,NUR 257 Exam 1 Concepts of Aging & Chronic Illness Questions And
Answers 2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which statement best describes gerontology?
A) The medical treatment of acute illness in older adults
B) The study of aging and the experiences of individuals as they grow older
C) The surgical management of age-related disorders
D) The study of childhood development
Correct Answer: B) The study of aging and the experiences of individuals as
they grow older
Rationale: Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging, including
biological, psychological, social, and functional aspects.
Q2. Which term refers specifically to the biological processes
associated with growing older?
A) Geriatrics
B) Gerontology
C) Senescence
D) Rehabilitation
Correct Answer: C) Senescence
Rationale: Senescence refers to the progressive biological changes
associated with aging.
Q3. Which statement about aging is most accurate?
A) Aging is always accompanied by disease.
B) Aging is a universal process, but the rate and effects vary among
individuals.
C) All older adults experience the same physical changes.
D) Functional decline is unavoidable in every older adult.
Correct Answer: B) Aging is a universal process, but the rate and effects vary
among individuals.
Rationale: Aging occurs in everyone, but genetic, environmental, lifestyle,
social, and health factors influence how individuals age.
Q4. Which concept emphasizes maintaining function and well-being
as a person grows older?
A) Healthy aging
B) Disease dependency
, C) Social withdrawal
D) Institutionalization
Correct Answer: A) Healthy aging
Rationale: Healthy aging emphasizes maintaining functional ability, health,
independence, and quality of life.
Q5. Which factor is most modifiable in promoting healthy aging?
A) Chronological age
B) Genetic inheritance
C) Physical activity
D) Birth year
Correct Answer: C) Physical activity
Rationale: Regular physical activity can improve strength, mobility,
cardiovascular health, balance, and overall function.
Q6. A nurse is teaching an older adult about healthy aging. Which
recommendation is most appropriate?
A) Avoid all physical activity to prevent injury.
B) Maintain appropriate physical activity based on individual ability and
health status.
C) Restrict social interaction.
D) Eliminate all dietary fats regardless of nutritional needs.
Correct Answer: B) Maintain appropriate physical activity based on individual
ability and health status.
Rationale: Appropriate physical activity supports strength, mobility,
cardiovascular health, balance, and independence.
Q7. Which factor most strongly distinguishes chronological age from
functional age?
A) Number of years since birth
B) Ability to perform daily activities and maintain health
C) Date of retirement
D) Number of medications prescribed
Correct Answer: B) Ability to perform daily activities and maintain health
Rationale: Functional age reflects an individual's physical and functional
capabilities rather than simply the number of years lived.
Answers 2026/2027 Galen College
Q1. Which statement best describes gerontology?
A) The medical treatment of acute illness in older adults
B) The study of aging and the experiences of individuals as they grow older
C) The surgical management of age-related disorders
D) The study of childhood development
Correct Answer: B) The study of aging and the experiences of individuals as
they grow older
Rationale: Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging, including
biological, psychological, social, and functional aspects.
Q2. Which term refers specifically to the biological processes
associated with growing older?
A) Geriatrics
B) Gerontology
C) Senescence
D) Rehabilitation
Correct Answer: C) Senescence
Rationale: Senescence refers to the progressive biological changes
associated with aging.
Q3. Which statement about aging is most accurate?
A) Aging is always accompanied by disease.
B) Aging is a universal process, but the rate and effects vary among
individuals.
C) All older adults experience the same physical changes.
D) Functional decline is unavoidable in every older adult.
Correct Answer: B) Aging is a universal process, but the rate and effects vary
among individuals.
Rationale: Aging occurs in everyone, but genetic, environmental, lifestyle,
social, and health factors influence how individuals age.
Q4. Which concept emphasizes maintaining function and well-being
as a person grows older?
A) Healthy aging
B) Disease dependency
, C) Social withdrawal
D) Institutionalization
Correct Answer: A) Healthy aging
Rationale: Healthy aging emphasizes maintaining functional ability, health,
independence, and quality of life.
Q5. Which factor is most modifiable in promoting healthy aging?
A) Chronological age
B) Genetic inheritance
C) Physical activity
D) Birth year
Correct Answer: C) Physical activity
Rationale: Regular physical activity can improve strength, mobility,
cardiovascular health, balance, and overall function.
Q6. A nurse is teaching an older adult about healthy aging. Which
recommendation is most appropriate?
A) Avoid all physical activity to prevent injury.
B) Maintain appropriate physical activity based on individual ability and
health status.
C) Restrict social interaction.
D) Eliminate all dietary fats regardless of nutritional needs.
Correct Answer: B) Maintain appropriate physical activity based on individual
ability and health status.
Rationale: Appropriate physical activity supports strength, mobility,
cardiovascular health, balance, and independence.
Q7. Which factor most strongly distinguishes chronological age from
functional age?
A) Number of years since birth
B) Ability to perform daily activities and maintain health
C) Date of retirement
D) Number of medications prescribed
Correct Answer: B) Ability to perform daily activities and maintain health
Rationale: Functional age reflects an individual's physical and functional
capabilities rather than simply the number of years lived.
