What is Ageing? - Definition, Theories, and Implications

Question 1

What is the term used to describe the growing proportion of older individuals within a population?

Accepted Answer

Population ageing

Answer

Demographic shift

Answer

Generational divide

Answer

Dependency ratio

Question 2

Which of the following statements best reflects a sociological perspective on ageing?

Accepted Answer

Ageing is a socially constructed concept that varies across cultures and historical periods.

Answer

Ageing is a universal experience that affects all individuals in the same way.

Answer

Ageing is a medical condition that can be prevented or treated with medical interventions.

Answer

Ageing is a purely personal experience that is unique to each individual.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Avoiding all forms of stress

Answer

Maintaining physical abilities

Answer

Experiencing emotional well-being

Answer

Engaging in meaningful social activities

Question 4

According to the 'Programmed Senescence' theory of ageing, what is the primary cause of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Predestined genetic code

Answer

Accumulation of cellular damage

Answer

Deterioration of cellular function

Answer

Hormonal imbalances

Question 5

What is the main factor driving population ageing in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Lower mortality rates

Answer

Increased birth rates

Answer

Advanced medical technology

Answer

Immigration

Question 6

What is the overarching focus of gerontology?

Accepted Answer

Studying all aspects of ageing

Answer

Studying the biological aspects of ageing

Answer

Studying the social and cultural aspects of ageing

Answer

Studying the psychological aspects of ageing

Question 7

What is the most widely accepted definition of ageing?

Accepted Answer

A gradual, multidimensional process involving biological, psychological, and social changes

Answer

An inevitable decline in physical and cognitive abilities with age

Answer

A social construct that varies across cultures and time periods

Answer

A disease that affects older adults

Question 8

Which definition best describes the complex and multifaceted nature of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Ageing involves interconnected changes at the biological, psychological, and social levels, influenced by both personal and environmental factors.

Answer

Ageing is a one-way process of decline that always leads to physical and mental impairments.

Answer

Ageing is solely a biological phenomenon that is unaffected by social or cultural contexts.

Question 9

Which of the following definitions of ageing focuses on the irreversible changes that occur as time passes?

Accepted Answer

A process characterized by physical, cognitive, and social decline.

Answer

A process of growth and adaptation that occurs throughout an individual's lifetime.

Answer

A process involving social disengagement and withdrawal from societal involvement.

Question 10

Who developed the 'Disengagement Theory' of ageing, which posits that individuals gradually detach from social activities and roles as they age?

Accepted Answer

Elaine Cumming and William Henry

Answer

Erik Erikson

Answer

Robert Havighurst

Question 11

What term describes the transmission of wisdom, skills, and knowledge from older individuals to younger generations?

Accepted Answer

Intergenerational transmission

Answer

Generational continuity

Answer

Ageing wisdom

Question 12

Which of the following is **not** considered a pivotal feature of ageing, as defined in the unit's context?

Accepted Answer

Fully reversible alterations

Answer

Biological modifications

Answer

Cognitive changes

Answer

Psychological alterations

Question 13

According to the 'wear and tear' hypothesis of ageing, which of the following is identified as a primary driver of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of free radicals

Answer

Shortening of telomeres

Answer

Cellular senescence

Answer

DNA damage

Question 14

What is the term used to describe the progressive decline in both physical and mental abilities that often accompanies ageing?

Accepted Answer

Frailty

Answer

Senescence

Answer

Dementia

Answer

Sarcopenia

Question 15

According to the 'activity theory' of ageing, what factor is essential for optimal ageing?

Accepted Answer

Engaging in activities that are personally significant

Answer

Maintaining strong social connections

Answer

Staying physically active

Answer

Retiring from employment

Question 16

What is the term for the process by which the proportion of elderly individuals within a population increases?

Accepted Answer

Population ageing

Answer

Ageing

Answer

Longevity

Answer

Senescence

Question 17

Which of the following is **not** considered a social implication of ageing populations?

Accepted Answer

Reduced economic growth

Answer

Ageism

Answer

Intergenerational conflict

Answer

Increased demand for services catering to the elderly

Question 18

What is the term for the interdisciplinary field that explores the social, psychological, and biological dimensions of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Gerontology

Answer

Andrology

Answer

Geriatrics

Answer

Chronobiology

Question 19

According to the 'Biological Clock' theory of ageing, what is the **primary** determinant of lifespan?

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors

Answer

Environmental factors

Answer

Lifestyle factors

Answer

Random chance

Question 20

What is the ethical principle that emphasizes the importance of respecting the autonomy and dignity of elderly individuals?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 21

According to the biological theory of ageing, what is the primary cause of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of cellular damage and decline in repair mechanisms

Answer

Decline in the immune system's ability to fight off infections

Answer

Changes in hormone levels that affect various bodily functions

Answer

Genetic predisposition and inherited factors

Question 22

What is the key difference between 'normal' and 'pathological' ageing?

Accepted Answer

Normal ageing is characterized by gradual decline, while pathological ageing is characterized by rapid and severe decline

Answer

Normal ageing refers to physical changes, while pathological ageing refers to mental changes

Answer

Normal ageing is inevitable, while pathological ageing is preventable

Answer

There is no meaningful difference between normal and pathological ageing

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a general trend observed in ageing populations?

Accepted Answer

Increasing birth rates and a growing youth population

Answer

Increasing life expectancy due to advancements in healthcare and technology

Answer

Decreasing fertility rates and smaller family sizes

Answer

Increasing immigration of older adults from other countries

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a defining attribute of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Predictable and reversible

Answer

Progressive and irreversible

Answer

Universal yet distinct

Answer

Unavoidably biological

Question 25

According to the 'Wear and Tear' theory of ageing, the primary driver of ageing is:

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of damage in cells and tissues

Answer

Decline in hormone production

Answer

Genetic predetermination

Answer

Environmental stressors

Question 26

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines 'active ageing' as:

Accepted Answer

Optimizing opportunities for health, participation, and security in later life

Answer

Remaining free from illness and disability

Answer

Retiring and pursuing leisure activities

Answer

Delaying the onset of ageing

Question 27

A primary distinction between primary and secondary ageing is that:

Accepted Answer

Primary ageing is inevitable, while secondary ageing is avoidable

Answer

Primary ageing occurs on a cellular level, while secondary ageing occurs at a societal level

Answer

Primary ageing affects all individuals, while secondary ageing affects some more than others

Answer

Primary ageing is reversible, while secondary ageing is irreversible

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT a primary characteristic of the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Reversibility

Answer

Biological changes

Answer

Psychological changes

Answer

Cognitive changes

Question 29

According to the 'disengagement theory' of ageing, older adults:

Accepted Answer

Gradually reduce their involvement in social roles and activities.

Answer

Maintain active and fulfilling social connections.

Answer

Experience increased social isolation and loneliness.

Answer

Become less interested in interpersonal relationships and interactions.

Question 30

The 'activity theory' of ageing suggests that:

Accepted Answer

Older adults should maintain active involvement and engagement to enhance well-being.

Answer

Ageing is an inevitable process of decline and withdrawal.

Answer

Older adults should disengage from society to conserve resources and energy.

Answer

Physical activity is more important for older adults than social engagement.

Question 31

The term 'gerontology' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The scientific study of ageing and older adults, encompassing various aspects.

Answer

The provision of healthcare services and interventions specifically tailored for older adults.

Answer

The planning, design, and creation of age-friendly environments and communities.

Answer

The analysis of legal and policy frameworks related to ageing and older adults.

Question 32

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

Accepted Answer

Enhanced cognition

Answer

Irreversible physiological decline

Answer

Increased susceptibility to disease

Answer

Reduced physical function

Question 33

Which theory of ageing suggests that ageing is caused by the accumulation of damaged molecules?

Accepted Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Wear and tear theory

Answer

Evolutionary theory

Answer

Neuroendocrine theory

Question 34

What is the difference between chronological age and biological age?

Accepted Answer

Chronological age is based on time since birth, while biological age reflects the body's functional state

Answer

Biological age is based on time since birth, while chronological age reflects the body's functional state

Answer

There is no difference between chronological age and biological age

Answer

Chronological age is based on the number of years a person has lived, while biological age is based on the number of times a person has divided

Question 35

Which of the following factors is NOT known to influence the rate of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Personality

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Environment

Answer

Socioeconomic status

Question 36

Which type of research design is most appropriate for studying the effects of ageing over time?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

Cross-sectional study

Answer

Retrospective study

Answer

Experimental study

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT a potential benefit of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to disease

Answer

Increased wisdom and experience

Answer

Greater leisure time

Answer

Enhanced social relationships

Question 38

What is the primary goal of ageing studies?

Accepted Answer

To understand the process of ageing and its implications for individuals and societies

Answer

To develop interventions to prevent or delay ageing

Answer

To promote healthy and fulfilling ageing

Answer

To eliminate ageism and discrimination

Question 39

Theories of Ageing

Which theory of ageing proposes that damage to molecules over time leads to ageing?

Accepted Answer

Free radical theory

Answer

Programmed ageing theory

Answer

Error catastrophe theory

Answer

Disposable soma theory

Question 40

Age Discrimination

What term describes the process of marginalizing and excluding older people from society?

Accepted Answer

Ageism

Answer

Geriatrics

Answer

Senescence

Answer

Chronological ageism

Question 41

Basic Ageing Terminology

What is the term used to describe the biological and psychological changes that occur as we age?

Accepted Answer

Senescence

Answer

Gerontology

Answer

Longevity

Answer

Geriatrics

Question 42

Factors Influencing Ageing

Which of the following is NOT a factor that can impact the rate of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Lifestyle choices

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 43

Ethical Principles in Ageing Studies

Which ethical principle emphasizes the right of older adults to make their own decisions?

Accepted Answer

Respect for autonomy

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Non-maleficence

Answer

Justice

Question 44

According to the World Health Organization's definition, which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ageing?

Accepted Answer

An irreversible process that cannot be altered

Answer

A decline in physical and cognitive abilities

Answer

A gradual process that unfolds over time

Answer

A universal experience that affects everyone

Question 45

Which of the following is a fundamental principle of the biopsychosocial model of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Ageing encompasses biological, psychological, and social dimensions

Answer

Ageing is a predictable and linear process

Answer

Individuals can control the ageing process solely through their lifestyle choices

Answer

Ageing is an inevitable decline that cannot be influenced

Question 46

What is the distinction between chronological age and biological age?

Accepted Answer

Chronological age reflects the number of years a person has lived, while biological age represents the physiological condition of their body

Answer

Biological age reflects the number of years a person has lived, while chronological age represents the physiological condition of their body

Answer

Chronological age and biological age are essentially the same concept

Answer

Chronological age is a more accurate indicator of a person's health and well-being compared to biological age

Question 47

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor that can influence the rate of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Lifestyle choices

Answer

Environmental factors

Question 48

Which characteristic is NOT part of the functional theory of ageing?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced resilience to stress

Answer

Progressive decline in physiological functions

Answer

Increased susceptibility to chronic diseases

Answer

Reduced adaptability to change

Question 49

What is the core focus of geriatrics?

Accepted Answer

Study and treatment of health conditions associated with ageing

Answer

Socioeconomic aspects of ageing

Answer

Psychological implications of ageing

Answer

Care for older individuals with disabilities

Question 50

As proposed by Erikson's psychosocial theory of development, what is the main challenge faced by older adults?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining integrity and accepting death

Answer

Establishing intimacy and generativity

Answer

Developing competence and industry

Answer

Forming a secure attachment with a primary caregiver

Question 51

What term refers to the ageing process characterized by progressive decline in physiological functions and increased susceptibility to chronic illnesses?

Accepted Answer

Biological ageing

Answer

Psychological ageing

Answer

Social ageing

Answer

Senescence

Question 52

Define ageing, as widely accepted in gerontology.

Accepted Answer

A natural and gradual process of change occurring throughout the lifespan.

Answer

A process of progressive decline in physical and cognitive functions.

Answer

A social construct that varies across cultures and time periods.

Answer

A preventable condition that can be delayed or reversed.

Question 53

How do lifestyle factors influence the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle factors can accelerate or delay the ageing process.

Answer

Lifestyle factors have no significant impact on ageing.

Answer

Lifestyle factors only affect physical ageing, not cognitive ageing.

Answer

Lifestyle factors are more important than genetics in determining the rate of ageing.

Question 54

Describe the relationship between ageing and disability.

Accepted Answer

Ageing increases the likelihood of disability, but not always.

Answer

Ageing inevitably leads to disability.

Answer

Disability is unrelated to ageing.

Answer

Disability is an inherent part of ageing.

Question 55

What is a crucial consideration when developing policies for ageing populations?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring policies are age-neutral and non-discriminatory towards older adults.

Answer

Focusing exclusively on the challenges and costs associated with ageing populations.

Answer

Prioritizing economic growth over social welfare for older adults.

Answer

Adopting a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to policymaking.

Question 56

Which of the following is NOT a demographic implication of ageing populations?

Accepted Answer

Shrinking size of the younger population

Answer

Increased life expectancy

Answer

Increased healthcare costs

Answer

Reduced workforce participation

Question 57

What is the term for the negative attitudes and beliefs towards older adults?

Accepted Answer

Ageism

Answer

Elderism

Answer

Gerontophobia

Answer

Senilism

Question 58

The theory of ageing that proposes an inevitable and genetically programmed decline in function is known as the:

Accepted Answer

Biological clock theory

Answer

Disengagement theory

Answer

Activity theory

Answer

Evolutionary theory

Question 59

Social engagement is generally believed to have a positive impact on:

Accepted Answer

Both cognition and physical health

Answer

Cognition

Answer

Physical health

Answer

Neither cognition nor physical health

Question 60

Which of the following is a key characteristic of ageing as defined in the unit?

Accepted Answer

Changes in physical and cognitive functions

Answer

Increased adaptability to new experiences

Answer

Reduced social participation

Answer

Enhanced cognitive abilities

Question 61

Which of the following is NOT considered a factor that can influence the ageing process?

Accepted Answer

Birth order

Answer

Genetics

Answer

Environment

Answer

Lifestyle choices

Question 62

What is the focus of the sociological perspective on ageing?

Accepted Answer

The role of social factors in shaping the ageing process

Answer

Ageing as an individual experience

Answer

The biological determinants of ageing

Answer

The impact of ageing on the economy