Myths and Theories of Aging

Florida, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia have the highest proportions of persons >65 years old.

The oldest old (those >85 years) is the fastest growing segment of the population.

Most older persons live alone.

The older population is more racially diverse than the general population, with the greatest increase among Hispanics.

Life expectancy for blacks and whites is nearly equal at age 85.

Heart disease, cancer and stroke together account for about 70% of deaths among older adults.

About 20% of community-dwelling elders need help with one or more ADLs.

The most common chronic condition in the elderly is hypertension.

About 25% of the older population will reside in a nursing home.

Over 25% of total Medicare expenditures for a given year go to enrollees who are in the last year of life.

The majority of older Americans describe themselves as very satisfied with life.

About 3/4 of elders, ages 75-84, report having no disabilities.

In case of severe disability, <10% of the elderly want to receive long-term care from a family member.

Older Americans take an average of 3 medications at any one time.

Less than one-half of home health care of elders is provided as informal support by family members.

65% of elder abuse is between spouses with elderly husbands abused twice as often as elderly wives.

Older drivers have higher collision rates per mile driven than any other age group.

At 65, 30% of men report regular sexual activity.

the changes due solely to the aging process, uncomplicated by damage from environment, lifestyle or disease.

Changes due to the combined effects of the aging process and of disease and adverse environmental and lifestyle factors.

The nonreversible, deteriorative changes in aged organisms that predispose them to fatal disease and death.

Select the 3 comments that apply to the Hayflick Limit Theory of Aging

Select the 3 correct notes about the Free-Radical Theory of Aging.

Select the 2 correct notes about the Somatic Mutation Theory of Aging.

According to the Cross-Linkage Theory of Aging, Cross-linkage of large fat molecules within the body (eg. collagen, elastin, and DNA) is responsible for aging.

The following concepts are part of which theory of aging: Self-concept depends on how one performs in daily activities and the way others react to the person. Sense of self, ability to mediate between self and society, and value to society.

Successful Aging seldom brings drastic changes in self-concept or self-esteem.

Select the 3 actions that positively influence the aging process and enhance quality of life in later years, according to the MacArthur Foundation Study of Successful Aging.