Essay Quiz


1			Lately, your grandmother has been spending most of her time reminiscing about her life. She talks about her past experiences, evaluates them, interprets them, and then reinterprets them. This ongoing review of her life is starting to concern many of your family members. Specifically, they wonder if her reminiscing is healthy to her emotional well-being; some are even concerned that this is a sign of dementia or early Alzheimer's disease. Apply your knowledge of human development to respond to their concerns. How is this type of life review likely to impact your grandmother's socioemotional development?




2			At lunch, your mother mentions that she is becoming increasingly concerned about your grandfather. He spends much of his time at home; when he does go out, he tends to socialize with only a small group of select friends. Your mother is concerned that he is lonely and/or depressed. When she asked him about it, he became defensive and responded, "I have two friends; that's all I need. Don't worry about me." Use your knowledge of friendships in older adults to respond to your mother's concerns. How can the socioemotional selectivity theory be applied to better understand your grandfather's behavior?




3			The minister at your church has a wonderful reputation as an inspirational, powerful speaker. As your minister approaches 70 years old, he is concerned about his ongoing ability to provide engaging sermons. He is particularly worried that declines in his memory and physical abilities will decrease the quality of his sermons. Applying what you know about selective optimization with compensation theory, what advice do you have for your minister? What can he do to manage and adapt to his losses?




4			Myron retired when he was 65. Now, four years later, he wants to go back to work. Despite the fact that he was a successful businessman for over 35 years, he is concerned that no one will want to hire him because of his age. Based on the research concerning work and stereotypes in late adulthood, what can you tell Myron? What will likely be his biggest obstacles in re-joining the workforce?




5			For some people, age is simply one of several barriers that impedes them from having a desirable quality of life as they get older. Discuss at least two other obstacles that can cause someone to live in undesirable circumstances. Be specific to the information discussed in this chapter, and make sure to give adequate details to support your points.




6			There are a number of misconceptions, stereotypes, and inaccurate popular beliefs concerning older adults. Which of these misconceptions, stereotypes, or popular beliefs are most problematic? What is the impact of this type of inaccurate information on the socioemotional development of older adults?

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