THEORIES OF AGING THEORIES

Senescene progressive deterioration of body 1. BIOLOGICAL AGING THEORIES

systems that can increase the risk of mortality as the I. Programmed Theories based on DNA
individual gets older Programmed Longevity genetic disease is
*good health can last long into old age automatic
*total organ reserve decreases leading to Endocrine Theory hormones controls the
homeostenosis pace of aging
*may die from illness Immunological Theory immune system
leads to increase vulnerability to infections
NORMAL AGING diseases (e.g. flu shot to support immune
Brain function)
- Losses some axons and neurons II. Error Theories exposed to damage or
- Can be stimulated to produce new neurons environment that may eventually impair normal
Sight body function and cellular repair
- Difficulty focusing Wear-and-Tear time comes for
- Increase sensitivity to glare malfunction of body (e.g. abusing or
- Decrease at night neglecting one organ or body system that
Hearing can stimulate premature aging and disease
- Hearing decreases by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Heart leading to liver disease)
- Thickens with age Cross-Link Theory binding of glucose to
- Pumping rate and ability to extract oxygen protein causes various problems (e.g. visual
blood diminishes problems such as cataracts or wrinkling and
Arteries skin aging). Low carbohydrate diets can slow
- Stiffens the development of cross-links.
Lungs Free Radical Theory accumulated damage
- Maximum breathing capacity may decrease caused by oxygen radicals causes cells, and
Kidneys eventually organs, to lose function and
- Become less efficient at removing waste organ reserve. Use of antioxidants and
from blood vitamins is believed to slow this damage.
Bladder Somatic DNA Damage Theory genetic
- Capacity declines mutations occur and accumulate with
Body Fat increasing age, causing cells to deteriorate
- Body fat increases and malfunction. Genetic manipulation and
- Weight declines alteration may slow the aging process.
- Loose both muscle and fat Emerging Biological Theories genes may be
- Fat is redistributed to deeper organs from responsible for human aging. These genes
the skin (abdomen = Heart failure) may be activated by enzymes and or
Muscles environmental conditions and under
- Without exercise muscles decreases influence stress, toxins, and lifestyle choices.
Bones 2. PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES
- Bone mineral is lost I. Jungs Theory
- Accelerated at menopause - Focus is from extroversion to introversion
- Regular weight-bearing exercise and - Finding true-self
increases Calcium intake can slow bone loss - must accept past accomplishments and
Personality failures
- Stable - contemplation and introspection (cannot
accept or c/o acceptance)
 II. Eriksons Developmental Theory Psychological Process: cognitive process
- Ego integrity (acceptance without feeling of (attention, memory, self-awareness,
guilt) vs. Despair (cannot move on) organization and reasoning)
- Acceptance of death Do not yell or speak too loudly to patients (be
- I will die peacefully c/o despair aware for hearing aids)
3. SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES Try to be at eye level with the patient (sit
I. Disengagement Theory down if the patient is sitting or lying down)
- Sense of isolation Try to minimize background nose as it can
- Accepts isolation make it difficult for the patient to hear
II. Activity Theory Monitor the patients reaction
- Should stay active and engaged if they are to Touch the patient if appropriate and
age successfully acceptable
- They should have hobbies/past times Supplement verbal instructions with written
- Happiness and satisfaction with life instructions as needed
III. Continuity Theory Dont give long-minded speeches or
- Successful aging involves maintaining or complicated instructions to persons with
continuing previous values, habits, cognitive impairment, anxiety or pain
preferences, family ties, Ask how patient would like to be addressed.
- Continuing being the same person Avoid demeaning terms like sweetie, honey,
IV. Age Stratification Theory or dearie.
- Strata groupings Be attentive listener
- Groupings may be affected because of Encouraging reminiscing often gives
physical impairment comfort and reassurance to patients that
- Active Inactive they can talk about a time in their life when
- Priority sets stratification circumstances are better
V. Person-Environment-Fit Theory
- Environment is a big factor that can shape
the person
- Aging
- Metamorphosis

NURSING THEORIES OF AGING

1. Functional Consequences Theory
- Output on aging
- E.g. arthritis cannot socialize or work
2. Theory of Thriving
- you can be isolated during aging
(disengagement)
- identify assessment
- modify disharmony

Communication
must be clear to develop an appropriate NCP
communicate effectively with older patients
with a variety of physical and cognitive
impairment to develop therapeutic relationship
ability to communicate depends on:
Physiologic Process: listening, speaking,
gestures, reading, writing, touching, moving