m Flashcards
Membranes, nucleic acids, and proteins are damaged by free radicals which causes cellular injury and aging
Free Radical Theory
Errors in DNA and RNA synthesis occur with aging
Orgel/Error Theory
Cells wear out and cannot function with aging
Wear and Tear Theory
With aging, proteins impede metabolic processes and cause trouble with getting nutrients to cells and removing cellular waste products
Connective Tissue Theory
Cells divide until they are no longer able to; this triggers apoptosis or cell death
Programmed Theory
Cells have a genetic programed aging code
Gene/Biological Clock Theory
Problems with the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Endocrine Gland Feedback System causes disease; increased insulin growth factor increase aging
Neuroendocrine Theory
Aging is due to faulty immunological function which is linked to general well being.
- The thymus shrinks with age and T cells production is impaired leading to impaired immune function.
Immunological Theory
Five basic needs motivate human behavior in a lifelong process toward need fulfillment
Human Needs Theory
Personality consists of an ego and personal and collective unconsciousness that views life from a personal or external perspective. Older adults search for life meaning and adapt to functional and social losses.
Individualism
- Life stages are predictable and structured by roles, values and goals, and relationships.
- Persons adapt to changing roles & relationships.
- Age group norms and characteristics are an important part of life course.
Life-Course/Life Span Development Theory
Personality develops in 8 sequential stages with corresponding life tasks. The 8th phase, ‘integrity versus despair’ is characterized by evaluating life accomplishments. Struggles include mental and physical decline, detachment, letting go, and accepting care.
Stages of Personality Theory
- Individuals cope with aging losses through role/activity selection, optimization and compensation.
- Critical life points are morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.
- Selective optimization with compensation facilitates successful aging.
Selective Optimization Theory
The elderly prefer to segregate from society in an aging subculture sharing loss of status and societal negativity regarding the aged. Health and mobility are key determinants of social status.
Subculture
Society is stratified by age groups that are the basis for acquiring roles, status, deference, and resources from others. Age cohorts are influenced by their historical context and share similar beliefs, attitudes, experiences, and expectations of life-course transitions.
Age Stratification
Function is affected by cognition, ego strength, health, mobility, sensory perception, and the environment. Competency changes one’s ability to adapt to environmental demands.
Person-Environment-Fit
Personality influences roles and life satisfaction and remains consistent throughout life. Past coping patterns recur as older adults adjust to physical, financial, and social decline and contemplate death.
Continuity
Remaining occupied and involved is necessary to a satisfying late life.
Activity
Gradual withdrawal from relationships and society serves to maintain social equilibrium and promote internal reflection.
Disengagement
The elderly transform from a materialistic/rational perspective toward oneness with the universe. Successful transformation includes an outward focus, substantive relationships, intergenerational connectedness, accepting impending death, and unity with the universe.
Gerotranscendence
Biopsychosocial and environmental consequences impact functioning.
Functional Consequences Theory
Failure to thrive is caused by discord between the individual and relationships or environment.
Theory of Thriving
According to this theory, aging successfully means remaining psychologically, physically, and socially engaged in meaningful ways that are individually defined.
Theory of Successful Aging
