Psychology of Ageing: Theories and Applications

Question 1

Which of the following is a key factor contributing to well-being in older adulthood, according to the activity theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Regular engagement in meaningful activities

Answer

Social withdrawal and isolation

Answer

Reminiscing about past experiences

Answer

Retirement from work and responsibilities

Question 2

According to the activity theory, what is most important for successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining active involvement in social and physical activities

Answer

Retiring from work as early as possible

Answer

Focusing solely on physical health

Question 3

According to the activity theory, which factor can hinder successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Social isolation

Answer

Physical health

Answer

Cognitive abilities

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a longitudinal study?

Accepted Answer

Observing a group of older adults over an extended period of time

Answer

Interviewing a group of older adults at a single time point

Answer

Comparing the health outcomes of two groups of older adults with different ages

Question 5

The activity theory of ageing suggests that older adults should maintain their social engagement and activity levels. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 6

According to the disengagement theory, one potential benefit of withdrawing from social roles is reduced stress and anxiety. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 7

Which real-life example best demonstrates the application of the disengagement theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

An older adult preparing for retirement by making plans to reduce their living space.

Answer

An elderly couple volunteering in a program that supports children in need.

Answer

A group of seniors participating in a weekly session to enhance their memory and thinking skills.

Question 8

Which psychological theory of ageing suggests that older adults progressively withdraw from social interactions and activities?

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Modernization theory

Question 9

Which theory of ageing posits that older adults gradually withdraw from society and focus on their inner lives?

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Question 10

Which theory of ageing emphasizes the importance of maintaining continuity and consistency throughout the lifespan?

Accepted Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Life-course theory

Answer

Socioemotional selectivity theory

Question 11

Which criticism of the disengagement theory highlights that it does not consider the diversity of older adults?

Accepted Answer

It does not account for the variability in older adults' experiences

Answer

It ignores the influence of culture

Answer

It assumes that ageing is a universally negative experience

Question 12

In what way does the socioemotional selectivity theory explain the tendency of older adults to focus on positive relationships?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that older adults become more selective in their social interactions as they age.

Answer

It highlights the importance of emotional well-being in the ageing process.

Answer

It explains why older adults tend to maintain close ties with lifelong friends.

Question 13

Which assumption is central to the life-course theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Individual experiences are shaped by historical and social context.

Answer

Ageing is a gradual and continuous process.

Answer

Ageing is primarily a biological phenomenon.

Question 14

Which theory of ageing suggests that older adults gradually reduce their social participation as they age?

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Socioemotional selectivity theory

Question 15

According to the activity theory of ageing, what factor is most likely to promote successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining high levels of social and physical activity

Answer

Reducing social contacts and activities

Answer

Adopting a passive and sedentary lifestyle

Answer

Focusing primarily on past accomplishments

Question 16

Which criticism of the disengagement theory of ageing points out that it overlooks the importance of social relationships in later life?

Accepted Answer

It underestimates the importance of social relationships in later life.

Answer

It does not account for individual differences in ageing.

Answer

It suggests that older adults inevitably become inactive and isolated.

Answer

It is based on a biased sample of older adults.

Question 17

The activity theory of aging emphasizes the importance of social engagement, physical exercise, and cognitive stimulation for maintaining well-being in later life. True or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 18

The continuity theory of aging posits that individuals strive to maintain a sense of self-continuity throughout their lives. True or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 19

Longitudinal research on aging suggests that aging is a highly variable and individualized process. True or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 20

The disengagement theory proposes that older adults gradually withdraw from social interactions and activities. Is this statement true or false?

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 21

According to the activity theory, successful ageing is associated with:

Accepted Answer

High levels of social engagement

Answer

Low levels of social engagement

Answer

Minimal change in social engagement

Answer

Complete withdrawal from social engagement

Question 22

Which theory emphasizes that maintaining a sense of self is crucial during age-related changes?

Accepted Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Life course theory

Answer

Age stratification theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Low levels of social support

Answer

High levels of physical activity

Answer

Good mental health

Answer

A sense of purpose

Question 24

According to the disengagement theory, what is the main reason for the reduction in social interactions during later life?

Accepted Answer

A mutual withdrawal from society initiated by both individuals and society

Answer

Diminished physical and cognitive abilities

Answer

The desire to form new and substantial relationships

Answer

Lack of opportunities for social engagement

Question 25

Which principle is central to the activity theory?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining activity and engagement throughout the lifespan contributes to well-being.

Answer

The decline in physical and mental abilities in later years is unavoidable and inevitable.

Answer

Older adults should accept reduced social roles and withdraw from society.

Answer

Maximizing independence and autonomy is the primary goal of aging.

Question 26

The continuity theory posits that:

Accepted Answer

Personality traits and behavioral patterns remain relatively stable throughout the aging process.

Answer

Older adults undergo significant changes in their values and beliefs.

Answer

The aging process results in a decline in all aspects of cognitive functioning.

Answer

Social and cultural factors play a minor role in aging outcomes.

Question 27

Which of the following factors is not considered in the continuity theory?

Accepted Answer

Historical context

Answer

Personality traits

Answer

Social support

Answer

Genetic influences

Question 28

Which of the following is a core principle of the disengagement theory of aging?

Accepted Answer

Older adults voluntarily and gradually withdraw from social and physical activities.

Answer

Older adults remain fully engaged in their pre-retirement lifestyles.

Answer

Older adults experience significant cognitive decline during the aging process.

Answer

Older adults maintain their strong sense of purpose throughout their later years.

Question 29

According to the activity theory of aging, which factor is most closely associated with successful aging?

Accepted Answer

Having a strong sense of purpose and meaning

Answer

Maintaining a high level of physical activity

Answer

Retiring from work as early as possible

Answer

Spending a significant amount of time with grandchildren

Question 30

Which theory of aging emphasizes the importance of maintaining pre-retirement routines and social roles?

Accepted Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Question 31

Identify the theory of aging that suggests older adults selectively focus on emotionally meaningful relationships.

Accepted Answer

Socioemotional selectivity theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Selective optimization with compensation

Question 32

Which theory of aging proposes that older adults use specific strategies to maintain or improve their functioning?

Accepted Answer

Selective optimization with compensation

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Life course theory

Answer

Symbolic interaction theory

Question 33

According to the disengagement theory, the process of withdrawal from social roles and activities is considered to be:

Accepted Answer

Voluntary and gradual

Answer

Involuntary and abrupt

Answer

Beneficial for older adults

Answer

Detrimental to older adults

Question 34

The concept of ageism refers to:

Accepted Answer

Prejudice and discrimination based on age

Answer

The physical changes associated with aging

Answer

The social isolation experienced by older adults

Answer

The economic challenges faced by older adults

Question 35

Identify the theory of aging that suggests older adults exchange resources, such as time and money, for social support.

Accepted Answer

Exchange theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Socioemotional selectivity theory

Question 36

Which theory emphasizes the importance of preserving a sense of identity and continuity throughout the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Question 37

How can the disengagement theory help us understand the social isolation commonly experienced by older adults?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that older adults naturally withdraw from social engagement.

Answer

It explains why older adults may prefer solitary activities.

Answer

It emphasizes the significance of social support and involvement.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of successful ageing, according to the activity theory?

Accepted Answer

Avoiding mental stimulation

Answer

Maintaining physical activity

Answer

Participating in social activities

Question 39

How does the continuity theory account for the combination of change and stability observed in ageing?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that personality traits and values remain relatively consistent throughout life.

Answer

It explains why older adults may experience significant shifts in social roles.

Answer

It highlights the need for maintaining purpose and connectedness.

Question 40

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental concept in the continuity theory?

Accepted Answer

Physical decline

Answer

Identity formation

Answer

Social integration

Question 41

How do qualitative research methods contribute to our understanding of psychological theories of ageing?

Accepted Answer

They enable the exploration of subjective experiences and perspectives.

Answer

They provide extensive data on ageing patterns and trends.

Answer

They allow researchers to control for external influences.

Question 42

According to the disengagement theory, how do older adults typically respond to the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

They gradually withdraw from social and physical activities.

Answer

They actively seek out new experiences and challenges.

Answer

They maintain a high level of involvement in activities throughout their lives.

Question 43

Which theory of ageing emphasizes the importance of maintaining meaningful engagement in activities as a key factor in maintaining well-being in old age?

Accepted Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Question 44

Which theory suggests that successful ageing involves maintaining a sense of continuity and consistency with one's past experiences and values?

Accepted Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Question 45

How does the disengagement theory explain the process of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Older adults gradually reduce their participation in social and physical activities.

Answer

Older adults actively seek out new experiences and challenges.

Answer

Older adults maintain a high level of involvement in activities throughout their lives.

Question 46

Which psychological theory of ageing suggests that older individuals gradually withdraw from social roles and activities?

Accepted Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Question 47

According to the activity theory of ageing, what is considered a key factor in successful ageing?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining social engagement

Answer

Reducing physical activity

Answer

Focusing on past accomplishments

Question 48

Which theory of ageing proposes that older individuals strive to maintain consistency between their past and present selves?

Accepted Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Question 49

Which criticism of the disengagement theory of ageing suggests that it does not adequately account for individual differences?

Accepted Answer

It does not account for individual differences in ageing.

Answer

It is based on outdated research.

Answer

It promotes a negative view of old age.

Question 50

In the activity theory of ageing, how can older individuals maintain a sense of purpose?

Accepted Answer

By engaging in meaningful activities

Answer

By spending more time with their grandchildren

Answer

By retiring early

Question 51

How does the continuity theory of ageing differ from the disengagement theory?

Accepted Answer

It proposes that older individuals seek to maintain consistency with their past selves.

Answer

It emphasizes the role of social engagement in ageing.

Answer

It suggests that older individuals experience a gradual decline in physical and cognitive abilities.

Question 52

What is a strength of the activity theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

It provides a positive view of old age.

Answer

It is supported by a large body of research.

Answer

It is applicable to all older individuals.

Question 53

Which limitation of the cognitive decline theory of ageing relates to the difficulty in accurately measuring cognitive decline?

Accepted Answer

It can be difficult to measure cognitive decline.

Answer

It does not account for individual differences in cognitive function.

Answer

It is based on cross-sectional research.

Question 54

According to the disengagement theory of ageing, older adults:

Accepted Answer

Gradually withdraw from social and community activities.

Answer

Remain actively engaged in social and community activities.

Answer

Experience a significant decline in cognitive abilities.

Answer

Have a negative self-concept.

Question 55

Which theory of ageing emphasizes the role of social interaction and activity for well-being in later life?

Accepted Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Continuity theory

Answer

Baltes' life-span theory

Answer

Havighurst's developmental theory

Question 56

The continuity theory suggests that ageing is primarily characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Gradual change and adaptation

Answer

Sudden and irreversible decline

Answer

Major upheaval and disruption

Answer

Significant growth and development

Question 57

The activity theory suggests that successful ageing is primarily dependent on:

Accepted Answer

Engaging in meaningful activities

Answer

Maintaining physical health

Answer

Ensuring financial security

Answer

Having strong social support

Question 58

Which aspect is NOT included in Havighurst's developmental theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Spiritual changes

Answer

Biological changes

Answer

Psychological changes

Answer

Social changes

Question 59

According to Baltes' life-span theory, ageing involves:

Accepted Answer

Both gains and losses in developmental processes

Answer

Only declines in developmental processes

Answer

Only gains in developmental processes

Answer

No significant changes in developmental processes

Question 60

Which theory of ageing suggests that older adults with higher pre-existing cognitive abilities experience different patterns of cognitive decline?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive reserve theory

Answer

Selective optimization with compensation theory

Answer

Life-span theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Question 61

According to the disengagement theory of ageing, older individuals gradually:

Accepted Answer

Reduce their social interactions and engagement with the world.

Answer

Increase their social interactions and engagement with the world.

Answer

Maintain the same level of social interactions and activities throughout their life.

Answer

Experience a sudden decline in their cognitive abilities.

Question 62

A key concept in the activity theory of ageing is that:

Accepted Answer

Individuals continue to engage in meaningful activities as they age.

Answer

Individuals tend to withdraw from social interactions as they age.

Answer

Ageing is an inevitable process that leads to a decline in physical and cognitive abilities.

Answer

Older adults seek to establish new relationships to compensate for losses.

Question 63

The continuity theory of ageing suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Older adults maintain patterns of behaviour and values established earlier in life.

Answer

Ageing individuals undergo dramatic changes in personality and lifestyle.

Answer

Individuals can significantly alter their personality traits and habits in later life.

Answer

Cognitive abilities decline at a steady rate throughout the lifespan.

Question 64

The concept of gerotranscendence refers to:

Accepted Answer

A spiritual transformation that occurs in some older adults.

Answer

A decline in cognitive abilities that is associated with ageing.

Answer

An increase in social isolation and loneliness that accompanies ageing.

Answer

A shift towards more negative emotions and attitudes in later life.