Issues, Concepts and Theories of Aging

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key definitions, theories, and concepts of aging from Unit 1.

Geriatric

A branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and the medical care and treatment of ageing people.

Gerontology

The study of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of human development and the intricacies of aging across the lifespan.

Ageing

Time-related deterioration of the physiological functions necessary for survival and fertility, characterized by progressive physiological changes that lead to senescence or a decline of biological functions and stress adaptability.

Senescence

The biological process by which a cell ages and permanently stops dividing without dying, resulting in the accumulation of active cells that can release harmful substances and cause inflammation.

Young-Old

Sub-category classification defining older adults aged $65$ to $74$ years.

Old

Sub-category classification defining older adults aged $75$ to $84$ years.

Oldest-Old

Sub-category classification defining older adults aged $85$ years and older.

Functional Age

A gerontological term describing physical, psychological, and social function to indicate how older adults feel and function relative to their individual needs.

Perceived Age

A term used to describe how people estimate a person's age based on physical appearance.

Age Identity

How individuals feel about or perceive their own age relative to their peers.

Programmed Theories of Aging

Biological theories implying that aging follows an internal biological timetable, potentially serving as a continuation of childhood growth and development regulation.

Programmed Longevity Theory

A programmed theory stating that aging is the result of a sequential switching on and off of certain genes, where senescence manifests as age-associated deficits appear.

Endocrine Theory

A programmed theory proposing that biological clocks act through hormones to control the pace of aging.

Autoimmune Theory of Aging

A programmed theory proposing that the immune system is programmed to decline over time, leading to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, aging, and death.

Wear and Tear Theory

A damage or error theory asserting that cells and tissues have vital biological parts that wear out over time, resulting in aging.

Rate of Living Theory

A damage or error theory proposing that the greater an organism's rate of oxygen basal metabolism, the shorter its overall lifespan.

Cross-Linkage Theory

A damage or error theory stating that an accumulation of cross-linked proteins causes cellular and tissue damage, slowing down bodily processes and resulting in aging.

Free Radical Theory

A damage or error theory proposing that superoxide and other free radicals cause macromolecular damage, leading to accumulated tissue and organ dysfunction.

Somatic DNA Damage Theory

A damage or error theory based on the idea that progressive genetic mutations cause cells to malfunction and induce aging.

Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging (Aging Clock Theory)

A theory developed by Vladimir Dilman stating that aging, adaptive failure, and death result from a decline in the effectiveness of the body's homeostatic adjustments.

Pituitary Theory of Aging

A biological theory stating that structural and functional decline in the anterior pituitary gland (decreased vascularity and increased fibrosis) alters hormone production, leading to decreased sex and growth hormones.

Cellular Theory of Aging

A biological theory positing that human aging results from cells reaching replicative senescence, where division slows down completely and cells fail to multiply or respond to stress.

Disengagement Theory

A sociological theory developed by Elaine Cumming and William Henry viewing aging as a mutual process of gradual withdrawal between society and the individual.

Modernization Theory of Aging

A sociological theory proposing that loss of income, prestige, and honor due to retirement or labor market exit causes a decline in the overall social status of older people.

Continuity Theory

A sociological theory asserting that an individual's core personality and earlier life coping strategies dictate how they adapt to and manage old age.

Age Stratification Theory

A sociological theory suggesting society is stratified by age groups, where members of a shared age cohort possess similar beliefs, attitudes, and historical experiences.

Developmental Tasks

Challenges and adjustments that adults must meet in response to life experiences to achieve continued psychological growth across the life span.

Gerotranscendence

A psychological theory proposed by Tornstam stating that aging involves a transition from a rational, material perspective to a cosmic, transcendent focus with reduced interest in material goods and self-interest.

Functional Consequences Theory

A nursing theory by Miller (2014) integrating gerontology and holistic nursing, asserting that nurses promote wellness by viewing body, mind, and spirit as interconnected.

Theory of Thriving

A nursing theory created by Haight et al. (2002) based on failure to thrive, asserting that all life experiences must be linked together to create a holistic view of aging.

Theory of Successful Aging

A nursing theory developed by Flood (2005) combining Roy's adaptation model and gerotranscendence, predicting that personal control and positive affect promote higher wellness in older adults.