CSA Senior Health and Wellness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to the CDC, what percentage of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States?
- Approximately 25–30% (Correct answer)
- Approximately 5–10%
- Approximately 50–60%
- Approximately 10–15%
Correct answer: Approximately 25–30%
About one in four (25–30%) older adults fall each year, making falls the leading cause of injury in this population.
Question 2: Which nutritional concern is MOST common among community-dwelling older adults that can impair immune function?
- Protein-energy malnutrition (Correct answer)
- Excess sodium intake
- Iron overload
- Excessive carbohydrate consumption
Correct answer: Protein-energy malnutrition
Protein-energy malnutrition is prevalent in older adults and directly weakens immune response, wound healing, and muscle maintenance.
Question 3: What is the recommended daily fluid intake guideline for older adults to prevent dehydration?
- At least 6–8 cups (48–64 oz) of fluids per day (Correct answer)
- Only 2–3 cups per day
- 12 or more cups per day
- Fluid intake should be restricted after age 70
Correct answer: At least 6–8 cups (48–64 oz) of fluids per day
Older adults need at least 6–8 cups of fluid daily because thirst perception diminishes with age, making dehydration a serious risk.
Question 4: Which chronic condition is the leading cause of disability among Americans aged 65 and older?
- Arthritis (Correct answer)
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Correct answer: Arthritis
Arthritis affects over half of seniors and is the number one cause of disability, limiting mobility and daily activities.
Question 5: A senior's family reports she is confused at night but clear in the morning, and the change started suddenly after a urinary tract infection. This pattern is MOST consistent with:
- Delirium (Correct answer)
- Alzheimer's disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Vascular dementia
Correct answer: Delirium
Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating confusion, and a clear precipitating cause such as infection—distinguishing it from dementia.
Question 6: What is 'social determinants of health' most relevant to in senior wellness planning?
- Non-medical factors like income, housing, and social support that affect health outcomes (Correct answer)
- Genetic predispositions inherited from family
- Side effects of social media use in older adults
- The impact of retirement on cognitive function
Correct answer: Non-medical factors like income, housing, and social support that affect health outcomes
Social determinants—including housing security, food access, transportation, and social connection—profoundly shape senior health outcomes beyond medical care.
Question 7: Which immunization is specifically recommended for adults 65 and older to prevent a painful viral reactivation condition?
- Shingles (Zoster) vaccine (Correct answer)
- Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine
- HPV vaccine
Correct answer: Shingles (Zoster) vaccine
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is strongly recommended for adults 50+ to prevent herpes zoster reactivation, which causes severe pain and complications.
CSA Senior Health and Wellness 3
According to the CDC, what percentage of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States?