Definition of Terms
Aging: complex process that can be described
chronologically, physiologically and functionally.
 :time-related deterioration of the
physiological functions necessary for survival
and fertility
 : the process of growing older that begins at
birth
Aging process: process of growing old or
developing the appearance and characteristics of
old age.
Comorbidity: the simultaneous presence of
multiple chronic conditions
Geronthophobia is the fear of aging and the
refusal to accept older adults into the mainstream
society.
a.) AGEISM -disliking of aging and older adults
based on the belief that aging makes people,
unattractive, unintelligent, and un productive
b.) AGE DISCRIMINATION
-older adults are treated differently because of
their age
Geriatric - "geras" meaning old age, and "iatro"
meaning referring to medical treatment.
Geriatrics is therefore a medical specialty that
deals with the physiology of aging and the
diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting
older adults
Gerontology comes from the Greek words "gero”,
meaning age-related, and "ology"
meaning the study of. Thus, gerontology is the
study of all aspects of aging, including
clinical, psychological, economic and sociological
problems of older adults.’
Social gerontology is mainly concerned with the
social aspects of aging as opposed to biological or
psychological aspects. − Social gerontologists not
only draw on research from all social sciences —
sociology, psychology, economics, and political
science — but also seek to understand how the
biological processes of aging influence the social
aspects of aging.
Geropsychology is a branch of psychology
concerned with helping older people and their
families to maintain well-being, overcome
problems, and achieve maximum potential in later
life.
Geropharmacology is the study of pharmacology
as it relates to older adults. CGP (certified geriatric
pharmacist) is a credential for a pharmacist
certified in geropharmacology.
Financial gerontology it incorporates the
experience of financial planning and programs
with unique interest in the needs of older adults.
Cutler (2004 ) defines
financial gerontology as the intellectual
intersection of two fields, gerontology and
finance, each of which has a professional and
academic component.
Gerontological rehabilitation nursing integrates
experience in gerontological nursing with
principles and practice related to rehabilitation.
Gerontological rehabilitation nurses frequently
care for older adults with chronic diseases and
long-term functional limitations such as stroke,
head injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson 's
disease, spinal cord injury, arthritis, joint
replacements and amputations.
Gerontological nursing, therefore, falls within the
nursing discipline and the scope of nursing
practice. This includes nurses at all stages of
prevention, working for the welfare of older
people. Gerontological nurses work with healthy
elderly people in their communities, acutely ill
elderly people requiring hospitalization and
treatment, and chronically ill or disabled elderly
people in long-term care facilities, skilled care,
home care and hospice.
Life Expectancy: the length of time that a person
can be predicted to live
Life Span: the maximum of years that a person
has the potential to live
Older adult individuals age 65 and above.
Defining Age in Different Perspectives
Concepts
Chronologic Aging
 : refers to the actual amount of time a
person has been alive
 : the number of days, months or years a
person has been alive
Biologic Aging
 : refers to physical changes
 : deterioration of the physiological functions
necessary for survival and fertility
 : physiological changes that lead to
senescence, or a decline of biological
functions and of the organism’s ability to
adapt to metabolic stress.
Psychologic Aging
 : involves mental functioning and personality
that occur as human age
 : psychological changes including those
involving mental functioning and personality
as the person ages
 : may be seen as a continuous struggle for
identity (sense of coherence and meaning in
thoughts, feelings and actions.
Social Aging
 : refers to changes in person’s social roles
and relationship, both within their network
of relatives and friends and in formal
organizations such as workplace and house
of worship
 :Social aging includes the expectations and
assumptions of those around us about how
we should behave, what we are like, what
we can do, and what we should be doing at
different ages.
 : Differ from one individual to another.
Cognitive Aging
 : age-related decline in some mental
functions- such as vocabulary, some
numerical skills, and general knowledge
 : Other mental capabilities decline from
middle age onwards or even earlier (aspects
of memory, executive functions, processing
speed, reasoning and multitasking.
THEORIES OF AGING
PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES
✓ changes in behaviour, personality, attitude,
roles, and relationship that occur as individual
age.
✓ Aging is a lifelong process characterized by
transitions.
A. Sociological Theories
a.1 Activity Theory
 “Activity is viewed by this theory as
necessary to maintain a person’s life
satisfaction and a positive self-concept”.
a.2 Disengagement Theory
 Aging is characterized by gradual
disengagement from society and
relationships.
3. Subculture Theory
 Older adults therefore suffer a social
disadvantage in relation to status and
associated esteem due to the functional
decline that occurs with aging
 Subcultures are values and norms distinct
from those of the majority and are held by a
group within a wider society
a.4 Age Stratification Theory
 “highlighted the importance of cohorts and
the associated socioeconomic and political
impact on how individuals age.”
a.5 Person-Environment-Fit Theory
 “suggests that a reciprocal relationship exists
between people and environments.”
a.6 Continuity Theory
 “suggests that personality is well developed
by the time we reach old age and tends to
remain consistent throughout our lives. i.e.,
How a person has been throughout life is
how that person will continue through the
remainder of life.”
a.7 Gerotranscendence Theory
 “newest sociological aging theories.”
 “aging individuals undergo a cognitive
transformation from a materialistic, rational
perspective toward “oneness” with the
universe”
 “Characteristics of successful transformation
include a more outward or external focus,
accepting impending death without fear, an
emphasis on substantive relationships, a
sense of connectedness with preceding and
future generations and spiritual unity with
the universe.”
b. Psychological Theories
b. 1 Human Needs Theory
b. 2 Theory of Individualism
 “our personality develops over a lifetime and
is composed of an ego or self-identity”
 “As individuals age, they begin to reflect on
their beliefs and life accomplishments.”
b. 3 Life-Course / Life Span Theory
 “life occurs in stages that are structured
according to one’s roles, relationships,
internal values, and goals.”
 “ Individuals adapt to changing roles and
relationships that occur throughout life, such
as getting married, finishing school,
completing military service, getting a job,
and retiring”
b. 4 Stages of Personality Development Theory
b. 5 Selective Optimization with Compensation
Theory
three main factors:
selection -- older adults have a reduced capacity
and loss of functioning
optimization -- it is possible to maintain
performance in some areas through practice and
use of new technologies
compensation -- becomes relevant when life
tasks require a level of capacity beyond the
current circumstances
BIOLOGIC THEORIES
a. Non-stochastic Theories
b. -stochastic Theories
c. Emerging Biologic Theories of Aging
 5. Being aware of the need to undertake research
Neuroendocrine (Pacemaker) Theory in geriatric nursing (Norton, 1956)
 “...examines the interrelated role of the
neurologic and endocrine systems over the
life-span of an individual”
Geriatric Nurse vs. Adult-Gerontology Nurse
Metabolic Theory/Caloric Restriction Practitioner
 “...proposes that all organisms have a finite
amount of metabolic lifetime and that
organisms with a higher metabolic rate have
a shorter lifespan”.

DNA-Related Research Gerontological Nursing Roles

 Mapping the human genome  Healer
 Discovery of telomeres  Educator
 Researcher
NURSING THEORIES  Innovator
a. Functional Consequences Theory  Advocate
 “ Environmental and biopsychosocial  Caregiver
consequences impact functioning.”
 “Nursing’s role is risk reduction to minimize
age-associated disability in order to enhance
safety and quality of living.”

B. Theory of Thriving

c. Theory of Successful Aging

The Gerontologic/Geriatric Nurse

THE LIVED EXPERIENCE
 I don’t think I will work in gerontological
nursing; it seems depressing. I don’t know
many older people, but they are all sick
without much hope to get better. I’ll
probably go into labor and delivery or the
emergency room where I can really make a
difference. Student nurse, age 24

 To know that I have made them feel they are

human, that they’re loved...that someone
still cares about them. I believe that lots of
times they feel ignored and as if they have
no value. It’s very important to me that they
feel valued and they know that they still
contribute not only to society but to the
personal growth of everyone who comes
into interaction with them. Gerontological
nurse, age 35, working in a nursing home

Advantages of including geriatric care in basic

nursing educations as:
1. Learning patience, tolerance, understanding
and basic nursing skills
2. Witnessing the terminal stages of disease and
the importance of skilled nursing care at that time
3. Preparing for the future because no matter
where one works in nursing , the aged will be a
great part of the care
4. Recognizing the importance of appropriate
rehabilitation, which calls upon all the skill that
nurses possess, and