short answers, multiple choice on aging.

Instructions: This final exam is 25% multiple choice, 25% short answer, and 50% short essay. The purpose of this exam is to test students’ understanding of the content that has been covered in this course.

You may use your text materials and other resource materials, but you may not consult with students, instructors, family, friends, coworkers, or any other party to complete your work. This final is due by 11/18/2020 by 11:59 PM EST. Because I must submit all student grades for GERO 100 by 11/20, the assignment drop box will lock at midnight and late submissions will receive a grade of zero (barring documented extenuating circumstances).

References must be properly cited using APA format. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in disciplinary action under UMUC Code 150.25 Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

Part One: Multiple Choice (5pts)

1) Reasons that the population of the United States is aging include: (1 pt)

a) An increase in the infant mortality (death) rate

b) Both C & D

c) Improvements in public health and medical technology

d) An increase in overall life expectancy

2) Which of the following are indicative of normal brain aging? (1 pt)

a) A decrease in gray matter in the brain

b) A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

c) Both A & D

d) Occasional forgetfulness

3) Rowe and Kahn’s theory of successful aging considers all of the following to be indicators of successful aging except:

a) Being content with one’s life

b) Maintaining high cognitive functioning

c) Maintaining high physical health/being disability free

d) Remaining engaged with life/maintaining socialization

4) Biological theories of aging typically fall into two categories: programed and damage/error theories. All the following theories are examples of programmed theories of aging except: (1 pt)

a) Endocrine theory

b) Free radicals theory

c) Programmed longevity theory

d) Immunological theory

5) All of the following statements about Medicare are false except: (1 pt)

a) People typically become eligible for Medicare at age 55

b) Medicare is a public assistance program primarily based on financial need

c) Medicare is funded by the Social Security Act of 1965

d) Long-term care services and supports are always covered by Medicare

Part Two: Short Answer (5 pts)

1) Your neighbor Mr. Flay recently retired from his position as head chef at a successful local restaurant at the age of 60. Mr. Flay informs you that, while he did not wish to retire, his Parkinson’s disease symptoms had progressed to a point that he could no longer work. Mr. Flay confides in you that, while he does not have any financial concerns about his earlier than anticipated retirement, he feels that he is lacking purpose and meaning. Mr. Flay reports constant boredom, spending most of his days sleeping and watching television.

In approximately one paragraph, briefly describe continuity theory and activity theory. Then, describe how you would recommend applying these two psychosocial theories of aging to improve the quality of Mr. Flay’s life. (2.5 points).

2) In approximately one paragraph, describe how ageism may negatively impact an older adult’s financial, mental, and physical health (2.5 points).

Part Three: Short Essay (10 pts)

In approximately one page to two pages, discuss what you believe to be the largest challenges (at least two in detail) facing older adults and society as the United States population continues to age. Describe how you believe that these challenges can be best addressed, supporting your arguments with citations from the course materials or other scholarly sources.

Make sure to cite your sources in-text and provide a reference list in APA format (reference list does not count towards your page limit). A failure to properly support statements with citations will result in significant point deductions.

Optional: Extra Credit (2 pts)

Briefly describe something that you learned during this class about aging and how you think that this knowledge will benefit you in the future.

Optional: Extra EXTRA Credit (1 pt)

Tell me a good joke (the only requirement: keep it “school friendly”!).