Lester and Mr. Vann are next-door neighbors. Mr. Lester and Mr. Vann each live alone, and both are 75. They are in good physical health. Mr. Lester spends most of his time watching television and rarely leaves his house. Mr. Vann reads many books and magazines, walks every day, works as a volunteer at the local library, and frequently plays penny poker with some friends. Based on this information, you can predict that:
A)Mr. Lester and Mr. Vann are likely to experience the same level of decline in mental abilities, since both are the same age.
B)Mr. Lester is likely to experience less of a decline in mental abilities than Mr. Vann, because Mr. Lester conserves his strength and is less likely to get sick.
C)Mr. Vann is less likely to experience a decline in mental abilities than Mr. Lester because he remains mentally and physically active.
D)Mr. Vann's multiple roles may increase the level of stress that he experiences.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Research suggests that remaining mentally and physically active can help to maintain cognitive abilities in older adults, so Mr. Vann's activity level may help him to avoid some cognitive decline. Mr. Lester's lack of activity and intellectual stimulation may make him more vulnerable to cognitive declines. Age alone is not the only predictor of cognitive decline. Multiple roles can increase stress, but there is no indication that this is affecting Mr. Vann in this case.