Question 1

Medina (1996) suggests that changes in older men's and women's sexual responses are generally _______.

Accepted Answer

According to Medina (1996), changes in older men's and women's sexual responses are generally a little slower and a little less intense.

Question 2

The suggested mechanism behind the genetic limits theory of aging comes from the discovery that chromosomes in many human body cells (and those of some other species, too) have, at their tips, lengths of repeating DNA called _____________.

Accepted Answer

The lengths of repeating DNA at the tips of chromosomes are called telomeres. The shortening of telomeres with each cell division is one proposed mechanism for the genetic limits theory of aging.

Question 3

One indication that some commonly observed physical change linked to age is a product of secondary aging is that _______.

Accepted Answer

Secondary aging refers to physical changes that are a result of environmental factors and lifestyle choices, rather than just biological aging. As such, not everyone will experience these changes to the same degree or at all, making option B the best choice. Options A and C could also be true of secondary aging, but they do not definitively indicate that it is the case. Option D is not directly related to secondary aging.

Question 4

What is the pattern of sex differences in sensory loss over adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Men lose more hearing, but there is no difference in visual loss.

Question 5

Cells of different species, when observed in nutrient solutions, are seen to divide varying numbers of times, with cells of the most long-lived species dividing more times than the cells of short-lived species. The total number of divisions for any given species is sometimes referred to as _______.

Accepted Answer

The total number of divisions for any given species is referred to as the Hayflick limit, named after Leonard Hayflick who observed the phenomenon in the 1960s.

Question 6

A reasonable inference from the information presented in this unit regarding the availability of sexual partners for older adults suggests that which older person would have the LEAST problem locating a sexual partner?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that older men generally have an easier time finding sexual partners compared to older women. Additionally, being independent and single increases the chances of finding a sexual partner as opposed to living with adult children or residing in a nursing home.

Question 7

Which of the following is the CLEAREST example of primary aging?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is the CLEAREST...

Question 8

In which of the following age ranges is the average weight at its peak?

Accepted Answer

The average weight tends to peak in the 50-59 age range due to factors like decreased metabolism and lifestyle changes before it typically declines in older age groups.

Question 9

In which parts of the body do fat deposits INCREASE in middle age and old age (past the age of about 50)?

Accepted Answer

As people age and their metabolism slows down, fat tends to accumulate more in the belly area (visceral fat) and the upper arm area. This is due to hormonal changes, decreased physical activity and muscle mass, and other factors. The face and chest may also accumulate some fat, but not as significantly as the belly and upper arm areas.

Question 10

The gradual loss of hearing resulting from wear and tear on the auditory nerves and inner ear structures is called _______.

Accepted Answer

Sensorineural hearing loss is often caused by age-related deterioration, known as presbycusis. It is most commonly from the deterioration of the hair cells and/or the cochlea. The other options refer to visual impairments and are not related to hearing loss.

Question 11

Osteoporosis is the term used to describe _______.

Accepted Answer

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become weak and brittle due to loss of calcium, making them more prone to fractures. It is not related to estrogen levels or joint wear and tear.

Question 12

Which therapy provides perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with the hormones once produced by their ovaries that sharply reduce the symptoms of the climacteric?

Accepted Answer

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) provides perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with the hormones once produced by their ovaries that sharply reduce the symptoms of the climacteric. While growth hormone therapy (GH), DHEA therapy, and HGH treatment therapy may have other benefits, they are not typically used to treat the symptoms of the climacteric.

Question 13

At about what age does a significant loss of visual acuity begin to be measurable for most adults?

Accepted Answer

The answer of At about what age does a significant...

Question 14

A normal chemical process in the body, resulting from exposure to sunlight, X-rays, and food, creates molecules or atoms that possess an unpaired electron. These atoms and molecules are called _______.

Accepted Answer

Free radicals are unstable atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron, which can cause damage to cells and contribute to aging and disease. Sunlight, X-rays, and certain foods can all create free radicals in the body as part of normal chemical processes. Antioxidants, found in many fruits and vegetables, are substances that can neutralize free radicals and prevent their harmful effects. Cross-linkages and DNA breakages are not related to the creation of free radicals.

Question 15

When some body change is linked to age but appears to be the product of environmental influences or health habits, it is an example of _______.

Accepted Answer

Secondary aging refers to changes or declines in physical and cognitive functioning that are not directly related to the aging process itself or "primary aging," but rather are caused by environmental factors such as lifestyle choices, disease, or injury. Examples include changes in vision or hearing due to exposure to loud noise or prolonged sun exposure, and declines in cognitive function due to alcohol consumption or lack of physical activity. Therefore, when changes are linked to age but appear to be the product of environmental influences or health habits, they are examples of secondary aging.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is NOT a limitation of information obtained by surveys of older adults' sexual activities?

Accepted Answer

This statement is not a limitation, but rather a fact about the information obtained. It is true that frequency counts do not provide information about the quantity or quality of sexual activities. However, this does not mean that it is a limitation of the survey itself.

Question 17

Which statement is a FALSE statement concerning aging and environmental factors?

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. While genetics do play a role in aging, twin studies have shown that environmental factors also contribute significantly to the rate of aging.

Question 18

What are the relative ages at which significant losses of vision and hearing occur, on average, in adulthood?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are the relative ages at which...

Question 19

Which of the following changes in taste sensitivity appears to be a normal part of aging?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following changes in taste...

Question 20

The thickening of the lens of the eye that results in loss of visual acuity in middle and older age is part of a process called _______.

Accepted Answer

Presbyopia is the age-related loss of near vision due to the hardening of the lens of the eye. It is a natural part of the aging process and typically begins to affect individuals in their 40s or 50s. Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, while nearsightedness (myopia) and farsightedness (hyperopia) are refractive errors that affect individuals of all ages.

Quiz 2: Physical Changes