Accepted Answer

The proportion of Hispanics in the "over age 65" segment is expected to increase greatly due to demographic trends and immigration patterns.

Question 11

The remarkable increases in life expectancy over the past several decades are due mainly to breakthroughs in treating

Accepted Answer

Infectious diseases have been the leading cause of death throughout human history. In the past, most people died from infectious diseases such as smallpox, measles, and tuberculosis. Today, thanks to advances in public health and medical care, infectious diseases are no longer a major cause of death in developed countries.

Question 12

In order to increase life expectancy maximally, the ministry of health in a poor, developing nation might concentrate its efforts on obtaining

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics can treat a wide range of bacterial infections, which are common in poor, developing nations due to factors like inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. By addressing these infections, antibiotics can significantly reduce mortality rates and increase life expectancy.

Question 13

Scientists who believe that humans have a maximum lifespan suggest that it is what age?

Accepted Answer

Scientists who believe in a maximum human lifespan generally suggest it is around 125 years.

Question 14

In 1950, there were 3,000 centenarians (people 100 years old or older) living in the United States. One hundred years later, in 2050, it is predicted that there will be how many centenarians?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 1950, there were 3,000 centenarians (people...

Question 15

The theory that posits a built-in clock causes our life to end is a(n)

Accepted Answer

The programmed theory of aging suggests that aging is genetically programmed to occur with time, essentially implying that organisms have a built-in clock that determines the lifespan.

Question 16

According to evolutionary theories of aging, we age and die because

Accepted Answer

Evolutionary theories suggest that natural selection favors genes that enhance reproductive success. After reproductive maturity, there is less evolutionary pressure to maintain genes that promote longevity, leading to aging and eventual death.

Question 17

"Our bodies deteriorate because they were not designed for extended operation and because we now push them to function past their warranty period." The foregoing summarizes which theory of aging?

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Our bodies deteriorate because they were not...

Question 18

Unstable oxygen molecules that are byproducts of metabolism and that can damage other cells are called

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules produced during metabolism that can damage cells through oxidative stress.

Question 19

What happened to laboratory rats and mice who were fed only 70 percent of their usual calories?

Accepted Answer

Caloric restriction in laboratory rats and mice has been shown to significantly extend their lifespan compared to those fed a standard diet. This phenomenon has been widely studied and suggests that a lower calorie intake, while still providing essential nutrients, can have beneficial effects on longevity.

Question 20

During World War II, food shortages in some European countries were linked to

Accepted Answer

During World War II, food shortages in some European countries led to a decrease in the consumption of fats, sugars, and meats, which in turn was linked to decreases in the rate of cardiovascular disease. This phenomenon has been studied and documented, showing how changes in diet due to the shortages inadvertently improved heart health among the affected populations.

Quiz 14: Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood