Chapter 3: Theories of Aging

1. Chapter 3: Theories of Aging

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Human Needs Theory

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

8. 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

9. Biological Theories of AgingNonstochastic 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

10. 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.

11. 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.