Week 1: Health And Wellness In An Aging Society Flashcards
What is aging?
Described in term of chronology (now less significant) by measurement of time since birth.
Aging is a relative concept based on how
One acts and feels from a physical, mental, social and cultural perspective.
The Babyboomers
Born between 1946 to 1964.
Biological Theories of Aging: “senescence”
Complex genetically regulated interactive process of change in every living organism.
Biological Theories of Aging: Cellular Functioning
Changes to cells that decrease ability to replicate attributed to aging, especially mitochondria.
Programmed Aging Theory
- Cells have limited replication
- Suggest that aging is the result of predictable cellular death
- Cells and organisms have a genetically predetermined life span known as the “hayflick limit” or biological clock
Error Theory*
Based on changes at the cellular level are random and unpredictable.
What are the types of error theories?
- Wear and tear
- Oxidative stress
- Free radical
- Mutations
- Telomeres and aging
Wear and Tear Theory*
- Cellular errors a result of “wearing out” over time from continued use.
- Associated with internal and external stressors (associated with free radicals).
- Causes a progressive decline in cellular function or increased cellular death.
Oxidative Stress Theory
- Increased ROS (reactive oxygen species) is referred to as “oxidative stress” or “oxidative damage”.
- Increased by external factors (pollution, cigarette smoke) and internal factors (inflammation).
- Is random, unpredictable, and variable among individuals.
Free Radical Theory
- End products of cellular metabolism, such as atoms, molecules, or ions.
- Chemically unstable and cause damage to normal cell functioning.
- With aging it is suggested that there is an imbalance between the accumulation of free radical damage and what the body is able to neutralize.
- Supplemental antioxidants: more is not better (Box 3-2).
- Consider diet that includes natural antioxidants like the Mediterranean diet.
Telomeres and Aging
Telomeres are located at the ends of the DNA strand and appear to have a maximum length until they undergo senescence.
The length of the telomere may affect
Longevity
Immunity
Overall health
The presence of the enzyme, telomerase, ensures
The reproductive ability of the telomere.
Telomere shortening is influence by a
Number of factors, especially lifestyle choices (box 3-4)
Autoimmune Theory
- Aging is a programmed accumulation of damage and decline in the function of the immune system—“immunosenescence”
- Decreased ability of lymphocytes to withstand oxidative stress
- T cells thought to be responsible for increasing age-related autoimmune disorders
Teaching for Oxidative Stress Theory
- Avoid environmental pollutants and unnecessary radiation.
-Watch for research on the use and presence of antioxidants - Avoid stress
Teaching for Autoimmune Theory
- Avoid stress
- Minimize the potential for infection: wash hands frequently, updated immunizations, and avoid those who are ill
Psychosocial theories of aging
- Persons are multidimensional
- Life should be considered in totality to understand aging
Theories are classified as
- First Generation
- Second Generation
- Third Generation
First Generation Theories
Explain and predict changes in middle and late life, focusing on adjustment.
Second Generation Theories
Expanded and built upon first generation theories
“Alternative theoretical perspectives”
Third Generation Theories
Understanding the human meanings of social life in context to everyday life.
What are the first generation psychosocial theories?
- Role Theory
2. Activity Theory
Role Theory
Socially and culturally constructed expectations of behaviors at times in one’s life and in pre-established roles.
Activity Theory*
Attempted to predict and explain how individuals adjusted to age-related changes by looking at one’s level of activity and productivity.
What are the second generation psychosocial theories?
- Disengagement Theory
- Continuity Theory
- Age-Stratification Theory
- Social Exchange Theory
- Modernization Theory
- Gerotranscendence Theory
Disengagement Theory
Withdrawal of elders from their roles and activities earlier in life necessary to allow transfer of power to younger generations
Continuity Theory
Suggests that individual tends to develop and maintain consistent pattern of behavior, substituting one role for similar one as one matures.
Age-Stratification Theory
- Goes beyond individual to age structure of society.
- Aging is best understood in the context of individuals as members of a cohort.