Question 1

While the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) aims to protect the interests of older adults, the organization known as the Gray Panthers aims to limit the success of organizations like AARP.

Accepted Answer

Both AARP and the Gray Panthers advocate for better treatment for older adults.

Question 2

Helping older adults remain in their own homes as long as possible is a policy goal in the United States, but not in most other countries.

Accepted Answer

The text notes that having older adults remain in their homes is a goal of the World Health Organization and of most industrialized nations.

Question 3

Negative stereotypes about nursing homes probably contribute to the sense of dread that most older adults feel about this living-care option.

Accepted Answer

Negative stereotypes about nursing homes, such as being a place where seniors are neglected or mistreated, can create a sense of fear and apprehension among older adults, making them resistant to the idea of moving into a nursing home.

Question 4

The major reason that Medicare is expected to become increasingly strained is that more people are living into the "old-old" age group and the health-care needs of this group are much higher than any other group of older adults.

Accepted Answer

According to the text, the major reason that Medicare is expected to become increasingly strained is that there are so many more adults moving into the "over 65 age group," due to the aging of the large baby boomer generation. Because the end of life is the most expensive part of the lifespan from a health-care perspective regardless of how old the person is when he or she dies, this increase in the total number of people in this age category will likely provide a challenge for Medicare.

Question 5

Assisted-living facilities are becoming an increasingly popular option for older adults who do not remain in their own homes.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true, as more and more older adults are opting for assisted-living facilities as they age.

Question 6

Since 1985, the proportion of older adults living in nursing homes has been increasing.

Accepted Answer

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the proportion of older adults living in nursing homes has actually been decreasing since 1985, due to increased availability and usage of home and community-based care options.

Quiz 17: Older Adulthood: Personality and Sociocultural Development