Aging and Elderly Development # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which term describes the study of aging and the problems faced by older adults?

Gerontology
Thanatology
Oncology
Sociology
Explanation - Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging and the issues associated with it, including physical, psychological, and social aspects.
Correct answer is: Gerontology

Q.2 What is the most common form of age-related memory decline?

Procedural memory loss
Semantic memory loss
Episodic memory decline
Implicit memory decline
Explanation - Episodic memory, which involves recalling specific events and experiences, tends to decline with age, while procedural memory is often preserved.
Correct answer is: Episodic memory decline

Q.3 Which theory suggests older adults withdraw from social roles as they age?

Activity theory
Continuity theory
Disengagement theory
Socioemotional selectivity theory
Explanation - Disengagement theory argues that aging involves a natural process of withdrawal from social roles and responsibilities.
Correct answer is: Disengagement theory

Q.4 Which stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development theory is associated with late adulthood?

Identity vs. Role Confusion
Generativity vs. Stagnation
Integrity vs. Despair
Intimacy vs. Isolation
Explanation - Erikson’s final stage, Integrity vs. Despair, occurs in late adulthood when individuals reflect on their life and evaluate its meaning.
Correct answer is: Integrity vs. Despair

Q.5 What is ageism?

Fear of aging
Negative stereotypes or discrimination against older adults
Decline in memory due to age
Study of biological changes in aging
Explanation - Ageism refers to prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination directed at individuals based on their age.
Correct answer is: Negative stereotypes or discrimination against older adults

Q.6 Which of the following is NOT a normal part of aging?

Gradual hearing loss
Increased risk of dementia
Reduced skin elasticity
Slower reflexes
Explanation - While dementia is more common with aging, it is not considered a normal part of the aging process.
Correct answer is: Increased risk of dementia

Q.7 Which cognitive ability tends to remain stable with age?

Fluid intelligence
Crystallized intelligence
Processing speed
Working memory
Explanation - Crystallized intelligence, or accumulated knowledge and skills, typically remains stable or even improves with age.
Correct answer is: Crystallized intelligence

Q.8 Which hormone’s decline is most associated with osteoporosis in elderly women?

Estrogen
Testosterone
Insulin
Cortisol
Explanation - A decline in estrogen after menopause significantly increases the risk of osteoporosis in elderly women.
Correct answer is: Estrogen

Q.9 Which lifestyle factor is most strongly linked to healthy aging?

Regular exercise
Excessive vitamin supplements
High protein intake
Alcohol consumption
Explanation - Regular physical activity is consistently linked with healthier aging, preserving both physical and cognitive functions.
Correct answer is: Regular exercise

Q.10 Which sensory ability is often the first to decline with age?

Vision
Taste
Smell
Hearing
Explanation - Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss, is one of the earliest and most common sensory declines in aging.
Correct answer is: Hearing

Q.11 What is the average life expectancy globally as of the 2020s?

55 years
65 years
73 years
82 years
Explanation - According to WHO, global average life expectancy is around 73 years as of the 2020s.
Correct answer is: 73 years

Q.12 What is the term for the psychological resilience of older adults in adapting to life changes?

Cognitive reserve
Emotional regulation
Successful aging
Plasticity
Explanation - Successful aging refers to maintaining physical health, cognitive function, and social engagement despite aging challenges.
Correct answer is: Successful aging

Q.13 Which part of the brain shows the most shrinkage with age?

Cerebellum
Prefrontal cortex
Occipital lobe
Brainstem
Explanation - The prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive functions, shows significant age-related shrinkage.
Correct answer is: Prefrontal cortex

Q.14 Which memory type is least affected by aging?

Procedural memory
Episodic memory
Working memory
Prospective memory
Explanation - Procedural memory, like skills and habits, tends to remain intact even in older adults.
Correct answer is: Procedural memory

Q.15 Which factor most increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?

Smoking
Old age
Excess caffeine
High IQ
Explanation - While lifestyle factors influence risk, aging remains the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Correct answer is: Old age

Q.16 Which type of intelligence declines first with age?

Practical intelligence
Fluid intelligence
Emotional intelligence
Crystallized intelligence
Explanation - Fluid intelligence, involving problem-solving and quick reasoning, tends to decline earlier than crystallized intelligence.
Correct answer is: Fluid intelligence

Q.17 What is the term for the final stage of life according to Kübler-Ross?

Anger
Denial
Acceptance
Bargaining
Explanation - Kübler-Ross described acceptance as the final stage in coping with terminal illness or death.
Correct answer is: Acceptance

Q.18 Which exercise is most recommended to prevent falls in elderly adults?

Swimming
Tai Chi
Cycling
Rowing
Explanation - Tai Chi improves balance and coordination, making it especially effective in preventing falls among older adults.
Correct answer is: Tai Chi

Q.19 Which neurotransmitter deficiency is linked to Parkinson’s disease in aging?

Dopamine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
GABA
Explanation - Parkinson’s disease is caused primarily by dopamine deficiency due to degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra.
Correct answer is: Dopamine

Q.20 Which sleep change is common in older adults?

Increased deep sleep
More frequent awakenings
Longer REM cycles
No change in sleep
Explanation - Older adults often experience fragmented sleep with more awakenings during the night.
Correct answer is: More frequent awakenings

Q.21 Which chronic disease is most prevalent in older adults?

Asthma
Hypertension
Tuberculosis
Chickenpox
Explanation - Hypertension is the most common chronic condition among older adults worldwide.
Correct answer is: Hypertension

Q.22 What is the maximum human lifespan recorded so far?

112 years
118 years
122 years
130 years
Explanation - Jeanne Calment of France holds the record for the longest confirmed human lifespan at 122 years.
Correct answer is: 122 years

Q.23 Which diet is most associated with longevity?

Mediterranean diet
Ketogenic diet
High-protein diet
Carnivore diet
Explanation - The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, and olive oil, is linked with longevity and reduced chronic disease.
Correct answer is: Mediterranean diet

Q.24 Which emotional trend is common in older adulthood?

Increased anxiety
Greater emotional stability
Decreased empathy
Frequent anger
Explanation - Older adults often report greater emotional regulation and stability despite physical decline.
Correct answer is: Greater emotional stability

Q.25 Which psychological concept describes selective narrowing of social networks in old age?

Disengagement theory
Continuity theory
Socioemotional selectivity theory
Cognitive reserve theory
Explanation - Socioemotional selectivity theory suggests older adults prioritize meaningful relationships and reduce casual social contacts.
Correct answer is: Socioemotional selectivity theory