Adult Development: Physical, Cognitive, and Social Changes

Question 1

Which cognitive ability typically shows the most gradual decline in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Semantic memory

Answer

Working memory

Answer

Episodic memory

Answer

Long-term memory

Question 2

The theory of gerotranscendence, proposed by Tornstam, suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Older adults experience spiritual growth and transcendence

Answer

Older adults become increasingly self-centered

Answer

Older adults lose interest in social relationships

Answer

Older adults develop a fear of death

Question 3

Which of the following factors has been identified as the strongest contributor to loneliness in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Lack of social support

Answer

Physical impairments

Answer

Cognitive decline

Answer

Financial insecurity

Question 4

The primary goal of person-centered care for older adults, as advocated by Kitwood, is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain independence and autonomy

Answer

Provide medical treatment and interventions

Answer

Control symptoms and improve comfort

Answer

Protect older adults from harm

Question 5

The process of making psychological and behavioural adjustments to physical and cognitive changes in older adulthood is known as:

Accepted Answer

Adjustment to aging

Answer

Resilience

Answer

Coping

Answer

Acceptance

Question 6

The concept of 'frailty' in older adults refers to:

Accepted Answer

A state of increased vulnerability and reduced resilience

Answer

A decline in physical strength only

Answer

A mental health condition

Answer

A natural part of aging

Question 7

According to Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which stage is primarily associated with middle adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer

Integrity vs. Despair

Answer

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Answer

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Question 8

Which physical change is commonly associated with adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Reduced bone density

Answer

Increased muscle mass

Answer

Improved cardiovascular health

Answer

Heightened metabolism

Question 9

In Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, which characteristic defines the progression through stages?

Accepted Answer

Stages must be completed in a specific order.

Answer

Individuals can move freely between stages.

Answer

Biological factors alone determine stage progression.

Answer

Each stage is completely separate from the others.

Question 10

Identify the characteristic that is NOT typical of physical development during adulthood:

Accepted Answer

Increased flexibility

Answer

Progressive loss of muscle mass

Answer

Stable or increased bone density

Answer

Declining metabolism

Question 11

What is the theory suggesting that older adults withdraw from social interactions as they age?

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Socioemotional selectivity theory

Question 12

Define gerotranscendence:

Accepted Answer

A spiritual transformation commonly experienced by older adults

Answer

A decline in cognitive function that occurs with age

Answer

An increase in social isolation that occurs in older adulthood

Answer

A decrease in physical health that occurs with age

Question 13

Which cognitive change is typically associated with normal aging?

Accepted Answer

Slower reaction times

Answer

Increased processing speed

Answer

Enhanced working memory capacity

Answer

Improved abstract reasoning abilities

Question 14

What is the most effective approach for healthcare professionals to support the well-being of older adults?

Accepted Answer

Adopting a holistic approach that considers both physical and emotional needs

Answer

Focusing exclusively on medical interventions and treatments

Answer

Ignoring the social and emotional aspects of their lives

Answer

Treating older adults as if they were children

Question 15

What term describes a condition in which an older adult experiences difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as dressing or eating?

Accepted Answer

Frailty

Answer

Dementia

Answer

Alzheimer's disease

Answer

Disability

Question 16

What is the recommended communication strategy for interacting with an older adult who has hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Speaking slowly and clearly, facing the person, and using gestures or facial expressions to supplement speech

Answer

Avoiding the use of gestures or facial expressions, and simply speaking louder

Answer

Ignoring the hearing loss and communicating as usual

Answer

Talking to the person from behind, so they can lip-read

Question 17

In researching adult development, what are the key strengths and weaknesses of longitudinal studies?

Accepted Answer

Strengths: Allows for tracking individual changes over time, boosting validity and reliability

Accepted Answer

Weaknesses: Prone to attrition, cohort effects, and resource-intensive nature

Answer

Not exclusively used in qualitative research methods

Question 18

How does social support impact the well-being of older adults? Consider both formal and informal support systems.

Accepted Answer

Older adults with strong social networks are less likely to experience depression and loneliness.

Answer

Formal and informal support systems have equal contributions to the well-being of older adults.

Answer

Family support alone determines the well-being of older adults.

Answer

Social support does not affect the physical health of older adults.

Question 19

According to Piaget's theory, which stage of cognitive development typically occurs during early adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Formal operational

Answer

Sensorimotor

Answer

Preoperational

Answer

Concrete operational

Question 20

In Rowe and Kahn's theory, how do gene-environment interactions contribute to successful aging?

Accepted Answer

The environment can influence gene expression, potentially affecting successful aging.

Answer

Genes play a dominant role, with the environment having a lesser impact.

Answer

Gene-environment interactions have no significant impact on successful aging.

Answer

Successful aging is solely determined by personal choices and lifestyle, regardless of genetics.

Question 21

To provide culturally competent care for older adults, healthcare professionals should:

Accepted Answer

Consider the patient's cultural beliefs and values about aging.

Answer

Focus only on the patient's age and physical health.

Answer

Assume that all older adults have similar needs and experiences.

Answer

Ignore the patient's cultural background when providing care.

Question 22

Which theory posits that older adults actively manage their strengths and limitations to maintain well-being?

Accepted Answer

Selective Optimization with Compensation theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a known factor that influences the health of older adults?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Lifestyle choices

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Question 24

Which neurobiological change in the brain is associated with the decline in cognitive abilities often seen in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Reduced volume of the hippocampus and frontal lobes

Answer

Increased neurotransmitter production

Answer

Enhanced synaptic plasticity

Answer

Improved blood flow to the brain

Question 25

According to Erikson's theory, the primary developmental task of young adulthood is:

Accepted Answer

Establishing a sense of identity

Answer

Developing intimacy and relationships

Answer

Achieving career success

Answer

Raising a family

Question 26

Which of the following cognitive abilities typically peaks in early adulthood and then declines?

Accepted Answer

Fluid intelligence

Answer

Crystallized intelligence

Answer

Processing speed

Answer

Memory

Question 27

Which of the following is a key principle of gerotranscendence?

Accepted Answer

Older adults experience a heightened sense of transcendence

Answer

Older adults become more egocentric

Answer

Older adults focus primarily on physical well-being

Answer

Older adults lose their ability to learn

Question 28

Which lifestyle choices contribute to successful and healthy aging?

Accepted Answer

Regular Exercise and a Balanced Diet

Answer

Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Answer

Chronic Stress and Insufficient Sleep

Question 29

According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the primary task of young adulthood is:

Accepted Answer

Developing a sense of identity

Answer

Establishing intimacy with others

Answer

Achieving financial stability

Answer

Raising a family

Question 30

Which ethical principle emphasizes respecting the choices of older adults, even if they differ from the healthcare professional's opinion?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Question 31

Which of the following is a key factor in successful aging, according to research?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social connections and engagement

Answer

Focusing on physical health to the exclusion of other aspects of well-being

Answer

Avoiding all stressful situations

Answer

Retiring early from work

Question 32

Erikson's theory of psychosocial development suggests that individuals in their 40s and 50s face the primary developmental task of:

Accepted Answer

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Answer

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt

Answer

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Answer

Identity vs. Role Confusion

Question 33

Which of the following is a characteristic of cognitive development in late adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Generally, a gradual decline in fluid intelligence, including abilities such as short-term memory, processing speed, and problem-solving

Answer

Dramatic improvements in working memory and attention span

Answer

Increased creativity and divergent thinking

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a common social challenge faced by older adults?

Accepted Answer

Constant and overwhelming pressure to retire from work

Answer

Discrimination and ageism

Answer

Bereavement and loss of loved ones

Answer

Isolation and reduced social interaction

Question 35

According to the continuity theory of aging, older adults tend to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain their personality traits and behaviors, with gradual changes occurring over time

Answer

Become more isolated and withdrawn, experiencing significant changes in personality

Answer

Experience dramatic shifts in their personality, becoming more impulsive or risk-taking

Question 36

Which of the following is an example of a primary aging process?

Accepted Answer

Reduced muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia

Answer

Stroke caused by a blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain

Answer

Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder affecting memory and cognitive abilities

Answer

Heart failure resulting from cardiovascular disease

Question 37

The theory of selective optimization with compensation suggests that older adults:

Accepted Answer

Focus on maintaining essential activities and compensating for declines through adaptation and modification

Answer

Experience a decline in all major life domains, including physical, cognitive, and social functioning

Answer

Give up activities that become too difficult, leading to a decline in overall well-being

Question 38

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development as applied to adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Focus on the balance between intimacy and isolation in young adulthood

Answer

Emphasis on early childhood experiences in shaping personality

Answer

Progression through a series of psychosexual stages in childhood

Question 39

Which of the following physiological changes is most closely associated with the aging process?

Accepted Answer

Gradual decrease in muscle mass and strength

Answer

Increased reaction time and slower reflexes

Answer

Improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of heart disease

Answer

Enhanced cognitive flexibility and working memory capacity

Question 40

Which of the following factors has been shown to have the most significant impact on cognitive functioning in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Level of educational attainment

Answer

Frequency of physical activity

Answer

Genetic predisposition and family history

Question 41

Which of the following is a protective factor against the development of dementia in older adults?

Accepted Answer

Regular engagement in physical and mental exercise

Answer

High blood pressure and cardiovascular disease

Answer

Obesity and excessive weight gain

Answer

Smoking and substance abuse

Question 42

Which of the following is a characteristic of emotional regulation in older adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Increased emotional stability and regulation

Answer

Increased likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety

Answer

Increased emotional reactivity and impulsivity

Answer

Decreased ability to express and manage emotions effectively