NURS 340: GERONTOLOGY
Section 1: Introduction to Gerontology (Questions 1–10)
1. Which of the following best defines gerontology?
A. The study of diseases in children
B. The multidisciplinary study of aging and the issues affecting older adults
C. The practice of providing long-term care in nursing homes
D. The study of economic markets
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gerontology is a broad, multidisciplinary field that examines the biological,
psychological, social, and economic aspects of aging and the lives of older adults.
2. Which term refers to the chronological age of an individual?
A. Functional age
B. Chronological age
C. Biological age
D. Psychological age
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chronological age is the actual number of years a person has lived,
whereas functional, biological, and psychological ages refer to how well a person is
functioning compared to normative expectations.
3. The term “aging” in gerontology refers to:
A. Only the physical decline with time
B. The process of becoming older, including physical, psychological, and social
changes
C. A disease that affects only the elderly
D. A reversible process
Correct Answer: B
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, Rationale: Aging is a natural, multifaceted process involving a range of changes in
physical, cognitive, and social domains.
4. Which of the following is a primary focus of gerontological research?
A. Early childhood development
B. The processes and impacts of aging on individuals and society
C. Acute care in hospitals
D. Industrial innovations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gerontological research investigates the biological, psychological, social,
and economic impacts of aging on individuals and society.
5. Which of the following disciplines is NOT typically involved in the study of
gerontology?
A. Sociology
B. Biology
C. Engineering
D. Psychology
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gerontology is typically multidisciplinary and involves biology, psychology,
sociology, economics, and public health. Although engineering may contribute (e.g.,
assistive technology), it is not one of the core disciplines.
6. “Successful aging” generally refers to:
A. Avoiding all signs of aging
B. Maintaining physical, cognitive, and social well-being in later life
C. Financial independence only
D. A state of complete immunity from disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Successful aging encompasses maintaining good health, cognitive function,
and active social engagement despite the aging process.
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,7. The concept of “compression of morbidity” suggests that:
A. People will live longer with prolonged periods of illness
B. The time spent in ill health can be reduced, even as life expectancy increases
C. Morbidity rates are increasing across all age groups
D. Aging has no impact on health
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Compression of morbidity is the idea that the period of illness or disability
before death can be shortened even as overall life expectancy increases, leading to
more years of healthy life.
8. Which term describes a holistic approach to aging that includes physical, mental, and
social well-being?
A. Biomedical model
B. Biopsychosocial model
C. Economic model
D. Chronological model
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model recognizes that aging is influenced by
biological, psychological, and social factors, promoting a comprehensive view of aging.
9. A gerontologist primarily studies:
A. The molecular mechanisms of cell division
B. Aging processes and the quality of life of older adults
C. Pediatric health issues
D. Acute trauma care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gerontologists focus on understanding aging processes, as well as the
challenges and opportunities that older adults face.
10. Which of the following best describes “ageism”?
A. A belief system that values older adults
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, B. Prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s age
C. A legal policy to protect the elderly
D. The process of aging naturally
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ageism is discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s age, often
leading to negative perceptions of older adults.
Section 2: Theories of Aging (Questions 11–20)
11. Which theory suggests that aging is programmed by biological factors such as genetics
and cellular mechanisms?
A. Social constructivist theory
B. Biological or programmed aging theory
C. Disengagement theory
D. Activity theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The biological or programmed aging theory posits that aging is a
genetically determined process that follows a specific biological timetable.
12. The “wear and tear” theory of aging proposes that:
A. Aging is solely due to genetic programming
B. Cumulative damage to cells and tissues from environmental and metabolic stress
leads to aging
C. Aging can be entirely prevented through exercise
D. Psychological factors are the main cause of aging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The wear and tear theory suggests that over time, the body’s cells and
tissues suffer cumulative damage from external and internal factors, leading to aging.
13. The free radical theory of aging is based on the idea that:
A. Free radicals cause cellular damage, leading to the aging process
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Section 1: Introduction to Gerontology (Questions 1–10)
1. Which of the following best defines gerontology?
A. The study of diseases in children
B. The multidisciplinary study of aging and the issues affecting older adults
C. The practice of providing long-term care in nursing homes
D. The study of economic markets
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gerontology is a broad, multidisciplinary field that examines the biological,
psychological, social, and economic aspects of aging and the lives of older adults.
2. Which term refers to the chronological age of an individual?
A. Functional age
B. Chronological age
C. Biological age
D. Psychological age
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chronological age is the actual number of years a person has lived,
whereas functional, biological, and psychological ages refer to how well a person is
functioning compared to normative expectations.
3. The term “aging” in gerontology refers to:
A. Only the physical decline with time
B. The process of becoming older, including physical, psychological, and social
changes
C. A disease that affects only the elderly
D. A reversible process
Correct Answer: B
Page 1 of 33
, Rationale: Aging is a natural, multifaceted process involving a range of changes in
physical, cognitive, and social domains.
4. Which of the following is a primary focus of gerontological research?
A. Early childhood development
B. The processes and impacts of aging on individuals and society
C. Acute care in hospitals
D. Industrial innovations
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gerontological research investigates the biological, psychological, social,
and economic impacts of aging on individuals and society.
5. Which of the following disciplines is NOT typically involved in the study of
gerontology?
A. Sociology
B. Biology
C. Engineering
D. Psychology
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Gerontology is typically multidisciplinary and involves biology, psychology,
sociology, economics, and public health. Although engineering may contribute (e.g.,
assistive technology), it is not one of the core disciplines.
6. “Successful aging” generally refers to:
A. Avoiding all signs of aging
B. Maintaining physical, cognitive, and social well-being in later life
C. Financial independence only
D. A state of complete immunity from disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Successful aging encompasses maintaining good health, cognitive function,
and active social engagement despite the aging process.
Page 2 of 33
,7. The concept of “compression of morbidity” suggests that:
A. People will live longer with prolonged periods of illness
B. The time spent in ill health can be reduced, even as life expectancy increases
C. Morbidity rates are increasing across all age groups
D. Aging has no impact on health
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Compression of morbidity is the idea that the period of illness or disability
before death can be shortened even as overall life expectancy increases, leading to
more years of healthy life.
8. Which term describes a holistic approach to aging that includes physical, mental, and
social well-being?
A. Biomedical model
B. Biopsychosocial model
C. Economic model
D. Chronological model
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The biopsychosocial model recognizes that aging is influenced by
biological, psychological, and social factors, promoting a comprehensive view of aging.
9. A gerontologist primarily studies:
A. The molecular mechanisms of cell division
B. Aging processes and the quality of life of older adults
C. Pediatric health issues
D. Acute trauma care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gerontologists focus on understanding aging processes, as well as the
challenges and opportunities that older adults face.
10. Which of the following best describes “ageism”?
A. A belief system that values older adults
Page 3 of 33
, B. Prejudice or discrimination based on a person’s age
C. A legal policy to protect the elderly
D. The process of aging naturally
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ageism is discrimination or stereotyping based on a person’s age, often
leading to negative perceptions of older adults.
Section 2: Theories of Aging (Questions 11–20)
11. Which theory suggests that aging is programmed by biological factors such as genetics
and cellular mechanisms?
A. Social constructivist theory
B. Biological or programmed aging theory
C. Disengagement theory
D. Activity theory
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The biological or programmed aging theory posits that aging is a
genetically determined process that follows a specific biological timetable.
12. The “wear and tear” theory of aging proposes that:
A. Aging is solely due to genetic programming
B. Cumulative damage to cells and tissues from environmental and metabolic stress
leads to aging
C. Aging can be entirely prevented through exercise
D. Psychological factors are the main cause of aging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The wear and tear theory suggests that over time, the body’s cells and
tissues suffer cumulative damage from external and internal factors, leading to aging.
13. The free radical theory of aging is based on the idea that:
A. Free radicals cause cellular damage, leading to the aging process
Page 4 of 33
