Which of the following is true about late adulthood?

• A. Most people in late adulthood experience a complete loss of memory.
• B. Late adulthood is characterized by the beginning of adolescence.
• C. Physical health typically improves significantly during late adulthood.
• D. Cognitive decline is common, but many individuals maintain high levels of functioning through mental stimulation and social engagement.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the definition of late adulthood, which generally refers to the stage of life typically beginning around age 65 and continuing until the end of life.
2. Step 2: Recognize common misconceptions, such as the idea that most people experience complete memory loss or that physical health improves significantly during this stage, which are generally inaccurate.
3. Step 3: Learn about cognitive changes in late adulthood, noting that while some cognitive decline is common, it is not universal or complete, and many individuals maintain strong cognitive abilities.
4. Step 4: Explore factors that contribute to maintaining cognitive functioning, such as mental stimulation (e.g., learning new skills, puzzles) and social engagement (e.g., maintaining relationships, community involvement).
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement 'Cognitive decline is common, but many individuals maintain high levels of functioning through mental stimulation and social engagement' accurately reflects the typical experience of late adulthood.