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Application of Aging Theories To Nursing
Application of Aging Theories To Nursing
Biological theories of aging indicate that, although biology places some limitations on life and
life expectancy, other factors are subject to behavior and life choices.
● Nursing can help individuals achieve the longest, healthiest lives possible by promoting
good health maintenance practices and a healthy environment.
Psychosocial theories help to explain the variety of behaviors seen in the aging population.
● Understanding all these theories can help nurses recognize problems and provide
nursing interventions that will help aging individuals successfully meet the development
tasks of aging.
Cultural, spiritual, regional, socioeconomic, educational and environmental factors as well as
health status impact older adult’s perceptions and choices about their health care needs.
Theories can predict patients outcomes, hold the greatest promise for guiding nursing practice
in ways that help each individual patient age successfully.
Biological Theories
● When interacting with the older population. It is important to relate the key concepts of
the biological theories to the care being provided.
● Although these theories do not provide the answer, they certainly can provide an
explanation for some of the changes seen in the aging individual.
● Aging and disease do not necessarily go hand in hand, and the nurse caring for older
adults needs to have a clear understanding of the difference between age-related
changes and those that may actually be pathologic.
When considering biological theories of aging, two concepts have gained wide acceptance:
1. There may be a limited replicative capacity for certain cells that causes overexpression
of damaged genes and oxidative damage to cells.
2. Free radicals may cause damage to cells over time.
Based on these concepts, gerontologic nurses can promote the health of older adult clients in
several ways.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet light is yet another example of the substance causing rapid
turnover of cells, which may lead to mutations and finally malignancies.
Nurses should:
● Assist with activities of daily living, this requires functional use of extremities
● Encourage daily exercises that enchance upper arm strength and hand dexterity which
contribute to older adultsability to successfully performdressing and grooming activities.
● Chair based activities like deep breathing, increase oxygen flow to the brain, thereby
promoting clear mental cognition,minimizing dizziness and promoting stamina with
activity.