Theories of Aging.ppt

Theories of Aging Vaunette Payton Fay, Ph.D. “Everyman desires to live long, but no man would be old.” Johnathan Swift, 1667-1745 Theories of Aging Biological Theories address the anatomic and physiologic changes occurring with age. Psycho-Social Theories explain the thought processes and behaviors of aging persons. Biological Theories of Aging Genetic Theories Gene Error Somatic mutation Programmed  Nongenetic Theories Immunologic / Autoimmune Free Radical Wear Tear Cross link or Collagen /theories.html Psycho-Social Theories of Aging Disengagement Theory Activity Theory Continuity Theory Disengagement Theory developed by Cummings and Henry in late 1950’s. “aging is an inevitable, mutual withdrawal or disengagement, resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he/she belongs to.” Activity Theory developed by Robert Havighurst in the 1960’s. supports the maintenance of regular activities, roles, and social pursuits. persons who achieve optimal age are those who stay active. as roles change, the individual finds substitute activities for these roles. Continuity Theory proposed by Havighurst and co-workers in reaction to the disengagement theory “basic personality, attitudes, and behaviors remain constant throughout the life span” “ENJOY THE BALLET, LORETTA ….AND TRY TO SELL MY TICKET.” ?????????????????????????????? What is the relevance of the biological and psychosocial theories of aging to nursing? Developmental Tasks of Aging Developmental Task an activity or event that arises at a certain period in the life of an individual successful achievement leads to happiness, growth, and success with later tasks failure leads to unhappiness, disapproval by society, and difficulty with later tasks (Havighurst, 1972) ?????????????????????????????? What are some important roles that older individuals fulfill? Erickson’s De