Self-assessment - ‘Attitudes to older people’
In this section we have provided you with a series of questions that you may find useful in checking understanding of some of the key messages and points. There are 9 questions in this self-assessment section.
1. The fact that older women are judged by different criteria from older men in modern society is referred to as “the double standard of ageing”.
The correct answer is True.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Attitudes to older people’.
2. It is inevitable that older men and women will undergo a significant mental decline in later life.
The correct answer is False.
In fact, it is by no means inevitable that a decline will occur, although prevalent stereotypes might lead you to think otherwise. This was mentioned in the section ‘Attitudes to older people’.
3. Two assumptions underlying many old age-stereotypes are ‘older people are all the same’ and ‘older people are dependent and a burden on society’.
The correct answer is True.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Attitudes to older people’.
4. ‘Ageism’ is the term used to describe the systematic stereotyping and discrimination against people because they are old.
The correct answer is True.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Attitudes to older people’.
5. ‘Poverty is not having enough to eat and a roof over one’s head’ is the generally accepted definition of poverty in the UK and in other developed societies.
The correct answer is False.
In fact, this definition really applies only to developing countries where many people in live on less than $1 per day and are in danger of starvation. “Poverty is having just enough to get by but not enough to do many of the things which most people in the society take for granted” is the generally accepted definition of poverty in the UK and in other developed societies.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Older people as a “burden”: poverty and old age.’
6. Whilst poverty still remains a significant issue for older people, statistics contradict the stereotypical view that old age equates with poverty.
The correct answer is True.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Older people as a “burden”: poverty and old age.’
The correct answer is False.
In fact, poverty threatens such prerequisites of mental health as being independent, participating in leisure and social activities outside the home and maintaining morale and self-esteem.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Older people as a “burden”: poverty and old age.’
8. Studies have shown that old people may in fact register higher rates of happiness and well being than younger people.
The correct answer is True.
This was mentioned in the section ‘Older people’s own attitudes.’
9. Research has shown that older people value health, independence and relationships, but do not have financial concerns.
The correct answer is True.
In fact, older people have very real concerns about health and mobility, income, independence, respect, inclusion in society and relationships. This was mentioned in the section ‘Older people’s own attitudes.’