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Annual Editions: Aging 09/10 (Online)
Twenty-Second Edition
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#1.
ELDERLY AMERICANS,
CHRISTINE L. HIMES
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Christine L. Himes looks at demographic statistics for Americans
over age 65. She notes that Americans are living longer and that
the number of people over retirement age is growing as a
percentage of the overall population. She suggests that these
numbers may have profound implications for the structure of
American society.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As reported in "Elderly Americans," in comparing demographics of
older female Americans of the last century to those of the
present century, one finds that among today's elderly women
there is a greater percentage who:
a. never married.
b. never divorced.
c. were never in the workforce.
d. had children.
2. As pointed out in "Elderly Americans," conditions that
contributed to the aging of America during the first half of the
twentieth century included:
a. rising fertility.
b. increases in international immigration.
c. improvements in adult health.
d. consistently healthy economy.
3. As noted in "Elderly Americans," women outnumber men at every
age among the elderly.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. According to "Elderly Americans," older women are more likely
than older men to:
a. live alone.
b. remarry after divorce.
c. remain at home until death.
d. live without care from anyone.
5. As discussed in "Elderly Americans," the fastest growing segment
of
a.
b.
c.
d.
the elderly population is people:
over 85.
with large families.
in temperate climates.
between 65 and 75.
True/False Question
6. As stated in "Elderly Americans," the baby-bust cohort was of
similar size to that of the baby boom.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. What does the author of "Elderly Americans" mean when she says
that families are becoming more vertical?
8. As explained in "Elderly Americans," what accounts for the
improvement of male mortality over female mortality in recent
years?
#2.
NEW AGE THINKING
JOHN B. SHOVEN
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author argues that the aging of the world’s baby boomers will not
be the crisis that it is expected to be. He contends that changing
definitions of what is considered old will dramatically alter the lives
of America’s senior citizens, keeping them working longer and making
them productive citizens for a greater number of years.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
MORTALITY RISK -- the chance a person has of dying within the next
year.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As identified in “New Age Thinking,” the looming catastrophe often
cited as stalking the developed world is:
a. a killer virus.
b. a deadly terrorist attack.
c. a natural disaster.
d. the aging of the world’s baby boomers.
2. If, as suggested in “New Age Thinking,” benefits and retirements are
governed by mortality risk instead of age:
a. most governments will be bankrupt by 2060.
b. their costs will be far more manageable.
c. men will benefit more than women.
d. women will benefit more than men.
3. As explained in “New Age Thinking,” when the U.S. Social Security
system was designed, the 65-year-old mark was deemed the moment when
Americans moved “beyond the productive period” and into dependency.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As pointed out in “New Age Thinking,” a current 65-year-old American
man, compared to one in 1940, can expect to live:
a. 3 fewer years.
b. about the same number of years.
c. 6 more years.
d. 19 more years.
True/False Questions
5. As demonstrated in “New Age Thinking,” using a mortality-based
measurement, the projected elderly population in 2050 in Japan, Spain,
and Italy drops by an average of 30 percent.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As recounted in “New Age Thinking,” what are some of the dire
potential consequences for the world of baby boomers aging?
7. Why does the author of “New Age Thinking” believe that gloomy
projections about the effects of aging populations are deeply flawed?
#3.
LIVING LONGER: DIET AND EXERCISE,
DONNA JACKSON NAKAZAWA AND SUSAN CRANDALL
ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article describes recent practical research in the areas of diet
and exercise that has implications for extending life expectancy. It
also discusses the declines associated with aging and how they can be
offset.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
FREE RADICALS -- unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells; studies
suggest that they play a central role in virtually every age-related
disease, including stroke, atherosclerosis, Parkinson’s disease,
Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes.
ANTIOXIDANTS -- substances, abundant in the most colorful fruits and
vegetables, that bind with free radicals and inhibit them from damaging
cells.
MITOCHONDRIA -- spherical or rod-shaped structures in our cells that
take glucose, protein, and fat from food and turn them into energy.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As reported in “Living Longer,” building muscle helps with all of
the following @i[except:]
a. increased metabolism
b. improving gastrointestinal efficiency substantially.
c. decreasing bone mass by up to 10 percent.
d. reducing blood pressure.
2. As noted in “Living Longer,” recent research has produced an
impressive body of research that shows that:
a. antioxidants may protect the body and brain against the ravages of
aging.
b. more harm than good is characteristic of antioxidants.
c. dietary changes cannot slow aging.
d. women benefit from exercise far more than men.
3. As pointed out in “Living Longer,” research has shown that one of
the benefits of regular exercise is that it blunts the symptoms of
depression.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. According to “Living Longer,” the most dramatic declines due to
aging are in:
a. vision.
b. hearing.
c. immune function.
d. muscle strength.
5. As observed in “Living Longer,” studies on caloric restriction
indicate that it:
a. can lead to increased fertility.
b. does nothing to extend life span.
c. helps to eliminate free radicals.
d. prevents osteoporosis.
True/False Questions
6. As stated in “Living Longer,” mitochondria, spherical or rod-shaped
structures in human cells, take glucose, protein, and fat from food and
turn them into energy.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As explained in “Living Longer,” what are the effects of aging on
the body as muscle strength declines after age 50?
8. As suggested in “Living Longer,” why is the brain a good place to
study the benefits of antioxidants?
#4.
LIVING HEALTHY TO 100,
DAN BUETTNER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Members of a remarkable group of centenarians living on Costa Rica’s
Nicoya Peninsula share their secrets on living healthy to 100.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
BLUE ZONES -- regions of the world where people live longer than
anywhere else.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to “Living Healthy to 100,” common characteristics of the
Costa Rican centenarians did not include:
a. financially successful.
b. religious.
c. family oriented.
d. consummately likable.
2. As identified by the author of “Living Healthy to 100,” Blue Zones
include places in all of the following except:
a. Sardinia.
b. Loma Linda, California.
c. Okinawa.
d. Kenya.
3. The author of “Living Healthy to 100” states that most of the 200
centenarians he had met had faith in a guiding power.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As presented in “Living Healthy to 100,” the researchers concluded
that religious faith:
a. was linked with financial success.
b. declined as the subjects grew older.
c. had a profound and positive impact on longevity.
d. was strongest in Muslim countries.
5. In the narrative of the author of “Living Healthy to 100,” the
central figure is:
a. the team psychologist, Elizabeth.
b. Panchita.
c. Carmen.
d. Tommy.
True/False Questions
6. As presented in “Living Healthy to 100,” the Blue Zone of long-lived
Costa Ricans was in the country’s capital city.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As outlined in the box in “Living Healthy to 100,” what are some of
the Costa Rican secrets to a long life?
8. Where and how did the author of “Living Healthy to 100,” set up his
study of centenarians in Costa Rica?
#5.
WILL YOU LIVE TO BE 100?,
THOMAS PERLS AND MARGERY HUTTER SILVER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article contains a quiz to help determine estimated life
expectancy. The quiz is based on a study of 150 centenarians and
will calculate a person's potential of living a long life.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
HETEROCYCLIC AMINES -- potent mutagens that can alter DNA.
OXYGEN FREE RADICALS -- highly reactive molecules or atoms that
damage cells and DNA, ultimately leading to aging.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to "Will You Live to Be 100?" centenarians are:
a. baby boomers.
b. obese people.
c. people age 100 or more.
d. people who are sedentary.
2. As noted in "Will You Live to Be 100?" the incidence of colon
cancer is decreased by:
a. flossing.
b. regular bowel movements.
c. increased coffee consumption.
d. sun tanning.
3. As suggested in "Will You Live to Be 100?" people who do not
belong to cohesive families have increased levels of social and
psychological stress.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As cited in "Will You Live to Be 100?" vitamin E is a powerful
antioxidant shown to retard the progression of all of the
following _except_:
a. heart disease.
b. Alzheimer's.
c. stroke.
d. diabetes.
True/False Question
5. As reported in "Will You Live to Be 100?" certain air pollutants
contain oxidants that accelerate aging.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As discussed in "Will You Live to Be 100?" what results from
excessive alcohol consumption? From moderate concumption?
7. As outlined in "Will You Live to Be 100?" what are the benefits
of exercise?
#6.
FAULTY FOUNTAINS OF YOUTH,
PATRICK BARRY
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author points out that much of the human body contains selfrenewing stem cells. Scientists are now wondering whether changes in
the bodies’ stem cells over time contribute to those physical
characteristics that we consider to be the signs of aging.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
TELOMERES -- the caps on the ends of chromosomes.
LYMPHOCYTES -- disease-fighting white blood cells.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As stated in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” scientists began wondering
whether changes in stem cells over time might contribute to aging when:
a. stem cells were found in the brain.
b. differences between adult and embryonic stem cells were discovered.
c. they realized that so much of the body contains self-renewing stem
cells.
d. variations between male and female stem cells were confirmed.
2. As described in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” adult stem cells
normally:
a. are clustered in major organs.
b. can generate new cells only for the tissue in which they are found.
c. can become any type of cell in the body.
d. are superior to embryonic stem cells.
3. As revealed in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” recent research has
shown that it is incorrect that people have small reservoirs of stem
cells in some tissues, such as bone marrow.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As defined in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” the perennial nemesis of
cell biology is:
a. lack of government funding for research.
b. religious opposition to its research.
c. declining scientific interest.
d. cancer.
5.
on
a.
b.
c.
d.
As maintained in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” the effect of old age
blood stem cells is to:
gum up their ability to make specialized offspring cells.
reduce severely their power of self-renewal.
stop their ability to produce macrophages.
affect some blood types more than others.
True/False Questions
6. As noted in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” just as stem cells affect
aging, the aging body affects stem cells.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. What general conclusions about aging and the role of stem cells does
the author of “Faulty Fountains of Youth” support?
8. As given in “Faulty Fountains of Youth,” how is the possible role of
stem cells in the aging of skin tissue described?
#7.
STOP SMOKING AND BENEFITS COME QUICKLY,
JAN CHAIT
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author outlines in detail the number of different ways your health
will improve if you quit smoking. These improvements begin within 20
minutes after you have quit and continue for the next 15 years.
WEB QUIZ QUESTION
1. As enumerated in “Stop Smoking and Benefits Come Quickly,” smoking
cessation has all of the following benefits except:
a. blood pressure and pulse rates drop.
b. chance of heart attack decreases.
c. weight loss.
d. circulation improves and lung function increases.
#8.
LIFE AFTER DEATH,
BILL NEWCOTT
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Does aging and a closer proximity to death alter one’s belief in an
afterlife? What proportion of people over age 50 believes that there is
a Heaven? A Hell? Does adherence to any one faith have an effect on the
answers? The author reports his findings on the spiritual beliefs of
more than 1,000 older Americans in this article.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
AARP -- American Association for Retired Persons.
NDE -- Near-Death Experience.
REM -- Rapid Eye Movement.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. In the survey discussed in “Life After Death,” it was found that the
percentage of people 50 or over who believed in life after death was
almost:
a. 25 percent.
b. 40 percent.
c. 50 percent.
d. 75 percent.
2. As given in “Life After Death,” confidence that there is a life
after death:
a. is strongest among teenagers..
b. increases as people get older.
c. is about the same in all age groups.
d. decreases as people get older.
3. As noted in “Life After Death,” far more people believe that there
is a Hell than believe there is a Heaven.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As asserted in “Life After Death,” belief in reincarnation is a
mainstay of:
a. most Protestant sects.
b. the Greek Orthodox Church.
c. Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
d. Roman Catholicism.
5.
a.
b.
c.
d.
As disclosed in “Life After Death,” belief in spirits or ghosts is:
more prevalent among women than men.
more prevalent among men than women.
especially strong in the Northwest.
unknown among Native Americans.
True/False Questions
6. As revealed in “Life After Death,” women are a lot more likely to
believe in an afterlife than men.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As stated in “Life After Death,” do income and education appear to
affect belief in Heaven, and, if so, in what way?
8. As described in “Life After Death,” what are “near-death
experiences,” and what are some of the explanations for their
occurrence?
#9.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Although the United States still lags behind other countries in life
expectancy, Americans are staying healthier and living longer than ever
before. This Harvard Health letter examines life expectancy and
presents the details of a life-expectancy quiz developed by the San
Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
HALE -- Healthy Life Expectancy.
HRS -- Health and Retirement Survey.
BMI -- Body Mass Index.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As presented in “Lifetime Achievements,” the latest statistics show
that life expectancy in the United States:
a. has decreased steadily in the past decade.
b. is longer than Japanese life expectancy.
c. has increased since 1990.
d. remains stable at approximately 80 years.
2. As defined in “Lifetime Achievements,” the “compression of
morbidity” refers to:
a. the U.S. life expectancy rate when compared to other countries.
b. a person’s life expectancy at birth.
c. the disabilities experienced by an aging population.
d. a reduction in the number of years of disability dependence at the
end of life.
3. As claimed in “Lifetime Achievements,” because Americans and their
English counterparts share similar diets and lifestyles, they also
share similar life expectancies.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As described in “Lifetime Achievements,” the San Francisco Veterans
Affairs Medical Center quiz involves 12 factors that were found to:
a. correlate with death in a four-year period.
b. extend life expectancy.
c. measure body mass index (BMI).
d. diagnose illness by race, sex, and other categories.
True/False Questions
5. As noted in “Lifetime Achievements,” one problem with the San
Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center quiz is that it is based
primarily on findings related to white Americans. (T)
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As explained in “Lifetime Achievements,” why does a person’s life
expectancy increase as he or she gets older?
7. As outlined in “Lifetime Achievements,” what are two of three
factors that have allowed for the “compression of morbidity”?
#10.
WE CAN CONTROL HOW WE AGE,
LOU ANN WALKER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Lou Ann Walker points to research indicating that the quality of
aging is not genetically predetermined. She offers practical
suggestions for individuals to improve their lives as they age
as well as attributes that those who age successfully share.
There are things individuals can do to make their later years
happier ones.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to "We Can Control How We Age," all of the following
can contribute to aging well _except:_
a. not smoking.
b. avoiding obesity.
c. alcohol abstinence.
d. happy marriage.
2. As noted in "We Can Control How We Age," the Harvard study was a
rarity in that it:
a.
b.
c.
d.
was limited to men.
was limited to women.
was funded by the government.
examined the well, not the sick.
3. As pointed out in "We Can Control How We Age," income accounts
for a major part of better aging.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. Concerning education, the study described in "We Can Control How
We Age" suggests that:
a. the level of education has no correlation to aging.
b. people pursue continued education out of a feeling of
helplessness.
c. people with less education are more likely to be obese.
d. problem-solvers tend to avoid extra education.
True/False Question
5. As observed in "We Can Control How We Age," genes are
fundamentally important to the quality of aging.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As described in "We Can Control How We Age," what are three of
the four attributes vital to successful aging?
7. As explained in "We Can Control How We Age," why does a person
with mature defenses have an advantage in aging?
#11.
SOCIETY FEARS THE AGING PROCESS,
MARY PIPHER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Mary Pipher argues that because modern society is focused on
youthfulness and afraid of the dependency and mortality
associated with aging, older people are often segregated from
those who are younger. Pipher examines some of the ways in which
this social discomfort is displayed, including greeting cards,
film and television, and the terms used to describe people who
are older. She also suggests ways in which both language and
ideas need to be changed to bring an end to this damaging
stereotyping.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. Many young and healthy adults, as explained in "Society Fears
the Aging Process," avoid contact with elderly people because
they fear:
a. the loss of independence associated with aging.
b. they will be obligated to spend increasing amounts of time
with them.
c. they will have little in common with older people.
d. they might say something that will upset an older person.
2. As described in "Society Fears the Aging Process," when she
first began visiting nursing homes, the author was most upset by
the:
a. lack of visitors the residents received.
b. lack of concern the staff showed to the residents.
c. fear she might one day live in such a place.
d. sight of so many elderly people with little to say to each
other.
3. In part because of the influence of present-focused advertising
and television, as maintained in "Society Fears the Aging
Process," the baby boomers can be considered an almost
futureless generation.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. Mistakes that could happen to anybody, such as a car accident or
a checking-account overdraft, as stated in "Society Fears the
Aging Process," carry a greater risk for older people because
these errors can have serious implications for their:
a. long-term health.
b. continued freedom and independence.
c. self-esteem.
d. ability to ask for help later on when they require it.
5. In the United States, as put forth in "Society Fears the Aging
Process," the ideal state for an adult is:
a. parenthood.
b. as a worker.
c. fully independent.
d. retired.
True/False Question
6. Younger people, as noted in "Society Fears the Aging Process,"
do not hold themselves to the same standards of behavior they
expect from the elderly, which includes emotional generosity,
optimism, and displaying an interest in the activities of
others.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. Describe some of the ways in which the media typically portrays
older people, as identified in "Society Fears the Aging
Process."
8. What are some of the ways in which both the language used and
the ideas about dependency must change to better accommodate the
needs of older individuals and younger people in relating to
them, as suggested in "Society Fears the Aging Process?"
#12.
A HEALTHY MIND, A LONGER LIFE,
LEA WINERMAN
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Thirty years ago, gerontologist Robert Atchley administered the Ohio
Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement to more than 1,100 people
over age 50, then followed them over the course of several decades. The
study determined that those who held negative views of their own aging,
many based on the culture’s negative stereotypes, tended to die at an
earlier age than those who held more positive views, and other studies
have supported this research.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
OHIO LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGING AND RETIREMENT -- a study that
examined older people’s views on aging and how these views affected
their longevity and health.
WILL TO LIVE -- belief by people that the positive aspects of life
outweigh the hardships.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As presented in “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” studies show that,
when compared to those who hold negative views of their own aging,
those who hold positive views:
a. live shorter but happier lives.
b. have had less exposure to negative cultural stereotypes.
c. live longer, healthier lives.
d. are less afraid of death.
2. As explained in “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” researchers believe
that elderly Chinese perform better on memory tests than elderly
Americans because:
a. memory is considered more important in Chinese culture than in
American culture.
b. Chinese people are generally smarter than American people.
c. the Chinese have a negative view of aging, so elderly people must
strive harder to prove themselves.
d. the Chinese have more positive views of aging, so they are not
mentally affected by aging stereotypes.
3. As noted in “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” given the results of
the Ohio Longitudinal Study of Aging and Retirement, negative images of
aging could be considered a public-health issue.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As stated in “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” researchers believe
that the healthy effects of a positive attitude about aging might have
something to do with a person’s:
a. genetic makeup.
b. will to live.
c. fear of death.
d. denial of the aging process.
True/False Questions
5. According to “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” worry and stress
shorten life span and should be avoided whenever possible.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As detailed in “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” explain how the
effects of racial stereotypes differ from those of aging stereotypes.
7. As described in “A Healthy Mind, A Longer Life,” explain the theory
behind research findings that people who are the most cheerful as
children die younger than their less-happy counterparts?
#13.
THE SECRET LIVES OF SINGLE WOMEN,
SARAH MAHONEY
ARTICLE SUMMARY
There are a number of myths about the well-being and mindset of
single older women that affect the way these women are viewed by
society. Sarah Mahoney explores the myths and debunks them,
using input from experts on dating, finances, and other areas
affecting the life of women seniors.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As
of
a.
b.
reported in "The Secret Lives of Single Women," the reality
American women and singleness includes that:
the majority of American women over 45 are single.
American women are now likely to spend more years single than
with a significant other.
c. there are no correlations between singleness and health.
d. there are no correlations between singleness and finances.
2. As noted in "The Secret Lives of Single Women" regarding the
social relationships of women ages 40 to 69, the AARP study
found the largest percentage of women:
a. have no desire to date at all.
b. are trying to find a life mate.
c. are dating non-exclusively.
d. are cohabiting.
3. As pointed out in "The Secret Lives of Single Women," single
women were more likely than married women to report being
lonely.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. Concerning women and financial acumen as compared to men, the
author of "The Secret Lives of Single Women" notes that women:
a. accept higher levels of risk in their investing.
b. are more likely to invest in mutual funds.
c. make more investment mistakes.
d. are more likely to rely on advice from finance experts.
5. As discussed in "The Secret Lives of Single Women," studies on
women's perception of how good-looking they are show that:
a. older women think of themselves as more attractive than
younger women.
b. women's estimations of their own attractiveness diminishes
over time.
c. women's estimations of their own attractiveness increases
over time.
d. women's estimations of their own attractiveness stays the
same over time.
True/False Question
6. According to "The Secret Lives of Single Women," women are less
likely to get chronic illnesses than men.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As explained in "The Secret Lives of Single Women," what is the
_Sex and the City_ syndrome identified by financial planner
Esther M. Berger?
8. As described in "The Secret Lives of Single Women," what is
meant by the claim that women get plastic surgery as a form of
defensive aging?
#14.
THE UNDER-REPORTED IMPACT OF AGE DISCRIMINATION AND ITS THREAT
TO BUSINESS VITALITY,
ROBERT J. GROSSMAN
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Robert J. Grossman discusses the impact of the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act, along with the continuing
problem of age discrimination in the workplace. Unfortunately
for many terminated workers, it is expensive and difficult to
prove that they lost their jobs solely as a result of their age,
so companies often feel free to discriminate. In addition, it
appears that the general public is less sensitive to age
discrimination than other forms of bias.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
ADEA -- Age Discrimination in Employment Act, federal
legislation passed in 1967 that makes it illegal for an employer
or union to discharge, refuse to hire, or otherwise discriminate
on the basis of age.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. People tend to think that age discrimination is not too bad, as
maintained in "The Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination
and Its Threat to Business Vitality," because they can visualize
it as an issue of:
a. politics.
b. economics.
c. civil rights.
d. interpersonal relations.
2. Age is so critical to employees, as put forth in "The
Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination and Its Threat to
Business Vitality," that, in a recent study, it was considered
more important in how workers are treated than all of the
following attributes _except:_
a. education.
b. race.
c. sexual orientation.
d. religion.
3. Instances of age discrimination in the workplace, as noted in
"The Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination and Its Threat
to Business Vitality," are less common for African American and
Hispanic workers than for white employees.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. According to "The Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination
and Its Threat to Business Vitality," employers often lay
themselves open to age-discrimination lawsuits when they:
a. fire a worker too abruptly.
b. dismiss only a few workers, all of them older.
c. refuse to give a reason for termination.
d. retaliate against workers who complain about their treatment.
5. The Older Worker Protection Act, as described in "The
Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination and Its Threat to
Business Vitality," requires all of the following of employers
in reaching a termination agreement with workers _except:_
a. workers must be given 21 days to consider a buyout proposal.
b. advice as to their right to seek legal counsel.
c. continuation of health insurance until they find a new job or
are qualified for Medicare.
d. allow the worker to rescind the agreement 10 days after the
fact if they change their mind.
6. The majority of age-discrimination claimants, as explained in
"The Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination and Its Threat
to Business Vitality," are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
low-wage workers.
at the middle-management level.
high-level executives.
service workers.
True/False Question
7. Although those who bring discrimination complaints charging race
or gender discrimination are entitled to seek punitive damages
from employers, as pointed out in "The Under-Reported Impact of
Age Discrimination and Its Threat to Business Vitality,"
age-discrimination plaintiffs cannot do so under federal law.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
8. Describe some of the overt discrimination faced by older workers
prior to the passage of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act
(ADEA), as set forth in "The Under-Reported Impact of Age
Discrimination and Its Threat to Business Vitality."
9. What are some of the valid reasons for dismissing older workers
identified by critics of age-discrimination suits, as outlined
in "The Under-Reported Impact of Age Discrimination and Its
Threat to Business Vitality?"
#15.
ALZHEIMER’S—THE CASE FOR PREVENTION,
OLIVER TICKELL
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author reviews current scientific findings that indicate what could
be done in the areas of diet, nutrition, and lifestyle to reduce the
individual’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
MUFA -- Monounsaturated Fatty Acid.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As presented in “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,” costeffective, scientifically robust steps that could dramatically reduce
the incidence of dementia include all of the following except:
a. use of generic drugs.
b. lifestyle changes.
c. improved nutrition.
d. better diet.
2. As claimed in “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,” the same
dietary changes that reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s would also strongly
benefit:
a. liver health.
b. improved vision.
c. cardiovascular health.
d. kidney function.
3. As explained in “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,” Omega-3 oils
are a prerequisite of healthy brain function and may help prevent
Alzheimer’s.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As pointed out in “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,” a report
on dementia by Britain’s Alzheimer’s Society makes no recommendations
about:
a. diet.
b. early-onset Alzheimer’s.
c. prevention.
d. caring for sufferers.
True/False Questions
5. Surprisingly, according to “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,”
the brain responds well to the trans fats found principally in
hydrogenated oil.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As described in “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,” what aspects
of diet and nutrition, if any, can play a role in preventing
Alzheimer’s? How?
7. As listed in “Alzheimer’s--The Case for Prevention,” what are some
of the significant risk factors for dementia?
#16.
TRUST AND BETRAYAL IN THE GOLDEN YEARS,
KYLE G. BROWN
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Exploitation and abuse of elders by their children has become more
widespread than ever imagined, and there are numerous and often
insurmountable difficulties confronted by older persons attempting to
resolve these problems. The author explores the dark side of the golden
years.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
CRIME OF THE CENTURY -- financial exploitation of the elderly.
CAPACITY ASSESSOR -- a health professional with special training in
assessing mental capacity.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As claimed in “Trust and Betrayal in the Golden Years,” in the
United States and Canada, elder abuse is growing as:
a. the aging population increases and services are cut.
b. cultural changes encourage negative views of the elderly.
c. the elderly population decreases and the youth population increases.
d. more elderly people are put into nursing homes and other
institutions.
2. As reported in “Trust and Betrayal in the Golden Years,” some
experts predict that the “crime of the century” against the elderly
will be:
a. physical abuse.
b. lack of resources and services.
c. financial exploitation.
d. lack of family ties.
3. As noted in “Trust and Betrayal in the Golden Years,” elder abuse is
virtually unheard of in cultures that hold positive views of aging and
the elderly
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As defined in “Trust and Betrayal in the Golden Years,” a “capacity
assessor” is a specially trained professional who assesses:
a. the ability of children to care for their parents.
b. whether or not an elderly person is being exploited or abused.
c. a child’s capacity to abuse a parent.
d. the mental capacity of an elderly person.
True/False Questions
5. As stated in “Trust and Betrayal in the Golden Years,” it is easy
for elderly people to prove exploitation in court once they finally get
over their shame or their fear of repercussions.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As described in “Trust and Betrayal in the Golden Years,” what are
the two reasons why financial abuse of the elderly is worsening?
#17.
ELDERLY AMERICANS AT HIGHEST RISK FOR SUICIDE: FEW PREVENTION
PROGRAMS TARGET THEIR NEEDS,
SARAH SKIDMORE
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The article indicates that a significantly higher number and percentage
of the older population actually commit suicide. A number of possible
causes of this problem as well as what prevention measures might be
adopted by the federal government are presented here.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide,” among
the reasons that the elderly are at high risk for suicide are all of
the following except:
a. few suicide-prevention programs target them.
b. fewer options for treatment than younger people.
c. family members refuse to recognize the victim’s depression.
d. older adults are less likely to seek help.
2. As stated in “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide,”
depression is under-detected at all ages, but:
a. the young get over it easily.
b. there is a prevailing notion that it is a normal part of aging.
c. medication can always improve the condition.
d. the elderly nearly always complain about it.
3. As noted in “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide,” the
number of elderly suicides is likely to decline as baby boomers enter
their twilight years.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As given in “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide,” the
suicide rate for Americans younger than 65 is 11 per 100,000 people,
while for those 65 and older it is:
a. 14 per 100,000.
b. 35 per 100,000.
c. 71 per 100,000.
d. 103 per 100,000.
True/False Questions
5. As disclosed in “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide,” a
Medicare coverage rule forces seniors to pay more for outpatient
mental-health services than other medical care.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As asserted in “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide,” why
do the elderly need services tailored to their concerns?
7. Where is the program Elder Services and what does it do, as
presented in “Elderly Americans at Highest Risk for Suicide”?
#18.
THE EXTENT AND FREQUENCY OF ABUSE IN THE LIVES OF OLDER WOMEN
AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH HEALTH OUTCOMES,
BONNIE S. FISHER AND SAUNDRA L. REGAN
ARTICLE SUMMARY
As a result of an extensive study of older women, the author
found that almost half of the women who participated in the
survey had experienced at least one type of abuse since they
turned 55 years old. Types of abuse considered included
psychological/emotional, control, threat, physical, and sexual.
The authors found that abuse was correlated to negative health
outcomes in both mental and physical health.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
WHRS -- Women's Health and Relationship Survey.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As noted in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives of
Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes," the
overall conclusion of this and previous research was that:
a. experiencing elder abuse has no correlation to nursing home
placement.
b. emotional as opposed to physical abuse has few implications
for overall health.
c. abuse takes a negative toll on quality of life for older
persons.
d. older people who are abused are mostly victimized by
non-family members.
2. As reported in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives
of Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes,"
among those in the "abuse occurring often" group, the type of
abuse most common was:
a. psychological/emotional.
b. sexual.
c. threat.
d. control.
3. According to "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives of
Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes,"
correlations between experiencing multiple types of abuse and
reporting depression depended entirely on the frequency of
abuse.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As given in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives of
Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes," of the
demographic variables used as control variables in the study,
the only one not significantly associated with any of the
measures of abuse was:
a. educational level.
b. race.
c. marital status.
d. annual household income.
5. As observed in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives
of Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes,"
women who had experienced any abuse were more likely to report
that they were afflicted by:
a. diabetes.
b. stroke.
c. cancer.
d. heart problems.
6. As stated in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives of
Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes," among
women who reported being threatened, the perpetrators of the
abuse were most often identified as:
a. relatives.
b. boyfriends.
c. spouses.
d. non-relatives.
True/False Question
7. As related in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives of
Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes," a
large majority of older women report being abused since they
turned 55.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
8. As described in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives
of Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes,"
what are at least two of the contributions made by the authors'
research to understanding the nature and extent of abuse among
older women and related health conditions?
9. As described in "The Extent and Frequency of Abuse in the Lives
of Older Women and Their Relationship With Health Outcomes,"
what implications does the authors' research have for those who
provide social services for older women?
#19.
RETIRE RIGHT
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The findings of a survey of: 6,700 retirees, who answered questions
about their retirement decisions and what did and did not work for
them, are reported in this article.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As shown in “Retire Right,” the most popular ways for putting money
aside for retirement among those in the survey included all of the
following except
a. investing in raw land.
b. participating in a 401(k) or 403(b) plan at work.
c. having an IRA.
d. building up equity in their homes.
2. As asserted in “Retire Right,” among the survey respondents, the
most common age group in which to retire was:
a. 55-59.
b. 60-64.
c. 65-69.
d. 70+.
3. One regret among the retirees surveyed, as reported in “Retire
Right,” was that they did not have even more money to enjoy themselves.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As cited in “Retire Right,” the most common time for people to start
saving seriously for retirement is in their:
a.
b.
c.
d.
50s.
20s
30s and 40s.
60s.
True/False Questions
5. As recounted in “Retire Right,” the sooner a person had started to
save, the more satisfied he or she was with retirement.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As set out in “Retire Right,” what regrets did the survey’s retirees
have?
7. As claimed in “Retire Right,” why do today’s workers expect to
retire later than workers in the past?
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author lists and explains the five steps that a person should take
throughout their adult life to ensure an adequate retirement income.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1.
a.
b.
c.
d.
As described in “Money for Life,” good retirements:
are not possible any longer.
still require a pension, even if so few jobs have them.
are a state of mind rather than something concrete.
take good planning.
2. In order to retire debt-free, as detailed in “Money for Life,” a
person should:
a. live in a rental apartment.
b. pay off their mortgage or sell their house and buy something smaller
for cash.
c. not undertake any new debt after turning 40.
d. ask his or her children for money.
3. As stated in “Money for Life,” those with old-fashioned lifetime
pensions are lucky dogs.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As portrayed in “Money for Life,” at the end of his or her working
life a person should be:
a. saving 15 percent or more of gross income, in addition to employer
contributions.
b. cashed out of all IRA accounts.
c. saving 50 percent of net income.
d. also have a part-time job that pays “under the table.”
5. As given in “Money for Life,” the old retirement finances model had
a three-legged stool that included all of the following except:
a. Social Security.
b. pensions.
c. part-time jobs.
d. personal savings.
True/False Questions
6. As stressed in “Money for Life,” those with 401(k)s and similar
plans should set aside the maximum allowed from their pay.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As listed in “Money for Life,” what are the key components of
planning for retirement?
8. As summarized in “Money for Life,” what are the main supports in
financing retirement?
#21.
OLD. SMART. PRODUCTIVE.,
PETER COY
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Although they often encounter resistance or outright prejudice
at work, many older workers are looking to remain employed well
beyond traditional retirement age, at least on a part-time
basis. The advantages to companies in retaining these older
workers are described by Peter Coy. He also offers a few
profiles of successful older workers, whose employers find their
services invaluable.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
PRACTICAL INTELLIGENCE -- the ability to solve ill-defined
business problems using rules of thumb that cannot be easily set
down on paper and studied.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. A balanced approach to changing the Social Security program to
better meet the needs of an aging, but healthier, population, as
put forth in "Old. Smart. Productive.," might be to increase the
retirement age for full benefits while:
a. increasing payments when a person does retire.
b. offering a range of reduced benefits for earlier retirement
ages.
c. expanding the disability program.
d. increasing the amount a person can earn and still receive
Social Security.
2. The latest up-tick in the number of people working past the
traditional retirement age, as explained in "Old. Smart.
Productive.," is a result of all of the following factors
_except:_
a. the drop in the stock market from its peak in 2000.
b. a decline in close family and other social supports for older
people.
c. fewer workers with defined-benefit pension plans.
d. the removal of institutional barriers to working longer.
3. If society can fully tap into the talents of older workers, as
maintained in "Old. Smart. Productive.," it will make the
financial problems of Social Security and Medicare easier to
solve.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. According to "Old. Smart. Productive.," Congress has banned
mandatory retirement ages for all but a few categories of
worker, such as:
a. airline pilots.
b. surgeons.
c. police officers.
d. civil-service workers.
5. Skills that older workers are likely to possess that cannot be
easily taught or tested, as explained in "Old. Smart.
Productive.," include:
a. an historical perspective on their industry.
b. the ability to solve ill-defined business problems.
c. assessing the dominant culture of an organization.
d. communicating effectively with people in other departments of
the organization.
True/False Question
6. For most of the twentieth century, as noted in "Old. Smart.
Productive.," retirement ages have fallen as life spans have
increased.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. Explain some of the reasons why continuing to work is easier for
older employees today, as set forth in "Old. Smart.
Productive.."
8. What is the difference between conceptual and experimental
innovation, as this relates to older and younger workers, as
outlined in "Old. Smart. Productive.?"
_(younger people tend to make conceptual innovations that seem
like a bolt from the blue, looking at something in an entirely
new way; older workers are more likely to be experimental,
building new ideas from a lifetime of observation, trial, and
error)_
#22.
LOW-COST RETIREMENT,
PAUL J. LIM AND EMILY BRANDON
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The authors point out that many retirees have smaller savings accounts
than is necessary to live comfortably. The different means utilized by
retirees to increase their monthly incomes to an acceptable level are
presented in this article.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
EBRI -- Employee Benefit Research Institute.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As proposed in “Low-Cost Retirement,” the key steps in planning for
retirement include all of the following except:
a. spend less than you take in.
b. plan for unexpected expenses.
c. invest in low-cost stocks.
d. set priorities.
2. As suggested in “Low-Cost Retirement,” when retirement income does
not cover all expenses, the best way to cover the gap is:
a. a reverse mortgage.
b. to borrow from children.
c. cash-in 401(k)s and/or IRAs.
d. employment.
3. As demonstrated in “Low-Cost Retirement,” most people retire with
sufficient savings to finance a stress-free retirement.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As recommended in “Low-Cost Retirement,” when extra funds are
needed, the best course for a retiree is to:
a. dip into taxable accounts.
b. access tax-advantaged accounts.
c. take out a home-equity loan.
d. sell stocks.
5.
of
a.
b.
c.
d.
As advised in “Low-Cost Retirement,” the recommended maximum level
annual withdrawal from a nest egg is:
1 percent.
4-5 percent.
9 percent.
15 percent.
True/False Questions
6. According to “Low-Cost Retirement,” the reality of retiring in the
United States is having only a modest nest egg.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As outlined in the box in “Low-Cost Retirement,” what are at least
three of the six ways to save in retirement?
8. How does the author of “Low-Cost Retirement,” suggest retirees can
take advantage of the asset that is their home?
#23.
WORK/RETIREMENT CHOICES AND LIFESTYLE PATTERNS OF OLDER
AMERICANS,
HAROLD COX ET AL.
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The article examines six different patterns of work, retirement,
and leisure that persons of retirement age may choose among.
Measures of life satisfaction are given to persons in each of
the six groups to determine which are the most satisfied with
their lives.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
INTEGRATING ACTIVITY -- sanctioned activity that presupposes,
creates, and recreates social relationships.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As related in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle Patterns of
Older Americans," an individual's occupation is:
a. the sole means of identity.
b. easily given up for leisure pursuits.
c. perhaps the best single determinant of his or her status in
the community.
d. not likely to be continued past middle age.
2. As set forth in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle Patterns
of Older Americans," changing activities and roles that
accompany retirement:
a. need not lead to a loss of self-respect or of active
involvement in the mainstream of life.
b. must utilize all facets of an older person's personality.
c. depends solely upon income.
d. determines a retiree's ultimate health and well-being.
3. As mentioned in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle Patterns
of Older Americans," the relevance of work and leisure
activities for an individual is rarely intertwined in his or her
thinking.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As discussed in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle Patterns
of Older Americans," an individual's choice of occupations is
probably strongly affected by:
a. family input.
b. location in which one lives.
c. need for intellectual development.
d. the desire to establish, maintain, and display a desired
identity.
5. As pointed out in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle
Patterns of Older Americans," current trends indicate that women
are entering the work force earlier and:
a. working less.
b. men are entering later and retiring earlier.
c. leave at the same time men do.
d. retire with more benefits than men.
True/False Question
6. As recounted in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle Patterns
of Older Americans," there are multiple problems confronting an
individual at retirement
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. Discuss, as outlined in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle
Patterns of Older Americans," Beck's analysis of work and
retirement patterns.
8. Describe, as profiled in "Work/Retirement Choices and Lifestyle
Patterns of Older Americans," the individual work
characteristics of people who are most likely to continue to
work after retirement age or return to work, and those who were
least likely to continue working or return to work.
#24.
DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE IN THE UNITED STATES,
STEPHEN R. CONNOR
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The article outlines the history of the hospice movement and of
palliative care in the United States. Many of the current problems of
palliative care are presented, including the need for regulatory
changes, workforce issues, improving access to care, and improving the
quality of palliative care.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
NHO -- National Hospice Organization, original name of what is now the
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
MHB -- Hospice Medicare Benefit, legislation that became federal law in
1982.
TEFRA -- Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. The author of “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” supports:
a. enacting new procedures that would allow hospice and palliative
caregivers to work together to benefit patients.
b. putting palliative care under the direction of hospices.
c. strictly separating hospice and palliative care.
d. making hospice care a subset of palliative care.
2. As explained in “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” U.S. hospice care initially placed great emphasis on
care in:
a. private hospitals.
b. the home.
c. municipal hospitals.
d. stand-alone facilities.
3. As noted in “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” U.S. palliative care began through an effort to
transplant hospice care from the United Kingdom to the United States.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As discussed in “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” palliative care is:
a. only for the terminally ill.
b. only for those who will be cured.
c. for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
d. now used for all patients.
5. As disclosed in “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” initially, more than 90 percent of hospice patients had
a primary diagnosis of:
a. stroke.
b. heart attack.
c. kidney failure.
d. cancer.
True/False Questions
6. As presented in “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” a significant feature of U.S. hospice development was
the decision to bar the involvement of volunteers in hospices
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As reported in “Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the
United States,” how did U.S. hospice care start?
_( 8. How does the Hospice Medicare Benefit (MHB) work, as described in
“Development of Hospice and Palliative Care in the United States”?
#25.
THE GRIEVING PROCESS,
MICHAEL R. LEMING AND GEORGE E. DICKINSON
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The authors describe the seven stages of the grieving process,
similar to Kubler-Ross's five stages of dying. They also discuss
the four tasks that must be accomplished as part of bereavement,
making it clear that it is a complicated emotional process that
must be gone through to get to the point of reestablishing a
normal life.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As pointed out in "The Grieving Process," the ultimate goal in
conquering loneliness during grief is to build new independence
or:
a. find a new and equally viable relationship.
b. avoid being alone with one's memories.
c. put the lost loved one out of mind.
d. find contentment entirely within oneself.
2. As identified in "The Grieving Process," states shared by
Kubler-Ross's dying process and Kavanaugh's grieving process
include:
a. relief.
b. bargaining.
c. denial.
d. guilt.
3. As reported in "The Grieving Process," many men find their grief
through anger
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. In discussing guilt, the authors of "The Grieving Process" note
that it:
a. often leads to anger.
b. causes the dissonance that people often feel when a loved one
dies.
c. is not a normal part of the grieving process.
d. can be worsened by others' reactions.
5. As
is
a.
b.
c.
d.
stated in "The Grieving Process," the main function of denial
to:
provide a temporary safe place.
delay acceptance of loss.
regain a sense of control over reality.
promote reorganization of emotional priorities.
True/False Question
6. As observed in "The Grieving Process," taking on new social
responsibilities is a form of social withdrawal that should be
avoided during bereavement.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As explained in "The Grieving Process," why is it misleading to
mistake grief for the whole experience of the bereaved?
8. As identified in "The Grieving Process," what are at least two
of the necessary tasks the bereaved must accomplish?
#26.
MOVING TOWARD PEACE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE CONCEPT OF A GOOD DEATH,
KAREN A. KEHL
ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article presents an analysis of 42 other articles, from the
perspectives of medicine, nursing, patients, and sociological
literature, to determine what is really meant by “a good death.”
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
RODGERS’ EVOLUTIONARY METHOD OF CONCEPT ANALYSIS -- a method designed
to be used for concepts that may change based on contextual or temporal
elements; the method used by the author of this article.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As listed in “Moving Toward Peace,” the most common attributes of a
good death include all of the following EXCEPT:
a. being in control.
b. being comfortable.
c. a sense of closure.
d. achieving old age.
2. As given in “Moving Toward Peace,” the most obvious and notable
finding of the study of the data was that the concept of a good death:
a. varies primarily according to geographical location.
b. depends largely on the observer’s educational level.
c. is highly individual and dynamic.
d. is shaped by the perception of the dying person’s financial status.
3. As stated in “Moving Toward Peace,” over the past four decades there
has been almost no change in the understanding and use of the concept
of a good death.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. Since the concept of a good death varies, as cited in “Moving Toward
Peace,” the one that should take precedence, if possible, is that of:
a. the patient.
b. the family.
c. healthcare professionals.
d. prevailing community standards.
5. As brought out in “Moving Toward Peace,” surrogate terms for “a good
death” include all of the following EXCEPT:
a. decent death.
b. fast death.
c. desirable death.
d. appropriate death.
6. As used in the 1960s and 1970s, according to “Moving Toward Peace,”
the term “a good death” meant:
a. discontinuing a life-prolonging treatment.
b. death without pain.
c. situations in which life was deliberately ended, by the patient or
another at the patient’s request.
d. one that occurred during sleep.
True/False Questions
7. As noted in “Moving Toward Peace,” the term “good death” is often
used interchangeably with the word “euthanasia.”
GENERAL QUESTIONS
8. As presented in “Moving Toward Peace,” what agreement was there
among the articles analyzed about the concept of a good death?
9. List as many as possible of the attributes of a good death, as
reported in “Moving Toward Peace”
_(
#27.
MIND FRAMES TOWARDS DYING AND FACTORS MOTIVATING THEIR ADOPTION
BY TERMINALLY ILL ELDERS,
TRACY A. SCHROEPFER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
As a result of research involving interviews with terminally ill
elders, the author has devised a spectrum of six attitudes
called mind frames regarding their own death that these elders
adopted. He delineates demographic characteristics of the elders
within each of the mind frames. Also addressed are views toward
hastening their own death held by the elders and their
motivations for considering that option.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As presented in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors
Motivating Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," review of
previous retrospective studies found that among the following, a
factor that was _not_ found to be significant in terminally ill
patients' consideration of hastened death was:
a. fear of future pain.
b. loss of autonomy.
c. feeling that one is a burden.
d. depression.
2. As noted in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors Motivating
Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," the author's study:
a. concentrated on factors motivating the consideration to
hasten death.
b. measured pain and depression as qualitative factors.
c. was conducted retrospectively.
d. sampled only elders who had fewer than six months to live.
3. As reported in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors Motivating
Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," respondents with the
most education were of the mind frame with a specific plan to
hasten death.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. According to "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors Motivating
Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," of the mind frames
identified, the greatest percentage of respondents was in the
category labeled:
a. ready and accepting of death.
b. not ready and not accepting of death.
c. not ready but accepting of death.
d. wishing for death.
5. As stated in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors Motivating
Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," among those wishing
for death, the majority were suffering from:
a. cancer.
b. end-stage renal disease.
c. heart disease.
d. other conditions.
6. In his research study, the author of "Mind Frames Towards Dying
and Factors Motivating Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders"
found that:
a. respondents shifted their mind frame during the course of the
interview.
b. he needed to lower the age limit to have enough males.
c. respondents from different states of the country took
different approaches to the interview process.
d. respondents who were mentally incompetent shifted mind frame
more often.
True/False Question
7. As pointed out in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors
Motivating Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," all of the
respondents of the Jewish faith had a plan to hasten their
death.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
8. As described in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors
Motivating Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," what were
at least three of the mind frames that emerged in the author's
study?
9. As explained in "Mind Frames Towards Dying and Factors
Motivating Their Adoption by Terminally Ill Elders," what were
two of the motivating factors discussed by elders who were
accepting of their impending death?
#28.
MAKING YOUR HOUSE WORK,
CATHIE GANDEL
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author outlines and discusses the advantages and disadvantages for
older couples who choose to remain in their current home by taking a
reverse mortgage.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
HECM -- Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, a federally insured reverse
mortgage.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to “Making Your House Work,” common reasons that people
cite for taking out a reverse mortgage include all of the following
except:
a. paying off an existing mortgage.
b. investing in the stock market.
c. paying for prescription drugs.
d. improving their quality of life.
2.
to
a.
b.
c.
d.
As cited in “Making Your House Work,” reverse mortgages do not need
be repaid until the borrower dies, sells the home, or:
does not make a payment.
remarries.
moves out permanently.
becomes seriously ill.
3. As disclosed in “Making Your House Work,” most reverse mortgages are
taken out by widows in their 60s living in lower-priced homes.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As claimed in “Making Your House Work,” the market for reverse
mortgages:
a. reached its peak in 2005.
b. is structured for couples.
c. is falling because upfront costs are increasing rapidly.
d. will swell as more and more baby boomers reach retirement.
True/False Questions
5. As given in “Making Your House Work,” the costs of reverse mortgages
are much lower than those of conventional mortgages. (
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As listed in “Making Your House Work,” what questions should people
ask themselves before deciding to take out a reverse mortgage?
7. As pointed out in “Making Your House Work,” what are the drawbacks
to reverse mortgages?
#29.
THE NURSING HOME CULTURE-CHANGE MOVEMENT: RECENT PAST, PRESENT,
AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR RESEARCH,
ANNA N. RAHMAN AND JOHN F. SCHNELLE
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The article is a critique of the research base underlying the nursing
home culture- change movement, which involves the nation’s nursing
homes in offering resident-directed care and empowering staff to make
many of the work-related decisions.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
NHs -- Nursing Homes.
NURSING HOME CULTURE-CHANGE MOVEMENT -- an effort to radically
transform U.S. NHs by delivering resident-directed care and empowering
staff.
CMS -- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” for nursing
homes (NHs), culture change will mean:
a. more efficient billing procedures.
b. integrating assisted-living clients into the NH environment.
c. fundamental reforms that create caring communities.
d. sharply lower NH costs.
2. The research-agenda goals detailed in “The Nursing Home CultureChange Movement” seek to:
a. generate evidence-based protocols that NHs can use to strengthen
their culture-change practices.
b. delay consideration of costs until culture changes have been made.
c. create a specialized advanced degree, to be required of NH
supervisors.
d. improve staff compensation before any other changes are made.
3. As shown in “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” the Eden
Alternative opposes the culture-change movement.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As described in “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” the
Wellspring model focused on:
a. residents interacting with plants.
b. clinical quality improvement.
c. transitioning people from independent living to the nursing-home
environment.
d. improving relations between private NHs and government agencies.
5. As disclosed in “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” the
landmark meeting to hasten culture change in NHs took place in:
a. 1919.
b. 1953.
c. 1987.
d. 2005.
True/False Questions
6. As characterized in “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” the
culture-change movement is being built largely around innovations. (T)
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As set out in “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” what does
“culture change” mean in the NH environment?
8. As maintained in “The Nursing Home Culture-Change Movement,” what
are the authors’ goals for their research agenda?
#30.
THE PLACE OF ASSISTED LIVING IN LONG-TERM CARE AND RELATED
SERVICE SYSTEMS,
ROBYN I. STONE AND SUSAN C. REINHARD
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The article outlines the multitude of assisted-living options made
available in different states throughout the country. Included among
these are independent senior housing with services, freestanding
assisted-living facilities, nursing-home expansion, and continuing-care
retirement communities.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
ADLs -- Activities of Daily Living.
CCRCs -- Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
HCBS -- Home and Community-Based Services.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. The authors of “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems” attempt to address the place of assisted
living in the service system for:
a. patients with life-threatening and terminal illnesses.
b. indigent patients.
c. elders and other people with disabilities.
d. the general population.
2. A study cited by the authors of “The Place of Assisted Living in
Long-Term Care and Related Service Systems,” found that, over time, had
added all of the following services except:
a. supervision of medications.
b. assistance with toileting.
c. help with bathing.
d. routine availability of nursing or other medical care.
3. As claimed in “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems,” the assisted living population is
significantly less impaired than the nursing home population. (T)
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. According to “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems,” assisted-living residents are:
a. primarily men.
b. becoming younger every year.
c. generally the same age as in the past.
d. aging in place.
5. As explained in “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems,” continuing care retirement communities
(CCRCs) were developed to address the demands and preferences of:
a. low-income people.
b. middle- to high-income individuals.
c. the physically handicapped.
d. the mentally impaired.
6. As given in “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems,” nursing homes have expanded into assistedliving services for all of the following reasons except:
a. federal and state laws.
b. demand for assisted living.
c. dropping nursing home occupancy rates.
d. market competition.
True/False Questions
7. As shown in “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems,” if necessary, assisted-living facilities can
substitute for nursing homes.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
8. What are some of the factors that determine where assisted living
fits on the continuum of healthcare, as outlined in “The Place of
Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and Related Service Systems”?
9. As presented in “The Place of Assisted Living in Long-Term Care and
Related Service Systems,” what types of information are needed about
the role of assisted living in the healthcare continuum?
#31.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENTS: HOME IS WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE
FOREVER. HERE’S HOW,
BARBARA BASLER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Residents of Boston's historic Beacon Hill neighborhood have
joined together to form a nonprofit organization aimed at making
it possible for older residents to receive services associated
with assisted living while staying in the homes and neighborhood
they love. Barbara Basler explains how the Beacon Hill Village
was started and how it works.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As reported in "Declaration of Independents," what separates
Beacon Hill Village from other retirement communities is that
it:
a. charges low fees.
b. provides services in homes.
c. has assured-quality-service providers.
d. accepts people under age 60.
2. As noted in "Declaration of Independents," among the free
benefits offered by Beacon Hill Village are all of the following
_except:_
a. weekly car service to the grocery.
b. exercise classes.
c. home maintenance.
d. lectures by notable Bostonians.
3. As pointed out in "Declaration of Independents," using Beacon
Hill Villages' a la carte services is often cheaper than
assisted living.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As discussed in "Declaration of Independents," the two key
concerns that joined in efforts by founders to get Beacon Hill
Village started were HouseWorks and:
a. the Boston Chamber of Commerce.
b. the YMCA.
c. the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
d. Massachusetts General Hospital.
True/False Question
5. According to "Declaration of Independents," there are no
low-income members of Beacon Hill Village.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As described in "Declaration of Independents," what is the
"secret sauce" that makes Beacon Hill Village work?
7. As explained in "Declaration of Independents," why may it be
easier to establish something like Beacon Hill Village in the
suburbs and beyond?
#32.
THE ECONOMIC CONUNDRUM OF AN AGING POPULATION,
ROBERT AYRES
ARTICLE SUMMARY
In many parts of the world, children have an important role in
caring for their aging parents. As a result, some of the poorest
countries in the world are not able to care adequately for their
large populations of children. The author of this article
describes some of the serious problems that this system of care
for the aged poses for the developing world.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. In
an
a.
b.
poor countries, as stipulated in "The Economic Conundrum of
Aging Population," most people:
live in cities, where children are required to go to school.
value education for girls, but send boys to work at a young
age.
c. live on subsistence farms where child labor is valuable.
d. depend on low-skill manufacturing industries, where child
labor is valuable.
2. As discussed in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging Population,"
the economy needed to drive economic growth without depleting
natural resources will be:
a. grounded on harnessing the potential consumer base of
overpopulated poor countries.
b. based on exploiting and increasing inequalities between rich
and poor countries.
c. a "dematerialized" system that is not rigidly tied to the
extraction of natural resources.
d. very similar to the one that developed in the late twentieth
century.
3. As stated in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging Population,"
large economic disparities between countries put pressure on
people in poor countries to have more children.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As shown in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging Population," one
of the reasons for the change of perspective among
environmentalists since the 1970s is that:
a. birth rates in industrialized countries have fallen
dramatically.
b. retirement ages in rich countries have increased steadily.
c. life expectancies in many parts of Europe have reached a
plateau.
d. healthcare costs have stabilized in most of the developed
world.
5. As set forth in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging Population,"
economic growth:
a. adds the problems of over-consumption of resources to
existing problems of overpopulation.
b. creates higher incomes, which in turn leads people to want
and need fewer children.
c. increases the ability of people to support larger families,
which increases the rate of population growth.
d. has no discernable effect on either increasing or decreasing
population growth.
True/False Question
6. As given in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging Population," an
aging population of non-workers will make it necessary for
governments to increased the tax burden
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As listed in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging Population,"
what would a society ruled by the old look like?
8. Why, as recounted in "The Economic Conundrum of an Aging
Population," might a small aging population in a world with huge
younger populations not be sustainable?
#33.
SOCIAL SECURITY'S 70TH ANNIVERSARY: SURVIVING 20 YEARS OF
REFORM,
L. RANDALL WRAY
ARTICLE SUMMARY
L. Randall Wray points out that Social Security is the
longest-lived and most-successful government social program. He
argues that many of the criticisms of the program are invalid
and that, contrary to popular opinion, there is no Social
Security crisis looming to deprive senior citizens of their
benefits. He contends that the program will remain solvent and
continue to provide senior citizens and the disabled with a
measure of security for years to come.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving 20
Years of Reform," original criticisms of Social Security were
based on the claim that it was:
a. socialistic.
b. unsustainable.
c. too expensive.
d. unnecessary.
2. Regarding Social Security and politics, the author of "Social
Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving 20 Years of Reform" notes
that:
a. Big Labor has been seen by people as an enemy of Social
Security.
b. Democrats argue that a larger trust fund would not help
Social Security.
c. polls show that voters trust Republicans more than Democrats
on Social Security.
d. Democrats in the 2000 election realized that Social Security
lockboxes were nonsense.
3. As pointed out in "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving
20 Years of Reform," partial privatization of Social Security
would lead to larger retirement payments for most retirees.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As reported in "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving 20
Years of Reform," the author's most important concern regarding
Social Security lockboxes was that:
a. such shoddy accounting would spread to other government
agencies.
b. long-term damage would come from creating a false crisis and
then fixing it with a preposterous gimmick.
c. huge amounts of money would be wasted.
d. they were a form of privatization.
5. As discussed in "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving
20 Years of Reform," among the claims of the Bush
Administration's Social Security Reform Commission were all of
the following _except_ that:
a. Social Security required a complete overhaul.
b. Social Security was a bad deal for women and minorities.
c. at present there is no Social Security shortfall.
d. partial privatization and benefit cuts were the needed
remedy.
True/False Question
6. As stated in "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving 20
Years of Reform," as a federal government program, Social
Security cannot become insolvent.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As related in "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving 20
Years of Reform," how did the authors of _Can America Afford to
Grow Old?_ say the government could take care of baby boomers
and increase national saving?
8. As described in "Social Security's 70th Anniversary: Surviving
20 Years of Reform," what are three of the trends that might
strengthen the arguments for more generous and secure publicly
provided safety nets?
#34.
AGE WAVE,
GOV. JANET NAPOLITANO
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author, then the governor of Arizona, points out what is being done
to the state’s service-delivery system to prepare for the new demands
of an aging population.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
COPPERX CARD -- prescription-drug discount card for Medicare-eligible
Arizona residents, later expanded to cover all state residents.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. The author of “Age Wave,” Arizona’s governor, is particularly
interested in age issues because:
a. she is very old herself.
b. Arizona already has a high percentage of people over 60.
c. several large insurance companies are headquartered in the state.
d. very high percentages of older people vote.
2. The author of “Age Wave,” believes that, in preparation for the
aging of America, much more must be done by:
a. individuals.
b. independent citizen groups.
c. each community.
d. state and federal govenments.
3. As brought out in “Age Wave,” Arizona’s Adult Protective Services
program provides armed security guards for senior events.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. According to “Age Wave,” the policy goals for the future of aging
boomers include that they should live their lives with all of the
following except:
a. meaning.
b. independence.
c. free of disabilities.
d. dignity.
True/False Questions
5. As claimed in “Age Wave,” America has prepared for and is ready for
the aging of its population.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As summarized in “Age Wave,” what were the main features of the
Aging 2020 initiative?
7. What policies has Arizona developed to ensure the safety of seniors,
as enumerated in “Age Wave”?
#35.
COVERAGE FOR ALL,
PATRICIA BARRY
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The author describes the universal healthcare legislation that
has been passed in Massachusetts and Vermont that, if they prove
successful, could provide a predictor of the way healthcare
insurance and costs might be managed across the nation. A
comparison of the two programs offers insights into ways that
uninsured citizens could be either required or inspired to get
healthcare coverage.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to "Coverage For All," Vermont is the first state to:
a. make mandatory healthcare insurance affordable.
b. recognize that a large majority of healthcare dollars are
spent on the chronically ill.
c. consider individual incomes when setting healthcare
co-payments.
d. require employers to insure workers.
2. As noted in "Coverage For All," Edmund Haislmaier of the
Heritage Foundation says that the fundamentally different
approach taken by Massachusetts is:
a. making the insurance stick to the person instead of the job.
b. fining people who do not have health insurance.
c. using the state as a single payer.
d. offering subsidized coverage.
3. As observed in "Coverage For All," the whole history of national
healthcare has been one of people overreaching and getting
nothing.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As explained in "Coverage For All," the Vermont plan differs
from the one in Massachusetts because it:
a. has defined costs.
b. is mandatory.
c. offers subsidies.
d. requires employers to pay for workers not insured.
True/False Question
5. As stated in "Coverage For All," experts contend that refusal to
compromise has doomed the plans in Vermont and Massachusetts to
failure.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
6. As described in "Coverage For All," what was the first national
reaction to what Massachusetts did in its health-insurance
legislation?
7. As reported in "Coverage For All," how do Vermont and
Massachusetts differ from other states such that other states
will not rush to replicate their new health-insurance laws?
#36.
RIDING INTO THE SUNSET: THE GEEZER THREAT,
WILLIAM GREIDER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Given the problems of the demise of many pension and retirement
programs, the author proposes a universal savings system that is
mandatory and could prove to be as durable as Social Security.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
IRA -- Individual Retirement Accounts.
TIAA-CREF -- a reliable pension system serving universities and
schools.
401-K -- a pension system set up with tax shelters and paid into
by individuals on a voluntary basis.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. As remarked in "Riding Into the Sunset," America is a very
wealthy nation, and the expanded longevity of its citizens is:
a. a financial burden putting many strains on fiscal solvency.
b. reaching a critical mass unsupportable by the social service
system.
c. not a financial burden but an enormous underdeveloped asset.
d. limited to only the wealthy.
2. As explained in "Riding Into the Sunset," the great inequity in
modern life is:
a. economic insecurity that prevents people from exploring
life's larger questions.
b. medical care not keeping up with modern science.
c. third world nations' lack of ability to keep up with modern
times.
d. the fact that children want their elders to move away from
their lives.
3. As given in "Riding Into the Sunset," during the past
generation, tax-exempt 401 (k) and IRA accounts became the
principal pension plan for working people, displacing the
traditional company pension
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. As proposed in "Riding Into the Sunset," the most threatening
problem is not potential Social Security insolvency but:
a. lack of natural resources in third-world areas.
b. energy prices.
c. childcare and tuition costs.
d. shrinking pensions, collapsed personal savings, and soaring
health costs.
5. As indicated in "Riding Into the Sunset," the number of younger
workers with the traditional form of pension is:
a. concentrated in high-tech start-ups.
b. not likely to continue.
c. growing rapidly.
d. much smaller than in the past.
True/False Question
6. As mentioned in "Riding Into the Sunset," given modern
employment patterns, workers do not need a portable pension that
stays with them, job to job.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. What are some advantages to a universal savings system, as
delineated in "Riding Into the Sunset?"
8. As commented upon in "Riding Into the Sunset," what are some
conflicts people have regarding retirement and investments over
long periods of time?
#37.
PAYING FOR IT,
SYLVESTER J. SCHIEBER
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The population is aging, and not just in the United States, but in many
nations, leaving governments scrambling to figure out how to absorb the
costs of a retiree generation. The author examines how a number of
different countries are adjusting their government retirement programs,
and warns that the United States could be in serious trouble if it does
not follow suit.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
MEANS TEST -- a way to determine retirement benefits based on a
person’s current income.
DEFINED BENEFIT -- a specified future retirement payment.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. According to “Paying for It,” the biggest concern that Americans
should have about their retirement system is that the government:
a. is not aware that the system is in trouble.
b. has no models to emulate for revamping the system.
c. is trying to change the system to rapidly.
d. has chosen not to address the problem.
2. As noted in “Paying for It,” some other countries do not rely as
much on retirement pensions as the United States does because these
countries:
a. have no retirement system at all.
b. expect workers to provide for their own retirement needs.
c. expect workers to retire at a later age.
d. have retirement systems that are subsidized by younger workers.
3. As presented in “Paying for It,” most government-run retirement
systems in the world, including U.S. Social Security, operate with
revenues from current workers
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple-Choice Questions
4. As claimed in “Paying for It,” the most significant influence on
when the majority of people decide to retire is the:
a. structure of the retirement system.
b. expectations of the culture.
c. wealth of the general population.
d. availability of jobs.
5. As explained in “Paying for It,” a “means test” involves retirement
benefits based on the:
a. amount of money available in the system.
b. number of years a person has worked.
c. income level of the retiree.
d. basic needs of the retiree.
True/False Questions
6. As defined in “Paying for It,” the U.S. Social Security program is a
“defined benefit” program linked to a person’s earnings during his or
her working years.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As detailed in “Paying for It,” explain the two-tiered retirement
system that most countries utilize
8. As described in “Paying for It,” explain the differing mindsets
between workers in the United States and those in other countries based
on where their government-sponsored retirement benefit comes from.
_(in other countries, first-tier money comes from general tax revenues,
which makes workers feel less like it is “their” money, making them
feel less entitled, and making it easier for the government to adjust
the retirement system, while in the United States, Social Security is
financed through payroll-tax contributions, which makes workers feel
that it is “their” money and that they have already paid for their
benefits, making it more difficult for the government to make any
changes in the system)_
#38.
AS GOOD AS IT GETS,
MIKE EDWARDS
ARTICLE SUMMARY
Mike Edwards compares 16 nations from around the world on how
well they provide retirement incomes, home care, healthcare,
prescription drugs, and related services to their senior
citizens. The nation that ranks at the top in terms of
government benefits provided to its older citizens is the
Netherlands.
KEY TERMS AND TOPICS
AOW -- universal pension fund in the Netherlands.
WEB QUIZ QUESTIONS
1. In the survey discussed in "As Good As It Gets," the only nation
from among the following that ranked lower than the United
States in providing for retirees was:
a. Japan.
b. Canada.
c. Germany.
d. Australia.
2. According to "As Good As It Gets," the United States rates worst
among nations on:
a. college education.
b. per capita income.
c. home care.
d. total health costs.
3. As noted in "As Good As It Gets," a likely outcome of the
revisions in the Swedish retirement system is that Swedes will
have to work longer.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Multiple Choice Questions
4. In comparing healthcare in the Netherlands and the United
States, the author of "As Good As It Gets" notes that the Dutch:
a. have longer waits for some treatments.
b. are more dissatisfied with care.
c. pay more for medication.
d. pay more for hospitalization.
5. As reported in "As Good As It Gets," of the following, the
nation with the highest tax burden is:
a. the Netherlands.
b. the United Kingdom.
c. Italy.
d. Sweden.
True/False Question
6. As stated in "As Good As It Gets," all legal gambling in Finland
raises funds to contribute to the welfare of the nation's senior
citizens. (
GENERAL QUESTIONS
7. As described in "As Good As It Gets," how does the attitude
toward old age compare in Europe and the United States?
8. As explained in "As Good As It Gets," what factors contributed
to the recent decline in Canada's healthcare system?
#39.
POPULATION AGING, ENTITLEMENT GROWTH, AND THE ECONOMY,
JOHN GIST
ARTICLE SUMMARY
The article points out what would have to be done in terms of current
social-service programs and federal taxation to maintain the programs
and to hold the government deficit to a level that is no larger than it
is today in the year 2050.
WEB QUIZ QUESTION
1. As claimed in “Population Aging, Entitlement Growth, and the
Economy,” factors changing the U.S. age structure include all of the
following except:
a. increasing longevity.
b. surging AIDS deaths.
c. low fertility rates.
d. graying of the baby boomers.