Download Chapter 2 Theories of Aging

Chapter 2
Theories of Aging
TERMS TO KNOW
 Aging:
the process of growing older that begins at
birth
 Nonstochastic theories: explain biological aging
as resulting from a complex, predetermined
process
 Stochastic theories: view the effects of biological
aging as resulting from random assaults from both
the internal and external environment
Introduction
 No
single known factor causes or prevents
aging; no one theory can explain the
complexities of aging
 Theories of aging offer varying degrees of
universality, validity, and reliability
 Research efforts aim toward better
understanding of aging process to guide
health and postpone negative consequences
Biological Theories of Aging
 Biological
aging differs from species to
species
 No two individuals age identically
 Theorists divide the many factors, both
internal and external of the human body,
into two categories: stochastic and nonstochastic
KEY CONCEPT
The
aging process varies not
only among individuals, but
also within different body
systems of the same person
Stochastic Theories
 Cross-linking
theory
 Free radicals and lipofuscin theories
 Wear and tear theories
 Evolutionary theories
 Mutation accumulation theory (page 14)
 Antagonistic pleiotropy theory
 Disposable soma theory
 Biogerontology
Non-stochastic Theories
 Apoptosis
 Genetic
theories
 Autoimmune reactions
 Changes in immune function with aging
 Neuroendocrine and neurochemical theories
 Radiation theories
 Nutrition theories
 Environmental theories
ERROR THEORY
 Mutation
of DNA
 Perpetuation of mutation during cell
in body
 Increasing number of mutant cells
in body
 Malfunction of tissue, organs, and
systems
 Decline in body functions
Question
Which of the following statements best
describes the autoimmune theory of
aging?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Genetic programs determine life expectancy
Cells undergo change and the body identifies
them as foreign
Organs decline as a result of cellular mutations
Failure of the production of a growth
substance causes aging cells to die
Answer
b.
Cells undergo change and the body
identifies them as foreign
One hypothesis regarding the role of
autoimmune reactions in the aging process is
that the cells undergo changes with age, and
the body misidentifies these aged, irregular cells
as foreign agents and develops a plan to attack
them.
Question
Is the following statement True or
False?
The genetic theories of aging best
describe how and why a person
ages.
Answer
False
No single factor causes or prevents
aging; therefore, it is unrealistic to
think that one theory can explain
the complexities of the aging
process.
Sociologic Theories of Aging
 Explore
mental processes, behaviors, and
feelings throughout life span
 Disengagement theory
 Activity theory
 Continuity theory
 Subculture theory
 Age stratification theory
Question
Is the following statement True or False?
The continuity theory of aging states that
personality and basic patterns of behavior
are said to remain unchanged as the
individual ages.
Answer
True
The continuity theory of aging relates
personality and predisposition toward
certain actions in old age to similar factors
during other phases of the life cycle. For
instance, activists at 20 years of age will
most likely be activists at 70 years of age.
Psychological Theories of Aging
 Explore
mental processes, behavior,
and feelings through life span
 Developmental tasks
 Gerotranscendence
KEY CONCEPT
Nurses
can promote joy and a
sense of purpose in the older
adults by viewing old age as
an opportunity for continued
development and satisfaction
rather than a depressing
useless period of life.
Applying Theories of Aging to Nursing Practice
 Biological, psychological, and social
processes of aging interrelated and
interdependent
 No single theory can adequately explain
the aging process
 Knowledge of all theories can guide nursing
interventions to promote health and
longevity
 Nurses assist older adults in experiencing
health, fulfillment, and sense of well-being