Theories of Aging

Question 1

is the specialty that concerns itself with the provision of nursing services to geriatric or aged individuals.

Answer 1

Geriatric Nursing

Question 2

can be defined as the time-related
deterioration of the physiological functions
necessary for survival and fertility

Answer 2

Aging

Question 3

attempt to explain why the physical changes of aging occur.

Answer 3

Biologic Theories of Aging

Question 4

proposes that every person has a “Biologic clock” that starts ticking at the time of conception.

Answer 4

Programmed theory/Biological
clock theory

Question 5

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.

Answer 5

Programmed theory/Biological
clock theory

Question 6

Every person has a limited amount of genetic material that will run out over time.

Answer 6

Run out of program theory

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

Gene Theory

Question 8

This theory says that aging is controlled by genetic materials that are encoded to predetermine both growth and decline.

Answer 8

Molecular Theory

Question 9

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.

Answer 9

Error Theory

Question 10

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.

Answer 10

Somatic Mutation Theory

Question 11

propose that aging is a process that occurs because of cell damage. When enough cells are damaged, overall functioning of the body is decreased.

Answer 11

Cellular Theories

Question 12

This theory is given by Denham Harman 1956

Answer 12

Free Radical Theory

Question 13

describes any molecule that has a free electron, and this property makes it react with healthy molecules in a destructive way.

Answer 13

Free Radical Theory

Question 14

Cell molecules from DNA and connective
tissue interact with free radicals to cause
bonds that decrease the ability of tissue to
replace it.

Answer 14

Crosslink or connective tissue theory

Question 15

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.

Answer 15

Clinker Theory

Question 16

Similar to a machine, which loses
function when its parts wear out.

Answer 16

The Wear and tear Theory

Question 17

attempt to explain changes in behavior, roles and relationship that occur as individual age.

Answer 17

Psychosocial Theory

Question 18

This attempt to predict and explain the social interactions and roles that contribute to successful adjustment to old age in older
adults.

Answer 18

Psychosocial Theory

Question 19

stated that aging people withdraw from customary roles and engage in more introspective, self-focused activities.

Answer 19

Cummings and Henry (1961)

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

Disengagement Theory

Question 22

proposes that activity is necessary
for successful aging

Answer 22

Activity theory

Question 23

state that personality remains the same and the behaviours become more predictable as people ages.

Answer 23

Continuity Theory

Question 24

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.

Answer 24

Rose (1965) Subculture Theory

Question 25

These theories trace personality and personal adjustment throughout a person’s life

Answer 25

Developmental Theory

Question 26

theory identifies eight stages of developmental tasks that an individual must comfort throughout the life span

Answer 26

Erikson’s theory

Question 27

expanded Erikson’s theory and focused
more on later developmental stages

Answer 27

Peck theory

Question 28

proposes that the development continues throughout life by a process of searching, questioning and setting goals that are consistent with the individual’s personality.

Answer 28

Jung’s Theory

Question 29

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

Answer 29

Newman’s Theory