Problemset
Title
Essay Questions
Introductory
Text
Question 1
Type:
Describe how researchers attempt to determine whether longevity is more a matter of
nature or nurture. What have they concluded?
Hint:
nature or nurture = genetics or environment
Essay
Feedback: pp. 81-85 The strategies have included studying the ancestors of long lived
people, comparing DNA of centenarians to younger old adults, and comparing
identical twins with fraternal twins. Clearly both nature and nurture play a role
but it appears that the role of nurture is larger.
Question 2
Type:
Essay
When studying the effects of diet on longevity why is it important to use BMI instead of
weight? What is a "good" BMI and why are low or high BMI's a threat to longevity?
Hint:
BMI stands for body mass index.
Feedback: pp. 85-89 and Box 5-2 Tall people weigh more so height as well as weight is
taken into account with BMI. If you eat too little you may not be getting enough
nutrients important for health. If you eat too much you increase the likelihood
of developing certain disorders. A "good" (healthy and normal) BMI can be
found in Box 5-2.
Question 3
Type:
Essay
Briefly describe three vitamins or minerals by telling where they can be found and what their
benefits are.
Hint:
Remember Vitamin C from the last chapter for one.
Feedback: Table 5-1 This table contains all the information you'll need to answer this
question and some of this you probably already knew.
Question 4
Type:
Essay
Why are there not a greater number of older (and younger) adults exercising? What could
be done to increase the number of people who exercise?
Hint:
Why do or don't you exercise?
Feedback: pp. 91-92 People give all sorts of reasons for not exercising (e.g., I don't know
how, I don't have time, it's too expensive, etc). Older adults have these and
other reasons (I'm too old to benefit). Several factors such as social pressure
and physician recommendations seem to help people get started.
Question 5
Describe at least one supplement that seems to have no benefits and one that may have
some benefits for longevity.
Type:
Hint:
Essay
Feedback: pp. 92-94 For those with no confirmed benefits you could choose from
pantothenic acid (royal jelly), gerovital, melatonin, selenium (although it may
be found to be beneficial eventually it can be dangerous). Those with some
benefit are aspirin, folic acid, green tea, or resveratrol.
Question 6
How do tobacco and alcohol influence longevity?
Hint:
Which is always damaging?
Type:
Feedback: pp. 94-96 Tobacco is always damaging and you should discuss the health
Essay
Question 7
problems associated with its use and why it's hard to quit once you start.
Alcohol is damaging in excess but seems beneficial in moderate amounts. The
benefits seem related to cardiovascular disease and you could describe some
specific findings.
Why is stress bad for health?
Hint:
Type:
Essay
Feedback: pp. 96-07 Point out that it's long-term stress that causes the damage by
affecting the immune system (through cortisol) and cardiovascular system
(perhaps through inflammation). Explain why a lower functioning immune
system is dangerous. Talk about the changes in behavior that are associated
with stress (e.g., eating, smoking, exercise).
Question 8
What factors account for the gender gap in longevity?
Hint:
Why do women live longer than men?
Type:
Feedback: pp. 97-99 You should talk about all the important factors including sex
Essay
Question 9
chromosomes, testosterone, smoking, and risky/dangerous
behaviors/occupations.
What factors account for race/culture/ethnic group differences in longevity?
Hint:
Type:
Essay
Feedback: pp. 100-102. The main factors to be discussed are unhealthy behaviors (e.g.,
excess drinking, obesity, etc), SES, stress, and health literacy.
Question 10
How do social support and a positive outlook contribute to longevity?
Hint:
What can those close to you do to help you live longer?
Type:
Feedback: pp. 102-105 Stress should be a part of your answer since it is believed that
Essay
some of the benefits of social support operate by alleviating stress. Perception
of social support must also be discussed: it's not nearly as beneficial if it's not
perceived. Positive outlook may make people more likely to do positive things
like eating correctly and exercising.