week one

Aging

A universal concern involving the process of getting older, affecting health, finances, and social roles.

Activity Theory

Suggests that staying engaged in social activities leads to greater life satisfaction in older age.

Disengagement Theory

Proposes gradual withdrawal from social roles as a natural part of aging that benefits both the individual and society.

Subculture Theory

The theory that older adults form their own social groups due to shared experiences and societal marginalization.

Continuity Theory

Posits that personality remains stable throughout life, influencing how individuals adapt to aging.

Gerotranscendence Theory

Suggests that aging represents a shift from materialism to a greater spiritual unity with the universe.

Human Needs Theory

Describes aging as a lifelong process of fulfilling basic needs.

Stages of Personality (Erikson)

The final stage involves reflecting on life accomplishments, characterized by integrity vs. despair.

Life-Course/Life-Span Theory

Indicates that life follows predictable stages influenced by roles, relationships, and goals.

Selective Optimization with Compensation

Aging individuals adapt to losses by selecting, optimizing, and compensating for their abilities.

Cellular Aging Theory

Suggests that cell replication slows down over time, contributing to the aging process.

Immunology Theory

Proposes that the immune system becomes defective with age, increasing vulnerability to diseases.

Wear and Tear Theory

Suggests that cellular wear leads to inability to effectively repair existing components.

Free Radical Theory

States that oxidative damage accumulates in cells over time, resulting in loss of function.