Define longevity, and define and differentiate between the three different types of life expectancy ...

Answer to q. 1

Longevity is a general term for the number of years that a person can expect to live, and it is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Longevity is comprised of three different components:

(a) Average life expectancy  also called median life expectancy, this refers to the age at which half of the people born in a given year will die.

(b) Useful life expectancy  this is the number of years that a person can expect to live without being significantly affected by debilitating chronic diseases or illnesses

(c) Maximum life expectancy  although the textbook does not specify, this is also known as lifespan.. This refers to the maximum number of years a person could reasonably expect to live.

Answer to q. 2

FALSE

Answer to q. 3

As the average life expectancy of human beings in both developed and developing countries increases, there will be a trend shift that sees older adults comprising a greater percentage of the population. Several factors contribute to this, including improved health care, decreased birth fatalities, and increased understanding of nutrition.

Some consequences of this demographic shift include pressure on pension systems, Social Security (in the USA), and other human services. Those who are younger will bear the costs of such services in the form of enormous financial obligations. There will also be a strain on the health care system, both in terms of needing more experts in the care of older people as well as financial costs.

These trend shifts are not limited to the USA, as the textbook notes that other countries around the world, particular Japan and China, are also experiencing an enormous increase in the older adult percentage of their populations. Proactive steps are already being undertaken in some of those countries to prepare for these changes.

Answer to q. 4

FALSE