Health and Aging Test 3

What is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

Health practices and treatments that are not generally considered part of conventional Western medicine.

What are the two main categories of CAM?

Complementary medicine is used alongside conventional medicine; alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine.

What does quality of life (QOL) mean?

A person's overall physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.

Why might older adults use CAM?

To manage symptoms, improve quality of life, reduce discomfort, and support overall well-being.

What percentage of older adults use some form of CAM according to the CAM article?

Approximately 54%.

What percentage of older adults use prayer as a CAM practice?

Approximately 67–88%, depending on the population studied.

Why should older adults tell their healthcare providers about CAM use?

To prevent harmful interactions with medications and make sure treatments are safe.

What is acupuncture?

A practice that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body.

What is massage therapy?

A treatment that uses pressure and movement on muscles and soft tissues to promote relaxation and relieve discomfort.

What is meditation?

A practice that focuses attention and awareness to promote relaxation and mental well-being.

What is yoga?

A practice combining physical postures, breathing, and sometimes meditation to support physical and mental health.

What is tai chi?

A gentle exercise involving slow, controlled movements that can improve balance, flexibility, and relaxation.

What is prayer as a CAM practice?

A spiritual practice that some people use to cope with stress, illness, and life challenges.

What is TENS?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation; a device uses mild electrical impulses through the skin to help relieve pain.

What should older adults consider before beginning a CAM treatment?

Whether it is safe, whether there is scientific evidence supporting it, and whether it could interact with medications or medical conditions.

What is social isolation?

Having limited social contact or connections with other people.

What is loneliness?

The personal feeling of being alone or disconnected from others.

What is the difference between social isolation and loneliness?

Social isolation describes a lack of social connections; loneliness describes how someone feels about their social connections.

Can someone experience loneliness without being socially isolated?

Yes. A person can have many social contacts but still feel lonely or disconnected.

Can someone be socially isolated without feeling lonely?

Yes. A person may have few social contacts but feel content with their situation.

Why are social isolation and loneliness important concerns for older adults?

They are associated with increased risks to physical health, mental health, and cognitive health.

What cognitive health concern is associated with social isolation?

Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia and depression and increased emotional distress.

What physical health concerns are associated with social isolation and loneliness?

They are associated with increased risks of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and other negative health outcomes.

What factors can increase social isolation in older adults?

Living alone, loss of family or friends, mobility limitations, health problems, and difficulty accessing transportation.

How can retirement affect social connections?

It can reduce everyday interactions with coworkers and decrease opportunities for social engagement.

How can the loss of a spouse affect an older adult?

It can reduce social support and increase the risk of loneliness and isolation.

How can older adults reduce social isolation?

Participating in community activities, volunteering, joining clubs, maintaining relationships, and using technology to communicate.

Why is volunteering beneficial for older adults?

It provides opportunities for social interaction, purpose, and meaningful involvement in the community.

What is one way technology can help reduce loneliness?

Video calls, messaging, and social media can help older adults stay connected with family and friends.

What is the National Institute on Aging (NIA)?

A federal organization that conducts and supports research related to aging and older adults' health.

What is elder fraud?

A type of financial exploitation in which someone uses deception or scams to steal money or assets from an older adult.

Why may older adults be targeted by scammers?

Scammers may believe older adults have savings, retirement income, or other financial resources.

What is a government impersonation scam?

A scam in which someone pretends to represent a government agency to frighten someone into sending money or sharing personal information.

What is a romance scam?

A scam in which someone creates a fake romantic relationship to gain trust and eventually steal money.

What is a tech support scam?

A scam in which someone pretends to be technical support and claims a computer or device has a problem to obtain money or personal information.

What is a grandparent scam?

A scam in which someone pretends to be a grandchild or relative in an emergency and asks for money.

What is a lottery or prize scam?

A scam in which someone claims a person has won a prize but must pay money or provide personal information to receive it.

What is phishing?

A scam involving fake emails, text messages, or websites designed to trick someone into sharing sensitive information.

What is one warning sign of a possible scam?

Someone pressures you to act immediately, keep the situation secret, or send money through an unusual payment method.

What should an older adult do if they suspect a scam?

Stop communicating with the suspected scammer, avoid sending money, and verify the situation through a trusted source.

Why should people avoid sharing personal information with unknown callers or online contacts?

Scammers may use personal information to steal money, access accounts, or commit identity theft.

What should someone do if they have shared financial information with a scammer?

Contact their bank or financial institution immediately, secure affected accounts, and report the incident.

What is the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)?

A reporting center where people can submit complaints about suspected internet-related crimes.

What information is useful when reporting elder fraud?

Names, contact information, dates, financial transaction details, payment methods, and copies of messages or other evidence.

What is community health promotion?

Efforts to improve the health and well-being of people within a community.

Why is community involvement important in health promotion for older adults?

It helps programs address the actual needs, interests, and barriers experienced by older adults.

What is an Area Agency on Aging?

A local organization that connects older adults with services and resources that support aging and independence.

What services might an Area Agency on Aging help older adults access?

Information and referrals, nutrition programs, transportation, caregiver support, and other community services.

What is a senior center?

A community location that provides older adults with opportunities for activities, social interaction, education, and services.

Why are senior centers important?

They can help older adults stay socially connected, physically active, and involved in their communities.

What are common barriers that prevent older adults from accessing health resources?

Transportation problems, cost, limited mobility, lack of information, and difficulty accessing services.

What is health promotion?

The process of helping people increase control over and improve their health.

What is health education?

Planned learning experiences that help people gain knowledge and skills to make healthier decisions.

What is an evidence-based health intervention?

A program or activity supported by research showing that it can produce positive results.

What is the difference between adopting and adapting an intervention?

Adopting means using an existing intervention with little or no change; adapting means modifying it to fit a particular population or setting.