FAD 3343 | FAD3343 Exam 3: Adult Development
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale - Florida State University
1. Which of the following best describes the difference between primary aging and secondary
aging?
A. Primary aging is caused by lifestyle choices while secondary aging is genetic.
B. Primary aging is inevitable and universal while secondary aging results from disease or
environment.
C. Primary aging only affects the brain while secondary aging affects the whole body.
D. Primary aging is reversible through medical intervention while secondary aging is
permanent.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Primary aging refers to the intrinsic, biological processes that happen to
everyone regardless of health. Secondary aging involves external factors like smoking or
lack of exercise that accelerate decline. Distinguishing between these is essential for
understanding normal versus pathological development in late life. Many people
incorrectly assume all physical decline is primary aging when much of it is actually
secondary. This distinction helps health professionals target interventions more effectively.
2. Mrs. Thompson, age 72, finds it increasingly difficult to read small print and requires more
light to see clearly. This age-related change is known as:
A. Glaucoma
B. Presbyopia
C. Macular Degeneration
D. Cataracts
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Presbyopia is the normal stiffening of the eye lens that makes focusing on
close objects difficult. Unlike glaucoma or cataracts, it is considered a standard part of the
aging process. The scenario describes difficulty with print and light, which are classic signs
of lens changes. Understanding sensory changes helps in designing environments that
support older adult independence. This condition is usually corrected easily with reading
glasses or bifocals.
3. In the context of cognitive development, which type of intelligence generally remains
stable or even improves during late adulthood?
A. Fluid intelligence
,B. Working memory capacity
C. Crystallized intelligence
D. Processing speed
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Crystallized intelligence represents accumulated knowledge and verbal skills
that often grow over the lifespan. In contrast, fluid intelligence involving abstract reasoning
and speed tends to decline after middle age. Older adults often rely on their vast store of
information to solve complex social problems. This stability highlights the potential for
‘wisdom’ in the elderly population despite physiological slowing. It is a key concept for
recognizing the cognitive strengths of aging adults.
4. Which pathological condition is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and
neurofibrillary tangles in the brain?
A. Vascular Dementia
B. Parkinson’s Disease
C. Huntington’s Disease
D. Alzheimer’s Disease
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Alzheimer’s Disease is uniquely identified by these specific protein
misfoldings that disrupt cellular communication. Amyloid plaques form outside neurons,
while tangles develop inside the cells. These markers lead to the progressive cognitive and
functional decline seen in patients. While other dementias exist, these biological hallmarks
are specific to the Alzheimer’s pathology. Recognizing these markers is vital for differential
diagnosis in clinical settings.
5. According to Rowe and Kahn, which of the following is NOT one of the three main
components of ‘Successful Aging’?
A. Maintenance of high physical and cognitive function
B. Accumulation of significant financial wealth
C. Avoidance of disease and disability
D. Engagement with life
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rowe and Kahn’s model focuses on health, functionality, and social
involvement rather than socio-economic status. While wealth can provide resources, it is
not a core theoretical pillar of their successful aging definition. The theory emphasizes that
aging well is more than just the absence of disease. It encourages a proactive approach to
, maintaining capacities and social ties. Many critics argue this model is too restrictive for
those with chronic conditions.
6. A 75-year-old man experiences a sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating
levels of consciousness. This condition is most likely:
A. Late-onset Alzheimer’s
B. Delirium
C. Normal age-related forgetfulness
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by its rapid onset and fluctuating symptoms, often
caused by infection or medication. Unlike dementia, which is progressive and slow,
delirium is a medical emergency that can be reversed. The case scenario emphasizes
‘sudden onset,’ which is the hallmark differentiator from neurodegenerative diseases.
Identifying delirium quickly is critical to prevent long-term cognitive damage or death in
the elderly. It is frequently misdiagnosed as dementia in hospital settings.
7. Which theory suggests that as people age, they become more selective about their social
networks to optimize positive emotional experiences?
A. Activity Theory
B. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
C. Disengagement Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, proposed by Laura Carstensen, posits that
time perception influences social goals. Older adults prioritize emotional satisfaction over
gathering new information or expanding networks. This explains why they often have
fewer but much deeper and more meaningful relationships. It is a psychological adjustment
to the realization that remaining life time is limited. This theory views social narrowing as a
healthy, adaptive choice rather than a loss.
8. Which of the following is an example of an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A. Bathing oneself
B. Feeding oneself
C. Managing finances
D. Dressing oneself
Updated and Latest Questions and Correct
Answers with Rationale - Florida State University
1. Which of the following best describes the difference between primary aging and secondary
aging?
A. Primary aging is caused by lifestyle choices while secondary aging is genetic.
B. Primary aging is inevitable and universal while secondary aging results from disease or
environment.
C. Primary aging only affects the brain while secondary aging affects the whole body.
D. Primary aging is reversible through medical intervention while secondary aging is
permanent.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Primary aging refers to the intrinsic, biological processes that happen to
everyone regardless of health. Secondary aging involves external factors like smoking or
lack of exercise that accelerate decline. Distinguishing between these is essential for
understanding normal versus pathological development in late life. Many people
incorrectly assume all physical decline is primary aging when much of it is actually
secondary. This distinction helps health professionals target interventions more effectively.
2. Mrs. Thompson, age 72, finds it increasingly difficult to read small print and requires more
light to see clearly. This age-related change is known as:
A. Glaucoma
B. Presbyopia
C. Macular Degeneration
D. Cataracts
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Presbyopia is the normal stiffening of the eye lens that makes focusing on
close objects difficult. Unlike glaucoma or cataracts, it is considered a standard part of the
aging process. The scenario describes difficulty with print and light, which are classic signs
of lens changes. Understanding sensory changes helps in designing environments that
support older adult independence. This condition is usually corrected easily with reading
glasses or bifocals.
3. In the context of cognitive development, which type of intelligence generally remains
stable or even improves during late adulthood?
A. Fluid intelligence
,B. Working memory capacity
C. Crystallized intelligence
D. Processing speed
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Crystallized intelligence represents accumulated knowledge and verbal skills
that often grow over the lifespan. In contrast, fluid intelligence involving abstract reasoning
and speed tends to decline after middle age. Older adults often rely on their vast store of
information to solve complex social problems. This stability highlights the potential for
‘wisdom’ in the elderly population despite physiological slowing. It is a key concept for
recognizing the cognitive strengths of aging adults.
4. Which pathological condition is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques and
neurofibrillary tangles in the brain?
A. Vascular Dementia
B. Parkinson’s Disease
C. Huntington’s Disease
D. Alzheimer’s Disease
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Alzheimer’s Disease is uniquely identified by these specific protein
misfoldings that disrupt cellular communication. Amyloid plaques form outside neurons,
while tangles develop inside the cells. These markers lead to the progressive cognitive and
functional decline seen in patients. While other dementias exist, these biological hallmarks
are specific to the Alzheimer’s pathology. Recognizing these markers is vital for differential
diagnosis in clinical settings.
5. According to Rowe and Kahn, which of the following is NOT one of the three main
components of ‘Successful Aging’?
A. Maintenance of high physical and cognitive function
B. Accumulation of significant financial wealth
C. Avoidance of disease and disability
D. Engagement with life
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rowe and Kahn’s model focuses on health, functionality, and social
involvement rather than socio-economic status. While wealth can provide resources, it is
not a core theoretical pillar of their successful aging definition. The theory emphasizes that
aging well is more than just the absence of disease. It encourages a proactive approach to
, maintaining capacities and social ties. Many critics argue this model is too restrictive for
those with chronic conditions.
6. A 75-year-old man experiences a sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating
levels of consciousness. This condition is most likely:
A. Late-onset Alzheimer’s
B. Delirium
C. Normal age-related forgetfulness
D. Depression
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by its rapid onset and fluctuating symptoms, often
caused by infection or medication. Unlike dementia, which is progressive and slow,
delirium is a medical emergency that can be reversed. The case scenario emphasizes
‘sudden onset,’ which is the hallmark differentiator from neurodegenerative diseases.
Identifying delirium quickly is critical to prevent long-term cognitive damage or death in
the elderly. It is frequently misdiagnosed as dementia in hospital settings.
7. Which theory suggests that as people age, they become more selective about their social
networks to optimize positive emotional experiences?
A. Activity Theory
B. Socioemotional Selectivity Theory
C. Disengagement Theory
D. Continuity Theory
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Socioemotional Selectivity Theory, proposed by Laura Carstensen, posits that
time perception influences social goals. Older adults prioritize emotional satisfaction over
gathering new information or expanding networks. This explains why they often have
fewer but much deeper and more meaningful relationships. It is a psychological adjustment
to the realization that remaining life time is limited. This theory views social narrowing as a
healthy, adaptive choice rather than a loss.
8. Which of the following is an example of an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
A. Bathing oneself
B. Feeding oneself
C. Managing finances
D. Dressing oneself
