Why It’s Important to Know About Caring for the Older Adult

Question 1

T/F: the average life expectancy in the US is 77 for men and 82 for women BUT for every day you live, your life expectancy INCREASES

Answer 1

true

Question 2

Since 1990 life expectancy in the US has dramatically increased. At the turn of the 20th century, what percent of all Americans lived past age 65?

Answer 2

less than half

Question 3

What percent of Americans’ life expectancy TODAY can expect to live past age 65?

Answer 3

over 80%

Question 4

in people with an average life span, what strikes earlier and last longer?

Answer 4

diseases of old age

Question 5

what are 10 ways to increase life expectancy according to Best Health?

Answer 5

1. go for a walk
2. eating more fish
3. quit smoking
4. lift weights
5. get a pet
6. add supplements to your diet
7. challenge your mind
8. be optimistic
9. spend time with friends
10. help someone else

Question 6

what is sandwich generation?

Answer 6

generation of people who are caring for their aging parents while supporting their own children

Question 7

what are the most common chronic conditions among people ≥65 in the US?

Answer 7

1. arthritis
2. hypertension
3. heart disease
4. urinary incontinence
5. diabetes
6. cancer
7. osteo-broken hip
8. Alzheimer’s disease

Question 8

which is the most common chronic conditions among people ≥65 in the US?

Answer 8

arthritis (57%) and hypertension (55%)

Question 9

what are the leading cause of death for people ≥65 in the US?

Answer 9

1. heart disease
2. cancer
3. stroke
4. COPD
5. pneumonia/influenza
6. diabetes

Question 10

what national social insurance program is administered by the US Federal Government since 1966?

Answer 10

MedicARE

Question 11

Medicare provides health insurance for who?

Answer 11

1. people age 65 and older regardless of income or medical hx, who have worked and paid into the system
2. some younger people with disabilities
3. people with end stage renal disease
4. people with amyotropic lateral sclerosis
5. people who need hospice care

Question 12

why is Medicare the fastest-growing program?

Answer 12

due to retiring baby boomers and rising health care costs

Question 13

what social healthcare program for families and individuals with low income and resources was established in 1966?

Answer 13

MedicAID

Question 14

what is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with low income in US?

Answer 14

MedicAID

Question 15

MedicAID is funded and managed by who?

Answer 15

jointly funded by state and federal governments and managed by the states

Question 16

T/F: not all states are required to participate in MedicAID although all of them currently do

Answer 16

true

Question 17

who is eligible for MedicAID?

Answer 17

US citizens or legal permanent residents and may include low-income adults, their children and people with certain disabilities

Question 18

T/F: poverty alone qualifies someone for MedicAID

Answer 18

false, does NOT

Question 19

nursing home costs are primarily sourced by what?

Answer 19

MedicAID > out-of-pocket > MediCARE

Question 20

T/F: majority of nursing home residents are male in the US

Answer 20

false, female

Question 21

T/F: a majority of all nursing home residents are diagnosed with dementia in the US

Answer 21

true, 52%

Question 22

nursing homes in Ohio serve consumers needing more of what?

Answer 22

medical services than those available through home care, assisted living and other options

Question 23

nursing homes in Ohio are used to complement and supplement what?

Answer 23

other care options including assisted living, hospital care, particularly for short-term rehabilitation

Question 24

what are some proposed options on how to deal with the increasing healthcare costs of older adults?

Answer 24

1. reduce payments to providers and hospitals
2. increase age or other requirements for eligibility
3. increase co-payments from older patients
4. license lower level providers to provide services at reduced rates of compensation
5. offer incentives for home care vs nursing home care
6. limit usage of pharmaceuticals
7. put age limits on certain treatments (i.e. transplants)