Perspective of aging-
they age; The investigation of changes in
CONCEPTS OF AGING
Chronologic aging- In other words, the
number of days, months, or year’s a
person has been alive
Biologic aging- it is the age of our cells it
tells our real age depending on how the
aging process has affected us.
Psychologic aging - Psychological age
is how old one feels, acts, and behaves,
and is thus not necessarily equal to
chronological age, which is age since birth
[1]. A person can therefore have a
psychological age that exceeds their
chronological age if they are mature or at
least feel older than they really are
Social aging - refers to an individual’s
changing roles and relationships with
family friends and other informal supports
productive roles and within organizations
Cognitive aging - is a natural process in
which older adults typically experience
decline in many functions, such as
memory, that can negatively impact their
quality of life
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Aging - aging to refer to the passing of
time for an individual
Ageism - Examples of ageism - asking for
someone's age at a job interview when it
is not relevant to the work.
Gerontology -is the study of aging
processes and individuals across the life
course. It includes: The study of physical,
mental, and social changes in people as
society resulting from our aging
population.
Geriatrics – Some Older adults have a
unique set of issues and concerns which
geriatric clinicians are trained to focus
upon.
Gerontologic nursing – Gerontological
nursing, then, is the aspect of gerontology
that falls within the discipline of nursing
and the scope of nursing practice. It
involves nurses advocating for the health
of older persons at all levels of prevention.
The scope of practice for gerontological
nursing includes all older adults from the
time of “old age” until death.
Geriatric nursing- Geriatric nurses work at
healthcare facilities like nursing homes,
hospitals, hospices and home healthcare
service providers to care for elderly
patients, who have a higher risk of
developing chronic health conditions and
diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis,
congestive heart failure, Alzheimer’s
disease, cancer and diabetes. Geriatric
nurses help patients cope with and
prevent these types of issues.
Elderly –
Today, the older age group is often divided
into the young old (ages 65–74), the
middle old (ages 75–84), and the old old
(ages 85 and up).
Senior citizens - is anyone of retirement
age or a person that has reached age 62
or older
Old - Is the amount of time that has
passed from your birth to the given date
AGING IS A DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Aging refers to the gradual and
progressive decline in physiological
functions and the increased vulnerability
to disease and death that occurs over
time.
A development process, it’s a process
whose specific outcome is the progression
of an integrated living unit.
Aging is a development process because
it involves various changes in the
physical, mental, emotional and social
aspects of an individual from an initial
condition to a later condition.
ATTITUDE TOWARDS AGING
Attitude is a way of looking at life or a way
of thinking, feeling or behaving.
One’s personal view on aging affects
one’s interactions and attitudes in dealing
with older people.
During the ancient times, older adults
were more well-respected because old
age was rare and old people often serves
as a repository of local traditions and
knowledge.
AGEISM
Ageism refers to discrimination or the
holding of prejudices against people
based on their age. Usually, it insinuates
discrimination against the elderly.
According to Iversen, Larsen and
Solem, Ageism is referred to
“as negative or positive stereotypes,
prejudices and/or discrimination against
(or to the advantage of) elderly people on
the basis of their chronological age or on
the basis of a perception of them as being
“old” or “elderly”.” (2009)
Examples of Ageism:
1. Workplace Discrimination- The
concept of ageism was first developed to
refer to prejudices and discrimination
against older people in workplaces.
(Loreto, 2000)
2. Stereotypes
Positive Stereotypes may include:
- Older people are nice, warm and friendly
-They have lots of knowledge and wisdom
-They are free to do as they please
Negative Stereotypes may include:
- Old people are sick, disabled and
demented
- They have no sexual desire
-They live in poverty and can’t afford
medications
3. Benevolent Prejudice- For example
seeing old people as friendly but
incompetent.
4. Digital Ageism- discrimination against
people based on their ability to use digital
technologies.
5. Healthcare Discrimination- For
example, some doctors when interacting
with older patients they often view them
negatively.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE ATTITUDE
TOWARDS AGING
• Social and cultural background
Culture and society can influence our
thoughts and attitudes towards aging. In
many western societies, the contemporary
notion of “aging well” presumes
independence and active contributions.
While in other societies, older people have
been encouraged and disengage to be
looked after.
• Exposure to positive role model of
aging
all of the damage caused by bad habits,
it’s never too late to begin a healthy and
good lifestyle.
2. Most older people are set in their
ways and cannot learn new things or
take up new activities.
While some individuals may become more
resistant to change as they age, many
older adults are quite adaptable and open
to new experiences. Older people can
learn new things and should be
challenged to stay mentally active.
Healthy older adults find hobbies that they
can enjoy to give life meaning and
pleasure.

People around us may affect our attitude 3. Old age is accompanied by diseases,
towards aging. memory loss and dementia.

• Myths (perpetuating false information,
negative images about elders)
There are false information spreading in
different societies about aging specifically
about the elders that are not true which
can influence someone on how he/she will
view aging.
• Influence of mass media
While it’s true that old age can bring about
certain health challenges, it’s important to
remember that not everyone experiences
severe diseases, memory loss, or
dementia in their later years. Many older
individuals maintain good health and
cognitive function throughout their lives.
Factors such as genetics, lifestyle and
access to healthcare can play a significant
role in determining one’s health in old age.

MAJOR MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT

AGING

1. Older adults have no future and

therefore health promotion efforts are
wasted.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to live
a healthy and fulfilling life. Health
promotion efforts for older adults are
essential for maintaining their well-being
and ensuring they can continue to
contribute to society in meaningful ways.
Although it may not be possible to reverse