Question 1

When a cell's _________ has/have just about disappeared, the cell stops replicating, making it susceptible to damage and producing signs of aging.

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. When they become too short, the cell stops replicating and can become more susceptible to damage and aging.

Question 2

Which of the theories promotes the idea based on the survival of the species that a long life after the reproductive years is unnecessary?

Accepted Answer

Genetic programming theories of aging suggest that our lifespan is determined by our genes, and once we've passed our reproductive years, there's less evolutionary pressure to maintain our bodies, as we've already passed on our genes. This contrasts with theories that focus on external factors or the accumulation of damage over time.

Question 3

Evidence supporting the genetic programming theories of aging comes from research showing that when human cells are permitted to divide in the laboratory, they can do so successfully only around ____ times.

Accepted Answer

This limit is known as the Hayflick limit, named after cell biologist Leonard Hayflick who discovered it in 1961. The limit is thought to be due to the shortening of telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes, which occurs with each cell division. Once the telomeres become too short, the cell can no longer divide and may enter a state of senescence or cell death. This supports the genetic programming theories of aging, which suggest that the eventual decline and death of cells and organisms is predetermined by genetic factors.

Question 4

What are the theories of aging that argue that the body's constant manufacturing of energy creates by-products, which combine with toxins such as radiation, chemical exposure, accidents, and disease, and eventually reach such high levels that they impair the body's ability to function normally?

Accepted Answer

The wear-and-tear theories of aging suggest that over time, the body's constant production of energy leads to the accumulation of damage from by-products, toxins, and other external factors, which ultimately impairs normal functioning.

Question 5

The theories that the mechanical functions of the body simply wear out with age are called the

Accepted Answer

Wear-and-tear theories suggest that aging results from damage to cells and tissues that occurs over time, essentially due to the body's use and exposure to environmental factors. This concept likens the body to a machine that wears out over time due to constant use.

Question 6

What are the two major factors that determine whether or not an older adult can engage in sexual activity?

Accepted Answer

Good physical and mental health are crucial for sexual activity at any age, including older adults. Previous sexual activity can also influence an individual's desire and ability to engage in sexual activities.

Question 7

George wants to live longer, and has decided to consult a nutritionist.What advice might the nutritionist give him in order to increase his expected longevity?

Accepted Answer

The answer of George wants to live longer, and has...

Question 8

Research on human longevity has discovered that unstable molecules called _____________ drift through the body may damage cells and lead to aging, and that these molecules can be combated with the use of _____________.

Accepted Answer

Unstable molecules known as free radicals can cause cellular damage, contributing to aging. Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals, potentially mitigating their harmful effects.

Question 9

Approximately what percentage of older adults in Canada live in poverty?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 6% of older adults in Canada live in poverty, according to recent statistics.

Question 10

Which of the following is a reason why life expectancy has continued to rise for the world's population?

Accepted Answer

Vaccinations and preventive measures against diseases have played a significant role in increasing life expectancy by reducing mortality rates from infectious diseases.

Question 11

The goal of professionals such as social services workers is to help senior citizens extend their

Accepted Answer

The goal of social services workers is to help senior citizens extend their active lifespans, which means prolonging the period of time during which they can engage in meaningful activities and maintain independence. This can be achieved through a variety of means such as providing support for daily living, identifying community resources, and facilitating social connections. While social services workers may also aim to improve seniors' physical health and mental capabilities, these goals are subsumed under the broader objective of extending their active lifespans.

Question 12

What is the term for the part of the protective area(s) or tip of the DNA that grow(s) shorter every time the cell divides?

Accepted Answer

Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of DNA strands that shorten with each cell division.

Question 13

The wear-and-tear theories of aging argues that the body constantly manufactures energy and creates ___________, which eventually reach such high levels as to impair the body's normal functioning.

Accepted Answer

The wear-and-tear theory of aging suggests that the body continually produces energy and creates by-products, such as free radicals, which accumulate over time and damage the body's tissues and organs, leading to aging and eventual death. Radiation, diseases, and toxins may also contribute to this process, but they are not the core focus of the wear-and-tear theory of aging.

Question 14

Which of the theories promotes the existence of a "death gene" that is programmed to direct the body to deteriorate and die?

Accepted Answer

Genetic programming theories of aging suggest that our lifespan and the process of aging are determined by our genes. According to these theories, there are genetic mechanisms, such as a "death gene," that are programmed to control the aging process, leading to the deterioration of the body over time and ultimately death.

Question 15

What is the term for the average age of death for members of a population?

Accepted Answer

The term for the average age of death for members of a population is called life expectancy. Cohort effect refers to the influence of a specific group of people having been born and lived under similar circumstances, while peer group expectancy and theory of aging are not relevant to this term.

Question 16

Theories that suggest that our body's DNA genetic code contains a built-in time limit for the reproduction of human cells are called the

Accepted Answer

Genetic programming theories of aging propose that our DNA contains a built-in time limit for the reproduction of human cells, suggesting that aging is a programmed process governed by our genes.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes patterns of sexual activity in older adults?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following best describes patterns...

Question 18

Which of the theories promotes the view that the cells of the body can only duplicate a certain number of times, and that the genetic instructions for running the body can be read only a certain number of times before they become illegible?

Accepted Answer

Genetic programming theories of aging suggest that aging is a programmed process controlled by genes. This includes the concept that there is a limit to the number of times cells can divide, known as the Hayflick limit, and that over time, the genetic material can degrade or become less accurately replicated, leading to aging and eventual death.

Question 19

What is a category of by-product that is produced in the body and has been related to aging?

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are a category of by-product produced in the body that can cause damage to cells and tissues and have been linked to aging. They are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular components like DNA, proteins, and lipids. Over time, accumulated damage from free radicals can contribute to the aging process and the development of age-related diseases.

Question 20

K.Warner Schaie has employed an ongoing study of intelligence in older people using the _________ research method.

Accepted Answer

The answer of K.Warner Schaie has employed an ongoing study...

Quiz 9: Late Adulthood