KIN 261 - Chapter 2-1

• The most common component of successful aging is physical function

  • the percentage of people who are aging successfully is very low

  • successful aging involves the accumulations of our decision (that affect our health) over our lifetime

Theories of Aging - How do all of these factors contribute to successful aging?

• biological theories

• psychological theories

• sociological theories

• Theory - explains how various phenomena occur

Biological Theories

• Genetic Theories

  • natural breakdown of Deoxyribonucleicacid (DNA)

  • Hayflick Limit (1961)

    • proposes that human body cells can only replicate a fixed number of times before they stop and die

    • now considered outdated since different human body cells have different “caps” (some don’t even replicate at all) and many die before this limit is reached

• Damage Theories

  • accumulation of cell damage as a key determinent of cellular disfunction and death

    • free-radical theory (too many free-radicals in the body is bad)

    • cross-linkage (where molecules of CT become intertwined [cross-linked] that result in cellular disfunction)

      • leads to reduced elasticity of skin and muscle tissues, stiffening of blood vessel walls, and reduced joint mobility

      • prevented through being active and eating healthy

• Gradual imbalance theories

  • where different body systems age at different rates, leading to an imbalance in biological functions (especially in CNS, immune, and endocrine systems)

  • increases likeliness of disease

• ~25% of aging has to do with genetics

Psychological Theories

• lower levels in the pyramid need to be addressed first

• Self-Actualization & Transcendence

  • both of these traits must be maximized to gain maximum wisdom

  • Transcendence = helping others find self-fulfillment and realize their potential to satisfy a higher purpose (they transcend past themselves and look at how they could impact the outside world)

    • individuals generally rate their self-wellbeing higher when other people in society also have their needs fulfilled

Sociological Theories

• Activity Theory (most widely accepted)

  • greater activity = great life satisfaction

• Continuity Theory

  • carry positive healthy habits, lifestyles, and relationships throughout life

• heavy evidence that a person’s social and physical environment influenced their aging

• Rowe and Kahn’s Successful Aging Model

  • emphasizes the positive aspects of aging and the important role of lifestyle and other psychosocial factors to retain or even enhance their function

  • three pillars (must display high levels for all three of these characteristics for successful aging

    • low risk of disease an disease-related disability

    • high mental and physical function

    • active engagement with life

• Selective Optimization with Compensation Model

  • “how can people achieve high wellbeing despite the physical declines that most people go through as part of the aging process?”

  • maximizes doing the best they can with what they have

  • adaptation to age-related changesin physiological function

• Two-Factor Model of Successful Aging

  • focuses on the idea that adults can attain disease and/or disability but still believe that they are aging successfully

  • objetive and subjective aspects

  • things like cognitive function, social engagement, and psychological wellbeing are viewed as predictors of successful aging, not necessarily as barometers for it

Physiological Benefits of Physical Activity - provides physiological, psychological, and sociological benefits

• most common area that is attended to for the prevention ofage

• Immediate Benefits

  • glucose levels,

  • catecholamine (ex: adrenaline) activity

  • improved sleep

• Long-Term Effects

  • aerobic endurance

  • resistance training

  • flexibility

  • balance and coordination

  • velocity of movement

Psychological Benefits of Physical Activity

• Immediate Benefits

  • relaxation

  • reduced stress and anxiety

  • enhanced mood state

• Long-Term Effects

  • general well-being

  • improved mental health

  • cognitive improvements (ex: reaction time)

  • motor control and performance

  • skill acquisition

Social Benefits of Physical Activity

• Immediate Benefits

  • empowered older individuals

  • enhanced social and cultural integration

• Long-Term Effects

  • enhanced integration

  • formation of new friendships

  • widened social and cultural networks

  • role maintenance and role acquisition

  • enhanced integrational activity