Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

True or False: Many older adults are reluctant to admit that they have psychiatric problems.

1. True

2. False

3. Only some do

4. It varies by region

The correct answer is: True

Many older adults may indeed be reluctant to admit that they have psychiatric problems due to a variety of factors, including stigma, generational attitudes toward mental health, and fears of being perceived as weak or incapable. This reluctance can hinder their willingness to seek help or disclose their struggles to healthcare professionals or even family members. Older adults often come from backgrounds where mental health issues were not openly discussed or were seen as a sign of personal failure, leading to feelings of shame or isolation. Therefore, it is accurate to state that a significant number of older adults do hesitate to acknowledge their psychiatric issues. Understanding this reluctance is crucial for healthcare providers when promoting mental health awareness and encouraging open dialogue with older patients.