Chapter 2
Theories of Aging
Focus of Research on Aging
• Promote aging in a healthier fashion and postpone some
negative consequences of growing old.
• Keep people healthy and active longer rather than
extending a state of long-term disability.
• Understand the factors that influence the health and
well-being of people of all ages.
Biological Theories on Aging
• Genetic Programming
– People inherit a genetic program that determines
their specific life expectancy.
• Error Theory
– Genetic mutations cause aging and organ decline as
a result of self-perpetuating cellular mutations.
• Cross-Linking
– Cellular division is threatened as a result of radiation
or a chemical reaction.
Biological Theories on Aging (cont.)
• Free Radicals
– Highly reactive molecules generated from oxygen
metabolism damage proteins, enzymes, and DNA.
• Autoimmune Reactions
– The primary organs of the immune system, the
thymus and bone marrow, are affected by the aging
process.
• Wear and Tear Theories
– The repeated use and injury of the body over time as
it performs its specialized functions causes aging.
Aging Theories: Other Biological Factors
Affecting Aging Process
• Stress
• Disease
• Environment
• Neuroendocrines and Neurochemicals
• Radiation
• Nutrients
• Environment
Genetic Mutations
Mutation of DNA.
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Perpetuation of mutation during cell division.
↓
Increasing number of mutant cells in body.
↓
Malfunction of tissues, organs, and systems.
↓
Decline in body functions.
The Role of Autoimmune Reactions in the
Aging Process
Cells undergo changes with age.
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Body perceives these cells as foreign substances.
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Antibodies are formed to attack and rid body of foreign
substances.
↓
Cells die.
The Breakdown of the Body’s
Immunochemical Memory System
Cells are normal.
↓
Immunochemical memory system malfunctions and
perceives cells as foreign substances.
↓
Antibodies are formed to attack and rid body of foreign
substances.
↓
Cells die.
Psychosocial Aging Theories
• Disengagement Theory
– Society and the individual gradually withdraw, from
each other, to the satisfaction and benefit of both.
• Activity Theory
– Adults should continue a middle-aged lifestyle,
denying the existence of old age as long as possible.
• Continuity Theory
– Relates personality and predisposition toward certain
actions in old age to similar factors during other
phases of the life cycle.
Psychosocial Aging Theories (cont.)
• Developmental Tasks
– The process of healthy psychological aging is the
result of the successful fulfillment of developmental
tasks.
• Gerotranscendence
– Aging entails a transition from a rational,
materialistic metaperspective to a cosmic and
transcendent vision.
Erik Erikson: Developmental Tasks Facing
the Elderly
• Ego differentiation versus role preoccupation.
• Body transcendence versus body preoccupation.
• Ego transcendence versus ego preoccupation.
Butler and Lewis: Major Tasks of Later
Life
• Adjusting to one’s infirmities.
• Developing a sense of satisfaction with the life that has
been lived.
• Preparing for death.
Nursing Implications
• Identify factors that contribute to healthy aging and
assist aging individuals in promoting a healthy aging
process.
• Be sensitive to the tremendous impact your own
attitudes toward aging can have on patients.
• Promote joy and a sense of purpose in the elderly.