,PSYC140/PSYC 140 Module Exam 8 | Developmental
(Lifespan) Psychology | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026
1. According to the module, late adulthood begins in approximately which decade of life?
A) 40s
B) 50s
C) 60s
D) 70s
Correct Answer: 60s
Rationale: Late adulthood is generally defined as beginning in the 60s, a period marked by significant
physical, cognitive, and social changes. While definitions vary, the 60s is the standard decade for the
onset of this developmental stage.
2. Which of the following best defines primary aging?
A) Aging caused by lifestyle choices and environmental factors
B) Biological and genetically influenced aging that is unavoidable
C) Aging that results from disease processes
D) Aging that can be completely reversed with medical intervention
Correct Answer: Biological and genetically influenced aging that is unavoidable
Rationale: Primary aging refers to the biological and genetically influenced changes that occur as a
natural part of aging, which are unavoidable. Secondary aging is caused by lifestyle and environmental
factors.
3. Which of the following best defines secondary aging?
A) Biological aging caused by genes
B) Aging that is unavoidable
,C) Aging caused by lifestyle choices and the environment
D) Aging that only affects physical appearance
Correct Answer: Aging caused by lifestyle choices and the environment
Rationale: Secondary aging refers to age-related changes that are caused by lifestyle choices and
environmental factors, making them potentially preventable or modifiable. This contrasts with primary
aging, which is genetically driven and unavoidable.
4. What is a logical problem with the "wear and tear" theory of aging?
A) The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances
B) The body has no ability to repair itself
C) All individuals age at the same rate
D) Wear and tear only affects joints
Correct Answer: The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances
Rationale: A key criticism of the "wear and tear" theory is that the body has remarkable self-repair
capabilities. Furthermore, individuals who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise are typically
healthier and longer-lived, contradicting the idea that use inevitably leads to breakdown.
5. Which of the following is a current genetic explanation for why we age biologically?
A) Telomeres lengthen with age
B) Specific genes are at least partly responsible for longevity
C) DNA damage is never repaired
D) Aging is entirely determined by lifestyle
Correct Answer: Specific genes are at least partly responsible for longevity
, Rationale: Current genetic theories suggest that specific genes influence longevity and the age at which
physical changes occur. Other theories consider cumulative effects that damage DNA, contributing to
the aging process.
6. The cumulative effects that damage DNA and result in aging are part of which type of theory?
A) Genetic theory
B) Wear and tear theory
C) Activity theory
D) Disengagement theory
Correct Answer: Genetic theory
Rationale: Some genetic theories of aging focus on cumulative effects that damage DNA, leading to
cellular dysfunction and aging. These theories complement those that identify specific genes associated
with longevity.
7. What is the most common type of dementia, accounting for approximately 60% of cases?
A) Vascular dementia
B) Parkinson's disease
C) Alzheimer's disease
D) Frontotemporal dementia
Correct Answer: Alzheimer's disease
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for approximately 60%
of all dementia cases. It is named after Dr. Alzheimer, who first described the condition.
8. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, which type of memory is primarily affected?
A) Procedural memory
B) Declarative memory
(Lifespan) Psychology | Portage Learning | Q & A | 2026
1. According to the module, late adulthood begins in approximately which decade of life?
A) 40s
B) 50s
C) 60s
D) 70s
Correct Answer: 60s
Rationale: Late adulthood is generally defined as beginning in the 60s, a period marked by significant
physical, cognitive, and social changes. While definitions vary, the 60s is the standard decade for the
onset of this developmental stage.
2. Which of the following best defines primary aging?
A) Aging caused by lifestyle choices and environmental factors
B) Biological and genetically influenced aging that is unavoidable
C) Aging that results from disease processes
D) Aging that can be completely reversed with medical intervention
Correct Answer: Biological and genetically influenced aging that is unavoidable
Rationale: Primary aging refers to the biological and genetically influenced changes that occur as a
natural part of aging, which are unavoidable. Secondary aging is caused by lifestyle and environmental
factors.
3. Which of the following best defines secondary aging?
A) Biological aging caused by genes
B) Aging that is unavoidable
,C) Aging caused by lifestyle choices and the environment
D) Aging that only affects physical appearance
Correct Answer: Aging caused by lifestyle choices and the environment
Rationale: Secondary aging refers to age-related changes that are caused by lifestyle choices and
environmental factors, making them potentially preventable or modifiable. This contrasts with primary
aging, which is genetically driven and unavoidable.
4. What is a logical problem with the "wear and tear" theory of aging?
A) The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances
B) The body has no ability to repair itself
C) All individuals age at the same rate
D) Wear and tear only affects joints
Correct Answer: The body does an amazing job of repairing itself under normal circumstances
Rationale: A key criticism of the "wear and tear" theory is that the body has remarkable self-repair
capabilities. Furthermore, individuals who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise are typically
healthier and longer-lived, contradicting the idea that use inevitably leads to breakdown.
5. Which of the following is a current genetic explanation for why we age biologically?
A) Telomeres lengthen with age
B) Specific genes are at least partly responsible for longevity
C) DNA damage is never repaired
D) Aging is entirely determined by lifestyle
Correct Answer: Specific genes are at least partly responsible for longevity
, Rationale: Current genetic theories suggest that specific genes influence longevity and the age at which
physical changes occur. Other theories consider cumulative effects that damage DNA, contributing to
the aging process.
6. The cumulative effects that damage DNA and result in aging are part of which type of theory?
A) Genetic theory
B) Wear and tear theory
C) Activity theory
D) Disengagement theory
Correct Answer: Genetic theory
Rationale: Some genetic theories of aging focus on cumulative effects that damage DNA, leading to
cellular dysfunction and aging. These theories complement those that identify specific genes associated
with longevity.
7. What is the most common type of dementia, accounting for approximately 60% of cases?
A) Vascular dementia
B) Parkinson's disease
C) Alzheimer's disease
D) Frontotemporal dementia
Correct Answer: Alzheimer's disease
Rationale: Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for approximately 60%
of all dementia cases. It is named after Dr. Alzheimer, who first described the condition.
8. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, which type of memory is primarily affected?
A) Procedural memory
B) Declarative memory
