theories of aging

ancient egyptians and chinese relics

show evidence of concoctions designed to prolong life or achieve immortality, and various other cultures have proposed specific dietary regimens, herbal mixtures, and rituals for similar ends.

aging

may be viewed as a continuum of events that occur from conception to death.

human aging

is viewed as a total process that begins at conception

theories

function to help make sense of a particular phenomenon; they provide a sense of order and give a perspective from which to view the facts

theories

provide a springboard for discussion and research.

biologic

concerned with answering basic questions regarding physiologic processes that occur in all living organisms over time.

sociologic

focused on the roles and relationships within which individuals engage in later life

psychologic

influenced by both biology and sociology and addresses how a person responds to the tasks of their age

moral/spiritual

examine how an individual seeks to explain and validate their existence

program theory

People inherit a genetic program that determines their specific life expectancy

program theory

proposed that animals and humans are born with a genetic program or biological clock that predetermines life span

error theory

Proposes a genetic determination for aging.

error theory

This theory holds that genetic mutations are responsible for aging by causing organ decline as a result of self perpetuating cellular mutations

cross-linking theory

proposes that cellular division is threatened as a result of radiation or a chemical reaction in which a cross-linking agent attaches itself to a DNA strand and prevents the normal parting of the strands during mitosis.

collagen

an important connective tissue in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and muscle

mutation accumulation theory

Suggests that aging occurs due to a declining force of natural selection with age

antagonist pleiotrophy theory

suggests that accumulated mutant genes that have negative effects in late life may have had beneficial effects in early life.

disposable soma theory

Differs from other evolutionary theories by proposing that aging is related to the use of the body’s energy rather than to genetics.

disposable soma theory

Through evolution, organisms have learned to give priority to energy expenditure to reproductive functions over those functions that could maintain thus the body indefinitely

free radicals

highly reactive molecules containing an extra electrical charge that is generated from oxygen metabolism.

beta-carotene and vitamins C and E

are antioxidants that can offer protection against free radicals.

free radicals

These molecules can damage proteins, enzymes, and DNA by replacing molecules that contain useful biological information with faulty molecules that create genetic disorders

lipofuscin

lipoprotein by-product of oxidation that can be seen only under a fluorescent microscope, in the aging process

age pigments

lipofuscin are also called

lipofuscin

interferes with the diffusion and transport of essential metabolites and information bearing molecules in the cells.

autoimmune reactions

Some theorists believe that the reduction in immunologic activities also leads to an increase in autoimmune response with age.

autoimmune reactions

cells undergo changes with age, and the body misidentifies these aged, irregular cells as foreign agents and develops antibodies to attack them

wear and tear theory

Attribute aging to the repeated use and injury of the body over time as it performs its highly specialized functions.

biogerontology

The study of the connection between aging and disease processes has been termed biogerontology.

neuroendocrine and neurochemical theories

Suggest that aging is the result of changes in the brain and endocrine glands.

neuroendocrine and neurochemical theories

imbalance of chemicals in the brain impairs healthy cell division throughout the body

radiation theory

repeated exposure to ultraviolet light is known to cause solar elastosis, the “old age” type of skin wrinkling that results from the replacement of collagen by elastin.

ultraviolet light

also a factor in the development of skin cancer

radiation

induce cellular mutations that promote aging.

obesity

shown to increase the risk of many diseases and shorten life.

person-environment fit theory

Persons’ ability to meet these demands is affected by their level of function and influences their ability to adapt to the environment

sociologic theories

address the impact of society on older adults and vice versa.

Elaine Cumming and William Henry

who developed disengagement theory

disengagement theory

views aging as a process in which society and the individual gradually withdraw, or disengage, from each other to the mutual satisfaction and benefit of both

disengagement theory

the value of this theory is that some orderly means are established for the transfer of power from the old to the young, making it possible for society

activity theory

asserts that an older person should continue a middle-aged lifestyle, denying the existence of old age as long as possible and that society should apply the same norms to old age as it does to middle age and not advocate diminishing activity, interest, and involvement as its members grow old.

continuity theory

Referred to as the developmental theory, relates personality and predisposition toward certain actions in old age to similar factors during other phases of the life cycle.

individualism theory

Individual personalities tend to view life primarily either through the self or through others

individualism theory

As individuals age, elders engage in an “inner search” to critique their beliefs and accomplishments

interiority

promotes positive inner growth

life course or life span development pradigm

Individuals may choose their goals but are limited by external constraints.

Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory

Individuals learn to cope with the functional losses of aging through processes of selection, optimization, and compensation

Selective Optimization with Compensation Theory

Aging individuals become more selective in activities and roles as limitations present themselves; at the same time, they choose those activities and roles that are most satisfying (optimization).

subculture theory

Older adults are a unique subculture within society that is formed as a defensive response to society’s negative attitudes and the loss of status that accompanies aging.

age stratification theory

Aging and society are interrelated and cause reciprocal changes in individuals, age group cohorts, and society

age stratification theory

Quality of life is integrated with functional capacity and dependency needs, and positive consequences are possible despite age-related limitations

functional consequences theory

Aging adults experience environmental and biopsychosocial consequences that impact their functioning

theory of thriving

achieved when there is harmony between a person and his or her physical environment and personal relationships

developmental task

the challenges that must be met and adjustments that must be made in response to life experiences that are part of an adult’s continued growth through the life span.

ego differentiation vs role preoccupation

to develop satisfactions from oneself as a person rather than through parental or occupational roles

body transcendence versus body preoccupation

to find psychological pleasures rather than become absorbed with health problems or physical limitations imposed by aging

ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation

to achieve satisfaction through reflection on one’s past life and accomplishments rather than be preoccupied with the finite number of years left to live

gerotranscendence

A recent theory that suggests aging entails a transition from a rational, materialistic metaperspective to a cosmic and transcendent vision.

less than 30% of caloric intake

limit fat consumption to how many %

exercise

an important ingredient to good health.

laughter

stimulates the immune system, and reduces stress

endorphins

hormones released by laughter

faith

A strong faith, church attendance, and prayer are directly related to lower rates of physical and mental illness.

empowerment

Losing control over one’s life can threaten self-confidence and diminish self-care independence