Highland Valley ELDER SERVICES for Quality Long Living

#	Your Answer	Correct Answer
1.	R1	False	The elder population has grown 30 fold since 1870. In 1990 there were 32 million elders in the U.S. 78% of these elders were living alone in 1989 and they were primarily women.
2.	R2	True	These areas include delivery of services such as meal programs, hospice, social supports, long term care, custodial care, friendly visiting, and reassurance, just to name a few. The continuum of home care services includes housekeepng, escort services, personal care, case management, self care education, teaching training services, and nursing/medical services.
3.	R3	False	In 1988 there were 7.8% or 7 million caregiving households. This number has tripled. Currently nearly one quarter of all households (23.3%)--22,411,200 households-- are caregiving. 75% of these households provide care for a relative or friend over age 50.
4.	R4	True	Older people are more likely to volunteer for congregation activities. This is followed by participation in health related activities. Older people often look for areas where they may participate in diverse roles.
5.	R5	False	38% of elderly church and synagogue members are involved in volunteering. The most active volunteers are those who attend services at least once a week. Religious values tend to foster a sense of community involvement and responsibility. Dedicated volunteers tend to volunteer for both congregational and non-congregational sponsored activities. Religion provides a spiritual rationale for providing service to others.
6.	R6	True	One on one involvement and asking someone to participate as a volunteer us the most successful way to develop a roster of volunteers.
7.	R7	True	The most common coping mechanism is prayer which is used by 74% of caregivers. Other common coping mechanisms caregivers turn to are talking with friends (66%), hobbies (38%), professional help (16%), medications (7%) and alcohol (3%).
8.	R8	False	Many factors influence how individuals age. These include heredity, physical environment, diet, work and leisure patterns. Aging causes a variety of changes from those in appearance, organ function, coordination, skin, teeth, bones and joints, and all the senses. All of these changes increase vulnerability to accident and disease.
9.	R9	False	The risk of heart disease increases dramatically for women after menopause. By age 65, both men and women have a one in three chance of showing symptoms. But risks can be significantly reduced by following a healthy diet and exercising.
10.	R10	False	Most older of people are not depressed. when it does occur, depression is treatable throughout the life cycle using a variety of approaches, such as family support, psychotherapy, or antidepressant medications. A physician can determine whether the depression is caused by medication an older person might be taking, by physical illness, stress, or other factors.
11.	R11	False	Confusion and serious forgetfulness in old age can be caused by Alzheimer's disease or other conditions that result in irreversible damage to the brain. But at least 100 other problems can bring on the same symptoms. A minor head injury, high fever, poor nutrition, adverse drug reactions, and depression also can lead to confusion. These conditions are treatable, however, and the confusion they cause can be eliminated.
12.	R12	False	The overwhelming number of people with Alzheimer's disease have not inherited the disorder. In a few families, scientists have seen an extremely high incidence of the disease and have identified genes in these families which they think may be responsible.
13.	R13	False	Research has found that, except for the changes that can result from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementias, personality is one of the few constraints of life. That is, you are likely to age much as you've lived.
14.	R14	False	Urinary incontinence is a symptom, not a disease. usually it is caused by specific changes in body function that can result from infections, diseases, pregnancy, or the use of certain medications. A variety of treatment options are available for people who seek medical attention.
15.	R15	False	Suicide is most prevalent among people age 65 or older. An older person's concerns with suicide should be taken very seriously and professional help should be sought quickly.
16.	R16	False	Falls are the most common cause of injuries among people over age 65. But many of these injuries, which result in broken bones can be avoided. Regular vision and hearing tests and good safety habits can prevent accidents. Knowing whether your medication affect balance and coordination also is a good idea.
17.	R17	True	The body's thermostat tends to function less efficiently with age, making the older person's body less able to adapt to heat or cold.
18.	R18	False	People at any age can learn new information and skills. Research indicates that older people can obtain new skills and improve old ones, including how to use a computer.

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Revised: June 20, 2006 .

Sources Include:

National Institute on Aging "What's Your Aging IQ?", 1997.

"Family Caregiving in US" National alliance for Caregiving Survey, 1997.

Fischer, L.R., D.P. Mueller & P.W. Cooper, "Older Volunteers" The Gerontologist, v31n2, 1991.

O'Reilly, P. & F.G. Caro, "Productive Aging," Journal of Aging & Social Policy, v6(3), 1994.