NURSING CARE OF THE CHRONICALLY ILL AND THE OLDER PERSONS THEORIES OF AGING 1. 2. 3.

Biologic Theories of Aging Sociologic Theories of Aging Psychologic Theories of Aging

Based on the idea that errors can occur in the transcription of the synthesis of the DNA Has not been supported by research Free Radical theory Can increase as a result of environmental pollutants. May react with the cell membrane, damaging it and making it more permeable. Can cause mutation in the DNA/RNA. In nerves and muscle tissues which free radicals has high affinity with substance called LIPOFUSCIN ( thought to be indicative of chronologic age). Antioxidants can inhibit the functioning of free radicals Wear and Tear Theory

1.Biologic Theories of Aging The foci of biologic theories include the explanation of the following:
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Deleterious effects leading to decreasing functions of the organism Gradually occurring age-related changes that are progressive overtime Intrinsic changes that can affect all members of a specie because of chronological age

1.1. Error Theory First proposed by Weisman in 1882. 1.2. Free Radical Theory 1.3. Wear and Tear Theory 1.4. Somatic Mutation Theory 1.5. Deprivation Theory 1.6. Stress Theory 1.7.Adaptation Theory 1.8.Programmed Theory 1.9.Immunity Theory Error Theory Proposed by Orgel in 1963.Sometimes called ErrorCatastrophy Theory . Assumes that these exposures shorten the life span by mutating the cells. Researchers questioned this theory in the light of research demonstrating increased functional abilities in individuals who exercise daily. Somatic Mutation Theory Describes how exposure to low doses of radiation accelerates the aging process Proposed that cells wear out over time because of the continued use. Reflects that organs and tissues have preprogrammed amounts of available Energy .

Deprivation Theory Suggest that lack of essential nutrients and poor oxygenation delivery to the body tissue and cells lead to aging. Stress and Adaptation Theory
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2. SOCIOLOGIC THEORIES OF AGING Focused on changing roles and relationship of older persons In 1960 s theories were focused on the losses of old age and how the older person adjust to these changes In the 80 s and 90 s sociologist began to explore interrelationship between the older person and his physical , environmental , socioeconomic and political milieu wherein they live 2.1. Disengagement Theory 2.2. Activity Theory of Developmental Task Theory 2.3. Continuity Theory

Aging is a result of the cumulative effects of stress in the body Failure of the body to adapt to stressors can be linked to aging.

Programmed Theory or Hayflick Limit Theory Based on the study completed by Hayflick&Moorehead in 1961. Showed that functional changes do occur within the cells. The 1961 study showed that there was no unlimited cell division and no immortality of cells Life expectancy was generally seen as preprogrammed within a specie specific range Sometimes called biologic clock , cellular aging , and genetic theory . Immunity Theory Changes occur in the immune system ,specifically in the T lymphocytes as a result of aging These changes leave the individual more vulnerable to diseases ( Phipps et al, 2003) The term IMMUNOSENESENCE has been given to age related decrease in immune function.

2.4. Age Stratification Theory 2.5.Person-Environment Fit Theory Disengagement Theory Introduced by Cumming and Henry in 1961 Viewed aging as a developmental task with its own norms and appropriate behavior. Conceptualized as mutual agreement between the older person and society on reciprocal withdrawal.Not readily accepted by the public especially the older person Activity Theory of Developmental Task Theory Coined by Havighurst, Neugarten and Tobin in 1963. Proposed that people need to stay active if they are to age successfully and graciuosly Based on three main assumptions:

-It is better to be active than inactive -It is better to be happy than unhappy -That the older person is the best judge of his/her own success in achieving the first two assumptions Activities can be viewed as physical and intellectual. Continuity Theory

3.PSYCHOLOGIC THEORIES OF AGING Psychologic Theories of Aging 3.1. Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs 3.2. Jung s Theory of Individualism 3.3. Erickson s Eight Stages of Life 3.4. Selective Optimization with Compensation Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs

Dispels the premises of both the Disengagement and Activity theories. Proposes that how a person has been throughout his life is how he will continue to be through the remainder of his life ( Havighurst, Neugarten, Tobin , 1963). Age Stratification Theory

Fully developed, self actualized person displays high levels of all the following charactreristics( Maslow ,1968): Perception of reality Acceptance of reality, others and nature Spontaneity

Key social issue being addressed in this theory is the concept of interdependence between the aging person and society at large ( Riley , Johnson & Power , 1992) Attempts to explain the interdependence between the older person and society and how they influence each other in many ways. Person-Environment Fit Theory

Desire for privacy Identification with other human beings Satisfying and changing relationship with other people Democratic character structure Creativity

Proposed by Lawton in 1982 Sense of value Examines the relationship among competencies of older persons and their society or environment As the person ages there maybe changes or even decreases in some of their personal competencies Proposes that as the person ages , the environment becomes more threatening Jung s Theory of Individualism Swiss psychologist proposed the theory in 1960 Proposed that a person s personality is visualized either toward the external world or toward subjective ,inner experience

The phrase midlife crisis was popularized by this theory. Succesful aging is when a person looks inward and values himself for more than his current limitations or losses. Erickson s Eight Stages of Life All people experience 8 psychosocial stages during his lifetime Each stage represents a crisis , where the goal is to integrate physical maturation and psychosocial demands. Individuals always have within themselves an opportunity to rework a previous psychosocial stage into a more successful outcome ( Carson & Arnold, 1996) Selective Optimization with Compensation
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Conducted by Baltes ( 1987) Central focus is that individuals develop certain strategies to manage the losses of function that occur overtime

3 interacting elements 1. Selection Refers to an increasing restrictions of one s life 2. Optimization Reflects the view that people engage in behavior to engage their lives 3. Compensation - Results from restrictions caused by aging