AAFCS Gerontology and Elder Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What term describes the multidisciplinary scientific study of aging processes and the problems of older adults?
- Geriatrics
- Gerontology (Correct answer)
- Thanatology
- Gerontocracy
Correct answer: Gerontology
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging processes and the problems of older adults, encompassing biological, psychological, and social dimensions.
Question 2: Which federal program provides health insurance primarily for Americans aged 65 and older?
- Medicaid
- Medicare (Correct answer)
- CHIP
- TRICARE
Correct answer: Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance program established in 1965 that primarily serves individuals aged 65 and older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.
Question 3: What is the most common type of dementia affecting older adults, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases?
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Alzheimer's disease (Correct answer)
- Frontotemporal dementia
Correct answer: Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease accounts for approximately 60-80% of all dementia cases, making it the most prevalent form of dementia among older adults.
Question 4: According to Erikson's psychosocial theory, what is the primary developmental task of late adulthood (age 65 and older)?
- Generativity vs. Stagnation
- Intimacy vs. Isolation
- Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Correct answer)
- Identity vs. Role Confusion
Correct answer: Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Erikson's eighth stage, Ego Integrity vs. Despair, involves older adults reflecting on their lives and developing either a sense of fulfillment (integrity) or regret (despair).
Question 5: What term describes the age-related progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function?
- Osteoporosis
- Sarcopenia (Correct answer)
- Cachexia
- Kyphosis
Correct answer: Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength that begins around age 30-40 and accelerates after age 60, increasing risks of falls and disability.
Question 6: Which type of care allows older adults to receive skilled health assistance and personal care while continuing to live in their own homes?
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Home health care (Correct answer)
- Inpatient hospice care
- Acute hospital care
Correct answer: Home health care
Home health care provides medical and personal assistance services in the older adult's own residence, supporting independence while meeting health and daily living needs.
Question 7: Which term, coined by Robert Butler in 1969, describes prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination based on a person's age?
- Paternalism
- Gerontophobia
- Ageism (Correct answer)
- Elderspeak
Correct answer: Ageism
Ageism, coined by Robert Butler in 1969, refers to systematic stereotyping and discrimination against individuals because of their age, most commonly affecting older adults.
AAFCS Gerontology and Elder Care 1
What term describes the multidisciplinary scientific study of aging processes and the problems of older adults?