Theories of Aging Flashcards
is the specialty that concerns itself with the provision of nursing services to geriatric or aged individuals.
Geriatric Nursing
can be defined as the time-related
deterioration of the physiological functions
necessary for survival and fertility
Aging
attempt to explain why the physical changes of aging occur.
Biologic Theories of Aging
proposes that every person has a “Biologic clock” that starts ticking at the time of conception.
Programmed theory/Biological
clock theory
In this theory each individual has a genetic
program specifying an unknown but predetermined number of cell divisions. As the program plays out, the person experiences predictable changes such as atrophy of the thymus, menopause, and skin changes and graying of the hair.
Programmed theory/Biological
clock theory
Every person has a limited amount of genetic material that will run out over time.
Run out of program theory
proposes the existence of one or more harmful genes that activate overtime, resulting in the typical changes seen
with aging and limiting the life span of the
individual.
Gene Theory
This theory says that aging is controlled by genetic materials that are encoded to predetermine both growth and decline.
Molecular Theory
proposes that errors in ribonucleic acid protein synthesis cause errors to occur in cells in the body, resulting in a progressive decline in biologic function.
Error Theory
proposes that aging result from deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage caused by exposure to chemicals or
radiation and this damage causes
chromosomal abnormalities that lead to
disease or loss of function later in life.
Somatic Mutation Theory
propose that aging is a process that occurs because of cell damage. When enough cells are damaged, overall functioning of the body is decreased.
Cellular Theories
This theory is given by Denham Harman 1956
Free Radical Theory
describes any molecule that has a free electron, and this property makes it react with healthy molecules in a destructive way.
Free Radical Theory
Cell molecules from DNA and connective
tissue interact with free radicals to cause
bonds that decrease the ability of tissue to
replace it.
Crosslink or connective tissue theory
combines the somatic mutation, free radical and cross link theories to suggest that chemicals produced by metabolism accumulate in normal cells and cause damage to body organs such as the muscles, heart, nerves and brain.
Clinker Theory
Similar to a machine, which loses
function when its parts wear out.
The Wear and tear Theory
attempt to explain changes in behavior, roles and relationship that occur as individual age.
Psychosocial Theory
This attempt to predict and explain the social interactions and roles that contribute to successful adjustment to old age in older
adults.
Psychosocial Theory
stated that aging people withdraw from customary roles and engage in more introspective, self-focused activities.
Cummings and Henry (1961)
This theory proposes that older people are
systematically separated, excluded, or
disengaged from society because they are not perceived to be of benefit to the society as a whole.
Disengagement Theory
proposes that activity is necessary
for successful aging
Activity theory
state that personality remains the same and the behaviours become more predictable as people ages.
Continuity Theory
theorized that older adults form a
unique subculture within society to defend
against society’s negative attitude toward
aging and the accompanying loss of status.
Rose (1965) Subculture Theory
These theories trace personality and personal adjustment throughout a person’s life
Developmental Theory
theory identifies eight stages of developmental tasks that an individual must comfort throughout the life span
Erikson’s theory
expanded Erikson’s theory and focused
more on later developmental stages
Peck theory
proposes that the development continues throughout life by a process of searching, questioning and setting goals that are consistent with the individual’s personality.
Jung’s Theory
identifies the task of aging as coping with the physical changes of aging, redirecting energy to new activities and roles including retirement, grand parenting and widowhood accepting one’s own life; and
developing a point of view about death
Newman’s Theory
