1. Chapter 3: Theories of Aging

2. Learning Objectives Identify the major theories of aging.
Compare the similarities and differences between biological and psychosocial theories.
Describe the process of aging using a biological and a psychosocial perspective.

3. Learning Objectives (cont’d)
Analyze the rationale for using multiple theories of aging to describe the complex phenomenon of aging.
Describe a general theoretical framework, taken from all of the aging theories, which will assist nurses in making clinical decisions in gerontology.

4. Psychosocial Theories of Aging
Changing roles, relationships, status and generational cohort impact the older adult’s ability to adapt. (Table 3-1, p. 64)
Activity Theory
Disengagement Theory
Subculture
Continuity Theory
Age Stratification Theory
Person-Environment-Fit Theory
Gerotranscendence

5. Psychological Theories
Explain aging in terms of mental processes, emotions, attitudes, motivation, and personality development characterized by life stage transitions (P.65)
Human Needs Theory: five basic needs-Maslow
Individualism: Jung’s theory
Stages of Personality Theory: Erikson’s Developmental Theory

6. Human Needs Theory

7. Erikson’s Stages of Personality
Basic Trust vs. Basic Mistrust (maternal relationship)
Autonomy vs. Shame (master toilet training)-early childhood
Initiative vs. Guilt (do things on their own)-preschool; 3-6yr
Industry vs. Inferiority (comparing self worth)- school 6-11
Identity vs. Role Confusion(questioning of self) – adolescent ;12-20 yrs
Intimacy vs. Isolation (adult development) yrs
Generativity vs. Stagnation(usefulness or regretful) 25-64
Integrity vs. Despair (achieved important goals) 65 -

8. Biological Theories of Aging (p. 83) Stochastic Theories
Environment and the body’s constant need to manufacture energy and fuel metabolic activities cause toxic by-products to accumulate.
Based on random events that cause cellular damage, which accumulates as organism ages.
Free Radical Theory: end product of metabolism
Orgel/Error Theory
Wear and Tear Theory
Connective Tissue Theory

9. Biological Theories of Aging Nonstochastic Theories
Based on genetically programmed events caused by cellular damage that accelerates aging of the organism. (p. 83)
Programmed Theory
Gene/Biological Clock Theory
Neuroendocrine Theory
Immunological Theory

10. Nursing Theories of Aging (p. 85)
Functional Consequences Theory
Environmental and biopsychosocial consequences impact functioning.
Theory of Thriving
Failure to thrive caused by discord between the individual and environment or relationships. Disharmony cause failure to thrive.

11. Conclusion
For older adults with chronic illnesses, stochastic theories of aging help nurses to better manage physical illness and conditions
Psychosocial aging theories help nurses assist older adults and their families recognize that their life has been one of integrity and meaning, and facilitate peaceful death with dignity.
Aging continues to be explained from multiple theoretical perspectives, which collectively reveal that aging is a complex phenomenon still much in need of research.