5. Gerontology is the study of the social, cultural,
psychological, cognitive, and biological aspects
of aging
The word was coined by Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov
in 1903, from the Greek words geron, "old
man" and logia, "study of"
6. What is Gerontology
Gerontology is the study of old age, the
aging processes and individuals across the
life course.
It includes:
The study of physical, mental, and social
changes in people as they age;
The investigation of changes in society
resulting from our aging population; and
The application of this knowledge to policies
and programs
Gerontological Society of
America
7. Researchers and practitioners in gerontology are
knowledgeable in several fields like social
sciences, physiology, psychology, research,
public health and policy planning
Geriatrics, the branch of medical science
concerned with the prevention and treatment
of diseases in older people, is a part of the
broader field of gerontology
8.
9. Sub-fields of Gerontology
Biogerontology – concerns the biological
ageing process, its origins, as well as, potential
ways to intervene in the process
Biomedical gerontology – an attempt to
slow, prevent, and reverse the process of
ageing
Social gerontology – focuses on the social
aspect of growing old
10. Environmental gerontology –
attempts to understand and also optimize
the relationship between ageing people and
their physical and social environments
Jurisprudential gerontology – focuses
on the way’s laws interact with the ageing
experience
11. Biological Theories of Aging
Programmed aging theory : Genetics and
heredity responsible for how an individual
ages
Cross-linkage theory : Deterioration of
organs/ cells causing decreased mobility
Somatic mutation theory : DNA changes
result in physical decline
Stress theory : Causes structural and
chemical changes through the lifespan
12. Psychosocial theories of aging
Disengagement theory :
withdrawn, introspective, self-
focussed
Continuity theory : characteristics, values
remain constant throughout life ; repeat
behaviours that brought success in the past
Activity theory : satisfaction depends
on involvement in new interests,
activities or maintenance of high level
of functioning
24. General physiological changes
All systems decline in overall functioning
Decreased physiological reserves
Modified pace and more frequent rest
periods
