Geriatric Theories, def, models

exam 1 ch 1-5

Halbert Dunn’s model

maximizaing potential & maintaining purposeful direction

subjective age

most adults feel younger than their chronologic age

chronologic age

socially contructed marker that is not predictive of health

Rowe & Khan’s Successful Aging Model

• low disease/disability risk

• high physical/cognitive function

• active life engagement

• optimism, spirituality, self-efficacy

Social determinants of health

• economic stability

• education access/quality

• health care access/quality

• food insecurity

• unemployment

• housing

• social support

Ethnogeriatrics

study of how ethnicity & culture influence the aging process & the healthcare of older adults

Functional Consequences theory

how age-related changes and risk factors affect function and how nursing interventions can improve wellness in older adults.

Functional Assessment

evaluates an older adult’s ability to perform activities of daily living that affect independence and quality of life.

Functional consequences theory

defines health as the ability to function at the highest possible level, based on what the older adult values, despite age-related changes.

Life span

maximum survival potential for a member of a species

Life expectancy

predictable length of time that one is expected to live from a specific point in time

what is life expectancy influenced by

environmental factors & lifestyle choices

what is life span influenced by

genetics

Rectangularization of the curve

More people are living to an older age & the variation of lifespan is decreasing

compression of morbidity

refers to delaying the onset of chronic illness and disability so that most of a person’s life is lived in good health.

Senescence

refers to the post-reproductive phase of life characterized by progressive aging changes and an increased probability of death.

Biologic aging

gradual progressive decline in physiologic functioning

Wear and tear theory

explains aging as the result of cumulative damage from repeated use of the body over time.

Cross linkage theory

explains aging as the result of chemical bonds between molecules that normally remain separate, leading to loss of tissue elasticity and function

Free radical theory

explains aging as the result of cumulative cellular damage caused by oxidative stress, despite antioxidant defenses.

Program theory

proposes that aging and lifespan are genetically programmed, with humans having a maximum lifespan of about 110 years.

Caloric restriction

suggests that reducing caloric intake by 30–40% without malnutrition improves cellular protection and may slow the aging process.

Disengagement theory

proposes that aging involves a mutual, voluntary withdrawal between older adults and society to maintain social balance.

Activity theory

older adults maintain psychological and social well-being by remaining actively engaged in meaningful activities.

subculture theory

suggests that older adults develop shared norms, values, and expectations that distinguish them as a social group.

Age stratification theory

explains aging as a social process in which people move through age-based roles that shape opportunities, behaviors, and expectations over time.

person-environment fit theory

an older adult’s functioning and well-being are influenced by the balance between personal competence and environmental demands.

place identity

emotional, cognitive, and social bonds individuals form with their physical environment, that contribute to their sense of self.

residential normalcy

an older adult’s desire to remain in a familiar home environment where they feel comfortable, in control, and secure, even if it limits outside engagement.

Human need theory

organizes basic human needs in a hierarchy, with physiologic and safety needs taking priority over psychosocial and self-fulfillment needs.

Geratranscendence theory

As people age, they shift from focusing on practical and material concerns to a more spiritual, cosmic, or transcendent view of life.

Gerontology

study of aging & older adults

Geriatrics

focuses on medical problems of older adults

Primary prevention

focus on eliminating risk fx for disease/injury

secondary prevention

focus on early detection & treatment

tertiary prevention

attempt to eliminate/moderate disease associated w/ advanced disease (damage control)

Stages of Change Model

5 stages through which the person progresses w/ change

What are the stages of the stage of change model

1) precontemplation

2) contemplation

3) preparation

4) action

5) maintenance

stages of change model — Precontemplation stage

unaware of the problem

stages of change model — contemplation

intent to change

stages of change model — preparation

some ambivalence

stages of change model — action

behavior change has been made

stages of change model — maintenance

continues healthy behavior

Appreciative Inquiry

A positive approach that focuses on what is working well, builds on strengths, and uses questions to imagine and create a better future.

4 steps of appreciative inquiry

1) discover

2) dream

3) design

4) delivery