-02 Gerontological Nursing
Due Jan 12 at 10:59pm Points 10 Questions 50 Available Jan 5 at 11pm - Feb 9 at
Time Limit None
Instructions
How much do you know about aging? Answer the following questions to find out.
This is a required assignment, however, you will not be marked down for incorrect answers.
Throughout the semester you will learn more about aging and your role in caring for the older adult.
This quiz was locked Feb 9 at 10:59pm.
Score for this survey: 10 out of 10
Submitted Jan 12 at 8:17pm
This attempt took 7 minutes.
Question 1
The majority of old people (past 65 years) have Alzheimer's disease.
True
red False
False. An estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2023.
Seventy-three percent are age 75 or older. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures
Question 2
As people grow older, their intelligence declines significantly.
True
red False
, False. Although there are some circumstances where the statement may hold true, current
research evidence suggests that intellectual performance in healthy individuals holds up well into
old age. The average magnitude of intellectual decline is typically small in the 60s and 70s and
is probably of little significance for competent behavior. There is more average decline for most
abilities observed once the 80s are reached, although even in this age range there are
substantial individual differences. Little or no decline appears to be associated with being free of
cardiovascular disease, little decline in perceptual speed, at least average socioeconomic status,
a stimulating and engaged lifestyle, and having flexible attitudes and behaviors at mid- life. The
good news is that research data now indicate that this is a life stage programmed for plasticity
and the development of unique capacities and that intellectual decline can be modified by life-
style interventions, such as physical activity, a healthy diet, mental stimulation, and social
interaction.
Question 3
It is very difficult for older adults to learn new things.
red True
False
False. Although learning performance tends on average to decline with age, all age groups can
learn. Research studies have shown that learning performances can be improved with
instructions and practice, extra time to learn information or skills, and relevance of the learning
task to interests and expertise. It is well established that those who regularly practice their
learning skills maintain their learning efficiency over their life span.
Question 4
Personality changes with age.
True
red False
, False. Personality remains consistent in men and women throughout life. Personality impacts
roles and life satisfaction. Particular traits in youth and middle age will not only persist but may
be more pronounced in later life.
Question 5
Memory loss is a normal part of aging.
red True
False
True. As one ages there is modest memory loss, primarily short-‐term memory (recent events).
Older adults are more likely to retain past or new information that is based on knowledge
acquired or builds upon their life course or events. Retrieval of information may slow with age.
The causes of these changes are unknown, but may include stress, loss, physical disease,
medication effects, depression, and age-‐related brain changes. Lack of attention, fatigue,
hearing loss, and misunderstanding are among factors impacting memory loss in persons of all
ages. Strategies such as activity and exercise, association, visualization, environmental cueing,
organization by category and connection to a place may help to prompt memory.
Question 6
As adults grow older, reaction time increases.
red True
False
True. Reaction time is the interval that elapses between the onset of a stimulus and the
completion of a motor response, such as hitting the brake pedal of a car when the traffic light
turns yellow or red. When processing ordinary stimuli, adults do show large increases in
response time with increasing age.