Chapter 3 Theories of Aging Learning Objectives Identify

Chapter 3: Theories of Aging

Learning Objectives • Identify the major theories of aging. • Compare the similarities and differences between biological and psychosocial theories. • Describe the process of aging using a biological and a psychosocial perspective.

Learning Objectives (cont’d) • Analyze the rationale for using multiple theories of aging to describe the complex phenomenon of aging. • Describe a general theoretical framework, taken from all of the aging theories, which will assist nurses in making clinical decisions in gerontology.

Psychosocial Theories of Aging • Changing roles, relationships, status and generational cohort impact the older adult’s ability to adapt. (Table 3 -1, p. 64) – – – – Activity Theory Disengagement Theory Subculture Continuity Theory Age Stratification Theory Person-Environment-Fit Theory Gerotranscendence

Psychological Theories • Explain aging in terms of mental processes, emotions, attitudes, motivation, and personality development characterized by life stage transitions (P. 65) – Human Needs Theory: five basic needs-Maslow – Individualism: Jung’s theory – Stages of Personality Theory: Erikson’s Developmental Theory

Human Needs Theory

Erikson’s Stages of Personality 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Basic Trust vs. Basic Mistrust (maternal relationship) Autonomy vs. Shame (master toilet training)-early childhood Initiative vs. Guilt (do things on their own)-preschool; 3 -6 yr Industry vs. Inferiority (comparing self worth)- school 6 -11 Identity vs. Role Confusion(questioning of self) – adolescent ; 12 -20 yrs 6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (adult development) 20 -24 yrs 7. Generativity vs. Stagnation(usefulness or regretful) 25 -64 8. Integrity vs. Despair (achieved important goals) 65 -

Biological Theories of Aging (p. 83) Stochastic Theories • Environment and the body’s constant need to manufacture energy and fuel metabolic activities cause toxic by-products to accumulate. • Based on random events that cause cellular damage, which accumulates as organism ages. – Free Radical Theory: end product of metabolism – Orgel/Error Theory – Wear and Tear Theory – Connective Tissue Theory

Biological Theories of Aging Nonstochastic Theories • Based on genetically programmed events caused by cellular damage that accelerates aging of the organism. (p. 83) – Programmed Theory – Gene/Biological Clock Theory – Neuroendocrine Theory – Immunological Theory

Nursing Theories of Aging (p. 85) • Functional Consequences Theory – Environmental and biopsychosocial consequences impact functioning. • Theory of Thriving – Failure to thrive caused by discord between the individual and environment or relationships. Disharmony cause failure to thrive.

Conclusion • For older adults with chronic illnesses, stochastic theories of aging help nurses to better manage physical illness and conditions • Psychosocial aging theories help nurses assist older adults and their families recognize that their life has been one of integrity and meaning, and facilitate peaceful death with dignity. • Aging continues to be explained from multiple theoretical perspectives, which collectively reveal that aging is a complex phenomenon still much in need of research.