0% found this document useful (0 votes)
178 views3 pages

Theories of Aging PDF

1. Biological theories of aging view the aging process through various lenses, including stochastic theories that see aging as resulting from random assaults on the body, and nonstochastic theories that see aging as a predetermined process. 2. Psychological theories explore mental processes, behavior, and feelings in aging and describe developmental tasks that must be met as people age, such as those proposed by Erikson regarding ego integrity versus despair. 3. Nursing theories aim to provide a holistic perspective on aging by integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions of aging. The Functional Consequences Theory and Theory of Thriving take holistic approaches to promoting wellness in older adults.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
178 views3 pages

Theories of Aging PDF

1. Biological theories of aging view the aging process through various lenses, including stochastic theories that see aging as resulting from random assaults on the body, and nonstochastic theories that see aging as a predetermined process. 2. Psychological theories explore mental processes, behavior, and feelings in aging and describe developmental tasks that must be met as people age, such as those proposed by Erikson regarding ego integrity versus despair. 3. Nursing theories aim to provide a holistic perspective on aging by integrating biological, psychological, and social dimensions of aging. The Functional Consequences Theory and Theory of Thriving take holistic approaches to promoting wellness in older adults.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

THEORIES REVIEWER

BIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF AGING

The process of biological aging differs not only from species to species but also from one human being to another. Varying
degrees of physiologic changes, capacities, and limitations will be found among peers of a given age group. Further, the
rate of aging among different body systems within one individual may vary, with one system showing marked decline
while another demonstrates no significant change.

• Stochastic theories view the 71 effects of aging as resulting from random assaults from both the internal and
external environment.
- Cross-Linking Theory
The cross-linking theory proposes that cellular division is threatened as a result of radiation or a chemical
reaction in which a cross-linking agent attaches itself to a DNA strand and prevents normal parting of the
strands during mitosis. Over time, as these cross-linking agents accumulate, they form dense aggregates that
impede intracellular transport; ultimately, the body’s organs and systems fail. An effect of cross-linking on
collagen (an important connective tissue in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and muscle) is the reduction in
tissue elasticity associated with many age-related changes.
- Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories
- The free radical theory suggests that aging is due to oxidative metabolism and the effects of free radicals
(Hayflick, 1985). Free radicals are highly unstable, reactive molecules containing an extra electrical charge that
are generated from oxygen metabolism. There has been considerable interest in the role of lipofuscin “age
pigments,” a lipoprotein by-product of oxidation that can be seen only under a fluorescent microscope, in the
aging process.
- Wear and Tear Theories
The comparison of the body’s wearing down to machines that lost their ability to function over time arose
during the Industrial Revolution. Wear and tear theories attribute aging to the repeated use and injury of the
body over time as it performs its highly specialized functions.
- Evolutionary Theories
Evolutionary theories of aging are related to genetics and hypothesize that the differences in the aging process
and longevity of various species occur due to interplay between the processes of mutation and natural
selection. Attributing aging to the process of natural selection links these theories to those that support
evolution.
The mutation accumulation theory suggests that aging occurs due to a declining force of natural selection
with age.
The antagonistic pleiotropy theory suggests that accumulated mutant genes that have negative effects in late
life may have had beneficial effects in early life.
The disposable soma theory differs from other evolutionary theories by proposing that aging is related to the
use of the body’s energy rather than to genetics. It claims that the body must use energy for metabolism,
reproduction, maintenance of functions, and repair, and with a finite supply of energy from food to perform
these functions, some compromise occurs.
- Biogerontology
The study of the connection between aging and disease processes has been termed biogerontology. Bacteria,
fungi, viruses, and other organisms are thought to be responsible for certain physiologic changes during the
aging process.

• Nonstochastic theories see aging changes resulting from a complex, predetermined process.
- Apoptosis
Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that continuously occurs throughout life due to
biochemical event). In this process, the cell shrinks and there is nuclear and DNA fragmentation, although the
membrane maintains its integrity. It differs from cell death that occurs from injury in which there is swelling
of the cell and loss of membrane integrity
- Genetic Theories
Among the earliest genetic theories, the programmed theory of aging proposes that animals and humans are
born with a genetic program or biological clock that predetermines the life span.
The error theory also proposes a genetic determination for aging. This theory holds that genetic mutations
are responsible for aging by causing organ decline as a result of self-perpetuating cellular mutations.

MUTATION OF DNA -- PERPETUATION OF MUTATION DURING CELL DIVISION -- INCREASING NUMBER OF


MUTANT CELLS IN BODY – MALFUNCTION OF TISSUES, ORGANS AND SYSTEMS -- DECLINE IN BODY FUNCTIONS

• Autoimmune Reactions The primary organs of the immune system, the thymus and bone marrow, are believed
to be affected by the aging process.
• Neuroendocrine and Neurochemical Theories Neuroendocrine and neurochemical theories suggest that aging is
the result of changes in the brain and endocrine glands.
THEORIES REVIEWER
• Radiation Theories The relationship between radiation and age continues to be explored. Research using rats,
mice, and dogs has shown that a decreased life span results from nonlethal doses of radiation.
• Nutrition Theories The importance of good nutrition throughout life is a theme hard to escape in our nutrition-
conscious society. It is no mystery that diet impacts health and aging. Obesity is shown to increase the risk of many
diseases and shorten life
• Environmental Theories Several environmental factors are known to threaten health and are thought to be
associated with the aging process.
• Disengagement Theory Developed by Elaine Cumming and William Henry, the disengagement theory has been
one of the earliest, most controversial, and most widely discussed theories of aging. It views aging as a process in
which society and the individual gradually withdraw, or disengage, from each other, to the mutual satisfaction
and benefit of both.
• Continuity Theory The continuity theory of aging, also referred to as the developmental theory, relates personality
and predisposition toward certain actions in old age to similar factors during other phases of the life cycle
• Subculture Theory This theory views older adults as a group with distinct norms, beliefs, expectations, habits, and
issues that separate them from the rest of society
• Age Stratification Theory This theory, appearing in the 1970s, suggests that society is stratified by age groups

Psychological Theories of Aging

• Developmental Tasks Psychological theories of aging explore the mental processes, behavior, and feelings of
persons throughout the life span, along with some of the mechanisms people use to meet the challenges they
face in old age. Among these theories are those that describe the process of healthy psychological aging as the
result of the successful fulfillment of developmental tasks. Developmental tasks are the challenges that must be
met and adjustments that must be made in response to life experiences that are part of an adult’s continued
growth through the life span.
Erik Erikson (1963) described eight stages through which human beings progress from infancy to old age and the
challenges, or tasks, that confront individuals during each of these stages

• Ego differentiation versus role preoccupation: to develop satisfactions from oneself as a person rather than 86
through parental or occupational role
• Body transcendence versus body preoccupation: to find psychological pleasures rather than become absorbed
with health problems or physical limitations imposed by aging
• Ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation: to achieve satisfaction through reflection on one’s past life and
accomplishments rather than be preoccupied with the finite number of years left to live

Robert Butler and Myrna Lewis (1982) outlined additional developmental tasks of later life:

• Adjusting to one’s infirmities


• Developing a sense of satisfaction with the life that has been lived
• Preparing for death

Gerotranscendence Gerotranscendence is a recent theory that suggests aging entails a transition from a rational,
materialistic metaperspective to a cosmic and transcendent vision

Nursing Theories of Aging Although there are many classic theories that describe biological, social, and psychological
aging, none integrate all of these various dimensions of aging into a holistic theory. Because nurses address all aspects of
the person, theories that offer the holistic perspective would be valuable in guiding nursing care. In an effort to address
this need, several nurses have recently developed theories of aging.

• Functional Consequences Theory The Functional Consequences Theory for Promoting Wellness in Older Adults
integrates theories from aging and holistic nursing. It holds that nurses can promote wellness by addressing
individuals holistically, recognizing the interconnection of body, mind, and spirit.
THEORIES REVIEWER
• Theory of Thriving Based on their view that aging theories have been remiss in linking theories together, the
authors of this theory propose that everything that impacts people throughout their lives must be linked to create
a holistic view of aging
• Theory of Successful Aging By integrating Roy’s adaptation model with the theory of gerotranscendence and other
aging literature, Flood (2005) attempt to develop a nursing theory to guide the care of older adults.

Factors Contributing to a Long and Healthy Life

Diet. A positive health state that can contribute to longevity is supported by reducing saturated fats in the diet, limiting
daily fat consumption to less than 30% of caloric intake, avoiding obesity, decreasing the amount of animal foods
eaten, substituting natural complex carbohydrates for refined sugars, and increasing the consumption of whole grains,
vegetables, and fruits.

Activity. Exercise is an important ingredient to good health. It increases strength and endurance, promotes
cardiopulmonary function, and has other beneficial effects that can affect a healthy aging process.

Play and laughter. Laughter causes a release of endorphins, stimulates the immune system, and reduces stress.
Finding humor in daily routines and experiencing joy despite problems contribute to good health.

Faith. A strong faith, church attendance, and prayer are directly related to lower rates of physical and mental illness.
Religion and spirituality can have a positive effect on the length and quality of life.

Empowerment. Losing control over one’s life can threaten self-confidence and diminish self-care independence.
Maximum control and decision making can have a positive effect on morbidity and mortality. Stress management. It
is the rare individual who is unaware of the negative consequences of stress. The unique stresses that may accompany
aging, such as the onset of chronic conditions, retirement, deaths of significant others, and change in body
appearance, can have significantly detrimental effects. Minimizing stress when possible and using effective stress
management techniques are useful interventions.

Assisting Individuals in Meeting the Psychosocial Challenges of Aging

As individuals progress through their life span, they face challenges and adjustments in response to life experiences
called developmental tasks. These developmental tasks can be described as:

• Coping with losses and changes


• Establishing meaningful roles
• Exercising independence and control
• Finding purpose and meaning in life

GOAL: Aging persons will express a sense of ego integrity and psychosocial well-being.

ACTIONS

• Learn about patients’ life stories; ask about family backgrounds, faith, work histories, hobbies, achievements, and
life experiences. Encourage patients to discuss these topics, and listen with sincere interest.
• Build on lifelong interests and offer opportunities for patients to experience new pleasures and interests.
• Accept patients’ discussions of their regrets and dissatisfactions. Help them to put these in perspective of their
total lives and accomplishments.
• Encourage reminiscence activities between patients and their families. Help families and staff to understand the
therapeutic value of reminiscence.
• Respect patients’ faith and assist them in the fulfillment of spiritual needs (e.g., help them locate a church of their
religious affiliation, request visits from clergy, pray with or for them, and obtain a Bible or other religious book).
Use humor therapeutically.
• If patients reside in an institutional setting, personalize the environment to the maximum degree possible.
• Recognize the unique assets and characteristics of each patient.

You might also like