Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the term for the assumption that characteristics of older people are solely due to their age, disregarding other potential influences?
What is the term for the assumption that characteristics of older people are solely due to their age, disregarding other potential influences?
What age group is typically defined as 'our nation's elders'?
What age group is typically defined as 'our nation's elders'?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ageism?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ageism?
What is a major consequence of ageism?
What is a major consequence of ageism?
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How can we combat ageism?
How can we combat ageism?
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Which of the following is NOT a physiological factor that can influence longevity?
Which of the following is NOT a physiological factor that can influence longevity?
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What is the primary difference between the Random Theory of Aging and the Programmed Theory of Aging?
What is the primary difference between the Random Theory of Aging and the Programmed Theory of Aging?
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According to the provided information, which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between physical activity and life expectancy?
According to the provided information, which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between physical activity and life expectancy?
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Based on the provided information, which of the following conditions is NOT directly linked to reduced life expectancy?
Based on the provided information, which of the following conditions is NOT directly linked to reduced life expectancy?
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What is one of the reasons why people who are married tend to live longer than those who are divorced or widowed?
What is one of the reasons why people who are married tend to live longer than those who are divorced or widowed?
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Which of the following is a condition comparable to high blood pressure that can influence longevity?
Which of the following is a condition comparable to high blood pressure that can influence longevity?
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What is the PRIMARY reason why people in middle and upper classes tend to have longer lifespans?
What is the PRIMARY reason why people in middle and upper classes tend to have longer lifespans?
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Which of the following is an accurate statement about the relationship between the environment and aging?
Which of the following is an accurate statement about the relationship between the environment and aging?
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What is the most significant factor influencing life expectancy?
What is the most significant factor influencing life expectancy?
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According to the provided information, what is the expected elderly population percentage in the United States by 2030?
According to the provided information, what is the expected elderly population percentage in the United States by 2030?
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What is the primary source of income for most elderly individuals?
What is the primary source of income for most elderly individuals?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of cigarette smoking on life expectancy?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of cigarette smoking on life expectancy?
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What is the primary objective of the Older Americans Act (OAA)?
What is the primary objective of the Older Americans Act (OAA)?
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Which of these factors is NOT considered a common characteristic of minority elder groups?
Which of these factors is NOT considered a common characteristic of minority elder groups?
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Which of the following groups has the highest percentage of individuals over 65 living in poverty in 2009?
Which of the following groups has the highest percentage of individuals over 65 living in poverty in 2009?
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What does the term "life span" refer to?
What does the term "life span" refer to?
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Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a contributing factor to the increased life expectancy in recent years?
Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as a contributing factor to the increased life expectancy in recent years?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the differences in life expectancy between men and women?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the differences in life expectancy between men and women?
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What is the name of the group of genes on chromosome 4 that is thought to be related to longevity?
What is the name of the group of genes on chromosome 4 that is thought to be related to longevity?
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Which of the following statements accurately reflects the impact of cigarette smoking on bone density?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the impact of cigarette smoking on bone density?
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What is the most preventable cause of death in the United States?
What is the most preventable cause of death in the United States?
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According to the data provided, what was the life expectancy in the year 2010?
According to the data provided, what was the life expectancy in the year 2010?
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Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the income levels of older men and women?
Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding the income levels of older men and women?
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What is the primary reason for the growing elderly population?
What is the primary reason for the growing elderly population?
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Flashcards
Health Aspects of Gerontology
Health Aspects of Gerontology
Study of health and aging processes in older adults.
Ageism
Ageism
Discrimination based on age, often against older individuals.
Traits of Older Individuals
Traits of Older Individuals
Characteristics often attributed to age rather than individual factors.
Labelling
Labelling
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Elders Definition
Elders Definition
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Elders' self-perception
Elders' self-perception
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Demography
Demography
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Older population growth
Older population growth
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Life expectancy
Life expectancy
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Impact of gender on life expectancy
Impact of gender on life expectancy
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OAA (Older Americans Act)
OAA (Older Americans Act)
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Elders and education
Elders and education
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Financial vulnerability
Financial vulnerability
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Chronic conditions in elders
Chronic conditions in elders
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Racial and ethnic diversity in elders
Racial and ethnic diversity in elders
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Longevity studies
Longevity studies
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Cigarette smoking effects
Cigarette smoking effects
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Genetic influence on aging
Genetic influence on aging
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Elders' living arrangements
Elders' living arrangements
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Elders and income sources
Elders and income sources
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Genetic diseases
Genetic diseases
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Acquired diseases
Acquired diseases
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Obesity and mortality
Obesity and mortality
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Physical activity benefits
Physical activity benefits
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Alcohol consumption effects
Alcohol consumption effects
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Marital status impact
Marital status impact
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Influence of class on longevity
Influence of class on longevity
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Theories of aging
Theories of aging
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Study Notes
Ageism
- Ageism is the assumption that traits of older individuals are due to age, not other factors.
- It involves labelling and discrimination against older people.
- Many people consider themselves middle-aged until becoming ill or dependent.
Demographics of Elders
- The older population is rapidly growing due to factors such as increased life expectancy resulting from better healthcare and the aging of the baby boomer generation.
- The number of people aged 65+ increased from roughly 1/8 of the population in 2009 to 1/5 in 2030.
- Elder demographics are heterogeneous, encompassing a broad range of health statuses and socioeconomic situations.
- A significant proportion of elders own their homes and live in metropolitan areas.
Life Expectancy and Longevity
- Life expectancy in the US has increased from 77.6 years in 2003 to 79 years in 2022.
- Gender is the largest factor influencing life expectancy, with females typically living longer than males.
- Ethnicity and race, socioeconomic factors, and lifestyle choices also influence life expectancy.
- Longevity is the theoretical upper limit of lifespan, estimated at 115-120 years.
- Life expectancy is measured in years an individual can expect to live.
Health Factors
- Many elders have at least one chronic condition.
- Foreign-born individuals often face challenges such as language barriers and lower socioeconomic status, making healthcare access more difficult.
- Minority elder groups (Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian) often experience higher poverty levels and racial discrimination affecting their health outcomes.
- African-American elders often face healthcare disparities, including historical barriers to accessing care and mistrust of the healthcare system.
- Hispanic elders often have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, and have lower levels of education.
- Smoking is a major cause of preventable death; ceasing this habit significantly increases life expectancy in older adults.
- Obesity, shorter stature, and certain genetic conditions, increase the likelihood of death and disability.
- Physical activity is significantly associated with low mortality rates.
- Alcohol consumption (more than 3 drinks per day) is inversely correlated with longevity.
- Marital status positively correlates with increased longevity.
- Higher education and socioeconomic status are often linked to greater longevity.
Income and Resources
- Social Security, a federal program established in 1935, along with personal assets, pensions, and retirement accounts, are common sources of income for elders.
- Social Security benefits vary by gender and are not consistently sufficient to eliminate the risk of poverty among older individuals.
- The Supplemental Security Income (SSI), established in 1974, provides financial support for certain elders, blind, and disabled individuals.
Housing and Living Arrangements
- Most elders own their homes.
- A large proportion live in family settings with other people, with only a relatively small segment residing in nursing homes.
The Older Americans Act (OAA)
- The OAA (1965), signed by Lyndon B. Johnson, aims to improve the dignity of older adults and provide social and nutrition services.
- It led to a federal initiative to address the needs and situations of older citizens.
Education and Educational Attainment
- Elders have, on average, completed fewer years of formal education than younger adults-- although baby boomers are the most educated group in history.
- Educational attainment differs significantly across racial and ethnic groups.
- Many elders are lifelong learners.
Biological Theories of Aging
- Two competing theories of aging explain the processes:
- Random Theory (errors/damage accumulates over time)
- Programmed Theory (genetic factors determine aging).
Important Considerations:
- Higher levels of marriage are linked to a higher life expectancy.
- A positive mental attitude is correlated with longer life, along with healthier lifestyle choices.
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts of ageism, the growing demographics of older adults, and the factors influencing life expectancy. Learn about the assumptions made regarding older individuals, as well as the statistical trends related to the aging population. Test your knowledge on these important social issues affecting our society today.
