Chapter 2

Question 1

Define aging

Answer 1

The process of growing older that begins at birth

Question 2

What are nonstochastic theories?

Answer 2

Explain biological aging as resulting from a complex, predetermined process

Question 3

What are stochastic theories?

Answer 3

View the effects of biological aging as resulting from random assaults from both the internal and external environment

Question 4

What is the main premise of the cross-linking theory?

Answer 4

Cellular division is threatened as a result of radiation or chemical reaction, creating cross-linking agents

Question 5

What do free radicals and lipofuscin theories focus on?

Answer 5

Oxidative metabolism and effects of free radicals; lipofuscin accumulation interferes with normal processes

Question 6

What does the wear and tear theory suggest?

Answer 6

Repetitive use, injury, and stress result in breakdown of the body

Question 7

What is the mutation accumulation theory?

Answer 7

Declining force of natural selection with age

Question 8

What does the antagonistic pleiotropy theory propose?

Answer 8

Accumulated mutant genes that have negative effects in late life may have beneficial effects in early life

Question 9

What is the disposable soma theory?

Answer 9

Aging is related to the use of the body’s energy rather than genetics

Question 10

What is programmed cell death in the context of aging?

Answer 10

Continuous occurrence of cell death throughout life due to biochemical events

Question 11

What does the genetic theory of aging suggest?

Answer 11

Born with a genetic program that predetermines life span

Question 12

What is the error theory in aging?

Answer 12

Genetic mutations cause organ decline as a result of self-perpetuating cellular mutations

Question 13

What do autoimmune reactions refer to in aging?

Answer 13

Changes in immune function with aging

Question 14

What are neuroendocrine and neurochemical theories focused on?

Answer 14

Changes in brain and endocrine glands with aging

Question 15

What do nutrition theories suggest about aging?

Answer 15

Good diet may minimize or eliminate some ill effects of aging

Question 16

What does the disengagement theory state?

Answer 16

Gradual disengagement between society and individual; transfer of power from old to young

Question 17

What is the activity theory of aging?

Answer 17

Older person should continue a middle-aged lifestyle; society should not advocate diminishing activity

Question 18

What does the continuity theory assert?

Answer 18

Personality and basic patterns of behavior will remain unchanged as individual ages

Question 19

What is the subculture theory regarding older adults?

Answer 19

Older adults are a group with distinct norms, beliefs, expectations, and habits

Question 20

Fill in the blank: The continuity theory of aging states that personality and basic patterns of behavior are said to remain ______ as the individual ages.

Answer 20

[unchanged]

Question 21

What are developmental tasks in psychology?

Answer 21

Challenges that must be met and adjustments that must be made in response to life experiences

Question 22

What are Erikson’s stages of development?

Answer 22

Trust, autonomy, initiative, industry, identity, intimacy, generativity, integrity

Question 23

What are Robert Peck’s developmental tasks?

Answer 23

Ego differentiation vs. role preoccupation, body transcendence vs. body preoccupation, ego transcendence vs. ego preoccupation

Question 24

What does gerotranscendence refer to?

Answer 24

Transition from rational, materialistic metaperspective to cosmic and transcendent vision

Question 25

What is the functional consequences theory in nursing?

Answer 25

Promotion of wellness by addressing individuals holistically, recognizing interconnection of body, mind, and spirit

Question 26

What is the theory of thriving in aging?

Answer 26

Everything that impacts people throughout their life must be linked to create a holistic view of aging

Question 27

What does the theory of successful aging consider?

Answer 27

Physical, mental, spiritual well-being, and self-appraisal

Question 28

True or False: No single theory can adequately explain the aging process.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

What factors contribute to a long and healthy life?

Answer 29

• Diet
• Activity
• Play and laughter
• Faith
• Empowerment
• Stress management

Question 30

True or False: The genetic theories of aging best describe how and why a person ages.

Answer 30

False