AOTA Board Certification in Gerontology Exam
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Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
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1. Which of the following is a primary goal of occupational therapy
intervention with older adults?
A. Eliminate all age-related physical changes
B. Increase dependence on caregivers
C. Promote participation, independence, and quality of life
D. Focus only on medical diagnoses
Rationale: Occupational therapy with older adults emphasizes
maintaining or improving functional independence, meaningful
participation, and quality of life. The goal is not to eliminate normal
aging changes but to support adaptation, safety, and engagement in
valued occupations.
2. The term “successful aging” is best described as:
,A. Remaining free from all chronic illnesses
B. Avoiding all occupational challenges
C. Maintaining engagement, health, and independence despite aging-
related changes
D. Living without assistance from others
Rationale: Successful aging involves optimizing health, maintaining
function, and continuing meaningful participation. It recognizes that
chronic conditions may exist while individuals still experience autonomy
and life satisfaction.
3. Which assessment is commonly used by occupational therapists to
evaluate an older adult’s ability to perform basic activities of daily
living (ADLs)?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
C. Berg Balance Scale
D. Allen Cognitive Level Screen
Rationale: The Katz ADL Index evaluates independence in basic self-care
tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and
feeding. Other assessments measure cognition or balance.
,4. An occupational therapist working with an older adult after a hip
fracture should initially prioritize:
A. Advanced strengthening exercises only
B. Returning immediately to previous hobbies
C. Safe mobility and performance of essential daily activities
D. Eliminating all assistive devices
Rationale: After a hip fracture, safety, mobility, transfers, and essential
ADLs are immediate priorities. Intervention progresses toward higher-
level activities as function improves.
5. Which physiological change is commonly associated with normal
aging?
A. Increased muscle mass
B. Improved reaction time
C. Decreased bone density and muscle strength
D. Increased sensory acuity
Rationale: Normal aging often includes reductions in muscle strength,
bone density, balance, and sensory function. These changes can affect
occupational performance and safety.
, 6. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) identifies
occupations as:
A. Medical procedures performed by therapists
B. Tasks completed only for employment
C. Meaningful activities in which people engage throughout daily life
D. Activities requiring no personal involvement
Rationale: The OTPF defines occupations as meaningful activities that
support participation in daily life, including ADLs, instrumental
activities, rest, work, leisure, and social participation.
7. Which factor most increases the risk of falls among older adults?
A. Regular physical activity
B. Adequate lighting
C. Multiple medications affecting balance or cognition
D. Use of appropriate footwear
Rationale: Polypharmacy, especially medications affecting alertness,
blood pressure, or coordination, is a major fall risk factor in older adults.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A| Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is a primary goal of occupational therapy
intervention with older adults?
A. Eliminate all age-related physical changes
B. Increase dependence on caregivers
C. Promote participation, independence, and quality of life
D. Focus only on medical diagnoses
Rationale: Occupational therapy with older adults emphasizes
maintaining or improving functional independence, meaningful
participation, and quality of life. The goal is not to eliminate normal
aging changes but to support adaptation, safety, and engagement in
valued occupations.
2. The term “successful aging” is best described as:
,A. Remaining free from all chronic illnesses
B. Avoiding all occupational challenges
C. Maintaining engagement, health, and independence despite aging-
related changes
D. Living without assistance from others
Rationale: Successful aging involves optimizing health, maintaining
function, and continuing meaningful participation. It recognizes that
chronic conditions may exist while individuals still experience autonomy
and life satisfaction.
3. Which assessment is commonly used by occupational therapists to
evaluate an older adult’s ability to perform basic activities of daily
living (ADLs)?
A. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
B. Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living
C. Berg Balance Scale
D. Allen Cognitive Level Screen
Rationale: The Katz ADL Index evaluates independence in basic self-care
tasks such as bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, continence, and
feeding. Other assessments measure cognition or balance.
,4. An occupational therapist working with an older adult after a hip
fracture should initially prioritize:
A. Advanced strengthening exercises only
B. Returning immediately to previous hobbies
C. Safe mobility and performance of essential daily activities
D. Eliminating all assistive devices
Rationale: After a hip fracture, safety, mobility, transfers, and essential
ADLs are immediate priorities. Intervention progresses toward higher-
level activities as function improves.
5. Which physiological change is commonly associated with normal
aging?
A. Increased muscle mass
B. Improved reaction time
C. Decreased bone density and muscle strength
D. Increased sensory acuity
Rationale: Normal aging often includes reductions in muscle strength,
bone density, balance, and sensory function. These changes can affect
occupational performance and safety.
, 6. The Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) identifies
occupations as:
A. Medical procedures performed by therapists
B. Tasks completed only for employment
C. Meaningful activities in which people engage throughout daily life
D. Activities requiring no personal involvement
Rationale: The OTPF defines occupations as meaningful activities that
support participation in daily life, including ADLs, instrumental
activities, rest, work, leisure, and social participation.
7. Which factor most increases the risk of falls among older adults?
A. Regular physical activity
B. Adequate lighting
C. Multiple medications affecting balance or cognition
D. Use of appropriate footwear
Rationale: Polypharmacy, especially medications affecting alertness,
blood pressure, or coordination, is a major fall risk factor in older adults.
