Gerontological Nursing and Theories of Aging Flashcards

A vocabulary flashcard deck based on Module 1 NCM 114 covering core concepts in gerontological nursing, key terms, and major biological and psychosocial theories of aging.

Aging

A lifelong, multidimensional process involving biological, psychological, and social changes.

Older Adult

A person in later life; the commonly used chronological threshold is 60 years and above in the Philippine context.

Gerontology

The multidisciplinary study of aging and older adults.

Geriatrics

The branch of medicine concerned with the health and medical care of older adults.

Gerontological Nursing

A nursing specialty focused on promoting health, preventing disease, maintaining function, and providing holistic care to older adults.

Healthy Aging

The process of developing and maintaining functional ability that enables well-being in older age.

Functional Ability

The combination of an individual's intrinsic capacity and the person's interaction with the environment.

Intrinsic Capacity

The composite of an individual's physical and mental capacities.

Ageism

Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on age.

Frailty

A state of increased vulnerability resulting from reduced physiological reserve and resilience.

Genetic/Programmed Theories

Biological theories proposing that aging is partly influenced by genetically programmed biological processes regulating cellular replication, growth, development, reproductive processes, and cellular senescence.

Telomere Theory

A biological theory stating that protective structures at the ends of chromosomes (telomeres) progressively shorten with repeated cell division, contributing to cellular senescence.

Free Radical Theory

A biological theory proposing that aging is associated with accumulated cellular damage caused by reactive molecules known as free radicals.

Wear-and-Tear Theory

A biological theory suggesting that the body experiences cumulative damage from normal use and environmental stressors over time.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair

Erik Erikson's developmental conflict associated with later adulthood, in which older adults reflect on their lives and evaluate whether they have experienced a sense of meaning and fulfillment.

Ego Integrity

An outcome in Erikson's theory involving acceptance of one's life, a sense of fulfillment, wisdom, acceptance of mortality, and a meaningful life review.

Despair

An outcome in Erikson's theory involving regret, a sense of failure, hopelessness, fear of death, and feeling that life has been wasted.

Ego Differentiation vs. Work-Role Preoccupation

Robert Peck's developmental task where the older adult develops sources of self-worth beyond occupational identity.

Body Transcendence vs. Body Preoccupation

Robert Peck's developmental task where the individual develops satisfaction and meaning beyond physical appearance or declining physical abilities.

Ego Transcendence vs. Ego Preoccupation

Robert Peck's developmental task where the individual develops acceptance of mortality and focuses on meaning, relationships, and contributions that extend beyond the self.

Activity Theory

A psychosocial theory proposing that older adults tend to experience greater satisfaction when they remain active and socially engaged.

Continuity Theory

A psychosocial theory proposing that older adults tend to maintain patterns of behavior, values, relationships, and preferences developed throughout life.

Disengagement Theory

A psychosocial theory proposing that aging may involve a gradual withdrawal or reduction of interaction between the individual and society.