Theories of Aging

What is a theory?

A scientifically acceptable idea or set of ideas used to explain something.

What are the 3 types of theories in aging?

Biological, Sociological, and Psychological.

What do biologic theories of aging focus on?

They focus on how the body changes physically as all living organisms age.

What are the two main types of biologic theories?

Stochastic theories and nonstochastic theories.

What do stochastic theories say about aging?

Aging is caused by random, harmful changes in cells that build up over time.

What do nonstochastic theories say about aging?

Aging is pre-programmed and happens due to built-in cell processes or changes in body systems.

What are the types of Stochastic Theory?

1. The Error Theory

2. Free Radical Theory

3. Cross-Linkage Theory

4. Wear and Tear Theory

What is the Error Theory?

It says aging happens because DNA copying errors build up, leading to poor cell function and aging.

What is the Free Radical Theory?

Free radicals from metabolism damage cells; antioxidants help fight them, but damage still adds up over time.

What is the Cross-Linkage Theory?

Proteins in the body stick together with age, blocking normal cell functions and causing waste build-up.

What is the Wear and Tear Theory?

It compares the body to a machine that wears out over time from use.

What are the types of Nonstochastic Theory?

1. Programmed Theory

2. Immunity Theory

What is the Programmed Theory?

It says normal cells can only divide a limited number of times, showing that aging is built into our biology.

What is the Immunity Theory?

As people age, their immune system—especially T cells—declines, making them more prone to illness.

What do sociological theories of aging focus on?

They focus on changes in roles and relationships as people age and how older adults adapt socially to aging.

What factors do sociological theories consider?

Physical, political, environmental, and socioeconomic influences on aging.

Sociological Theories of Aging

- Disengagement Theory

- Activity/Developmental Task Theory

- Continuity Theory

- Age Stratification Theory

- Person-Environment Fit Theory

What is the Disengagement Theory?

It says older adults naturally withdraw from activities and social interactions and focus more on their inner lives.

Who proposed the Disengagement Theory and when?

Cumming and Henry in 1961.

Why is disengagement seen as adaptive in this theory?

Because it's viewed as a natural part of aging that helps with adjustment.

What are some problems with the Disengagement Theory?

It supports ageist views, lacks strong evidence, and ignores changing views of aging and individual differences.

What is the Activity Theory?

It says older adults who stay active have greater life satisfaction.

Who developed the Activity Theory and when?

Havighurst and colleagues in 1963.

What is the role of self-concept in Activity Theory?

Since self-concept is tied to roles, older adults need to replace lost roles with new ones to stay active.

How do older adults respond to aging in Activity Theory?

They tend to deny aging and try to fight the aging process.

What is a major problem with Activity Theory?

It doesn't consider differences in personality—some people may not want to stay active.

What is the Continuity Theory?

It says people age in ways that are consistent with how they lived earlier in life.

Who developed the Continuity Theory and when?

Atchley in 1989.

How does the Continuity Theory view old age?

As a continuation of earlier life, not a separate or disconnected phase.

What is one problem with Continuity Theory?

The theory doesn't fully account for those who intentionally choose inactivity later in life.

What is the Age Stratification Theory?

It says society is made up of groups (cohorts) that age together and influence each other and society.

What is the Person-Environment Fit Theory?

As people age, they may feel less able to cope with a fast-changing environment, making them withdraw from society.

What age range is considered the "Young Old"?

65 to 74 years old.

What age range is considered the "Middle Old"?

75 to 84 years old.

What age is considered the "Old Old"?

85 years old and above.

What age is considered the "Elite Old"?

100 years old and above.

What is the basic idea behind psychologic theories of aging?

Aging is seen as a continuous, dynamic developmental process that extends beyond adulthood.

What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

It views human motivation as a series of needs that drive personal growth, with individuals striving for self-actualization throughout life.

What is Jung's Theory of Individualism?

Aging is a time for self-realization and inner growth, often triggered by reflection and reevaluation during midlife.

What is Erikson's Eight Stages of Life theory?

It explains aging as a series of ego-related crises shaped by society, each stage influencing personal development.