THEORIES OF AGING

BIOLOGIC THEORIES

Biologic theories treat to explain the physical changes of aging.

1. The programmed theory: every person has a "biologic clock" that starts ticking when we born.
2. The rut - out - program theory: we have a limit of genetic material.
3. The living theory: we have a finite numbers of breaths or hearts beats.
4. The gen theory: we have on or more harmful genes that limiting the life span.
5. The molecular theories: the aging is controlled by genetic materials that are encoded to predetermine growth and decline.
6. The error theory: an error in ribonucleic acid and protein synthesis, cause errors in cells in the body. the result is a progressive decline in biologic function.
7. The somatic mutations theory: the chemical or radiation can cuases damages in the deoxyribonucleic. This damage causes chromosomal abnormalities.
8. The free radical theory: free radicals are unstable molecules produces by the boy during the normal metabolism or following exposure to radiation and pollution. These free radicals are suspected to cause damage to the cells, DNA, and the immune system. Excessive accumulation of free radicals are suspected to cause free damage to the cells, DNA, and de the immune system.
9.       The cross line (connecitve tissue theory): molecules from AND and connective tissue interact with free radicals to cause bonds that decrease that ability if tissue to replace itself. These results in the skin changes typically attributed to aging such as dryness, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
10.      The clinker theory: chemicals produced by metabolism accumulate in normal cells and cause damage to body organs such as the muscles, heart, nerves and brain.
11. The neuroendocrine theory: with age the hypothalamus appears to be less precise in regulating endocrine function leading to age related changes such as decreased muscle mass, increased body fat and changes in reproductive function.
12.     The immunologic theory: the immune system weakens over the time making an aging person more susceptible to disease.

    Other theories are published in the article Moder Biologic Theories of Aging by Kunlin Jin (click here to see it) explain that are two theories:

•    Programmed theory: aging follows a biologic timetable (a continuation of the one that regulates childhood growth and development). This regulation would depend on changes in gene expression that affect the systems responsible for maintenance, repair and defense responses.
•      Damage or error theories: emphasize environmental assaults to living organisms that induce cumulative damage at various levels as the cause of aging.

      PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES

1.     The disengagement theory: explain why old persons separate from the mainstream of society. Older people are separated, excluded or disengage from society because that aren't perceived to be benefint to the society.
2.     The activity theory: active participation in physical and mental activities helps maintain functioning well into old age.
3.     Life course theories: these trace personality and personal adjustment throughout a person’s life. Many of these theories are specific in identifying life oriented tasks for the aging person. There are 3 theories:

        Erikson's theory: identifies six stages of developmental tasks than an individual must confront throughout the life span: trust vs mistrusts, autonomy vs shame and doubt, initiative vs guilt, industry vs inferiority, identify vs identify confusion, intimacy vs isolation, generativity vs stagnation, integrity vs despair.

    

         Havighurt's theory: details the process of aging and defines specific tasks for late life.

       Jung's theory: proposes that development continues through life by a process of searching, questioning and setting goals thar are consistent with the individuals personality.

      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

    

      Nursing can help individuals achieve the longest healthiest live possible, promoting good health, maintenance practices and a healthy environment.

Psychosocial theories help explain the variety of behaviors seen in the aging population. Understating all of these theories can help nurses recognize problems and provide nursing interventions.