Which term describes the urge to accumulate and hold onto familiar objects and possessions, sometimes to the point of creating health or safety hazards, and tends to increase with age?

• A. Disengagement theory
• B. Compulsive hoarding
• C. Final responsibility theory
• D. Positivity effects

Answer: (B)

This describes compulsive hoarding, a pattern where a person has a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, leading to excessive accumulation and clutter. In older adults, this tendency can intensify over time, especially as life changes occur and decision-making or organizing abilities become more challenging. The resulting clutter often creates real health and safety hazards—blocked exits, increased fire risk, unsanitary conditions, and difficulty accessing needed areas or resources. The other options don’t capture this specific behavior: disengagement theory is about withdrawing from social interactions in later life; positivity effects refer to concentrating on positive information and maintaining a positive mood; and final responsibility theory isn’t a standard concept used to describe aging-related behaviors.