Question 1

The text asserts that today we no longer have a shared map for the course of life and that the timing of major life events has become less and less predictable at all levels of society. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide specific evidence to back up your position.

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Question 2

Consider the traditional theories of aging-modernization, detachment, activity, and continuity theories. How relevant do you think these theories are for explaining aging, later life, and old age in the 21st century?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Consider the traditional theories of aging-modernization, detachment,...

Question 3

In the New York Times column "The New Old Age," author Judith Graham asked, "What language do you think we should use to describe people who have advanced beyond the middle of their lives, and why?" What are your thoughts about how best to answer this question?

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Question 4

Discuss the variety of ways in which the life course has been organized over time.

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Question 5

Compare and contrast images of aging in electronic media, mythic/religious literature, and early Western literature.

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Question 6

Why is the disengagement theory of aging criticized by some contemporary gerontologists?

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Question 7

"Excess disability" involves experiencing more disability than necessary because the environment in which one lives is either too challenging or not challenging enough.

Accepted Answer

Excess disability refers to the additional disability that an individual experiences because of environmental barriers or lack of appropriate accommodations, which can make their impairments or limitations more disabling than necessary.

Question 8

How is looking at old age from the life-course perspective different from looking at old age as a separate period of life?

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Question 9

"Selective optimization with compensation" involves maintaining capacities one considers most useful as one grows older and letting go of those that are less useful.

Accepted Answer

Selective optimization with compensation is a concept in developmental psychology that involves selectively focusing on and investing in abilities, skills or goals that are most important and most valued, while letting go of those that are no longer relevant or useful. This approach is believed to enable individuals to maintain high levels of functioning and well-being in later life despite the inevitable declines that come with age.

Question 10

Describe the ways in which our changing perceptions of time have altered the way we think about aging and the life course.

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Question 11

What is meant by the life-course perspective? Why is old age not fully understood "unless we understand it as part of the entire course of human life"?

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Question 12

Both biomedical science and social behavior among older adults confirm stereotypical images of what is "right" or "appropriate" for old age.

Accepted Answer

Biomedical science and social behavior studies among older adults often challenge stereotypical images of aging, showing a wide range of health outcomes and behaviors that defy narrow expectations of what is "right" or "appropriate" for old age.

Quiz 13: Basic Concepts I: Life Course Perspective on Aging Life Course Perspective on Aging