Theories of aging

theories ofaging Preparedby
Baraa El- askri

Theories of aging:-
Each theory of aging attempts to provide a framework
in which to understand aging from different
perspectives.
The theories of aging are classified into
Biologic theories
Psychological theories
Social theories

 Biologic Aging Theories
Biologic theories of aging attempt to explain
why the physical changes of aging occur.
Researcher try to identify which biologic factor
have the greatest influence on longevity
• The Programmed theory
• The Error theory

1. The programmed theory
proposes that every person has a “Biologic clock”
that starts ticking at the time of conception.
In this theory each individual has a genetic program
specifying an unknown but predetermined number of cell
divisions.
As the program plays out, the person experiences
predictable changes such as atrophy of the thymus,
menopause, skin changes and graying of the hair
Aging has a biological timetable or internal biological
clock.
Biologic Aging Theories-The Programmed theory

2. The error theory
proposes that errors in ribonucleic acid protein synthesis
cause errors to occur in cells in the body, resulting in a
progressive decline in biologic function.
Error theory Aging is a result of internal or external
assaults that damage cells or organs so they can no longer
function properly.
Biologic Aging Theories- The error theory

Psychological Aging Theories
Most psychological theories maintain that
various coping or adaptive strategies must occur
for a person to age successfully.
Major psychological aging theories include:
1. Jung’s theory of individualism
2. Erikson’s developmental theory.
Psychological Aging Theories- Jung’s theory

1. Jung’s theory of
individualism
This theory hypothesizes
that as a person ages, the
shift of focus is away from
the external world
(extroversion) toward the
inner experience
(introversion).

• The traits of extraversion (or extroversion)
and introversion are a central dimension in some
human personality theories.
‫البشرية‬ ‫الشخصية‬ ‫نظريات‬ ‫بعض‬ ‫في‬ ‫المركزي‬ ‫البعد‬The
terms introversion and extraversion were
popularized by Carl Jung,[1]

• Extraversion tends to be manifested in outgoing,
talkative, energetic behavior, whereas
introversion is manifested in more reserved and
solitary behavior.
‫ا‬ً‫ي‬‫وانفراد‬ ‫ا‬ً‫ظ‬‫تحف‬ ‫أكثر‬ ‫سلوك‬ ‫في‬ ‫يتجلى‬. Rather than
focusing on interpersonal behavior,

• However, Jung defined introversion as an
"attitude-type characterized by orientation in life
through subjective psychic contents", and
extraversion as "an attitude-type characterized
by concentration of interest on the external
object".

• Extraversion and introversion are typically viewed as a
single continuum, so to be high in one necessitates
being low in the other. Jung provides a different
perspective and suggests that everyone has both an
extraverted side and an introverted side, with one
being more dominant than the other.

Erikson’s developmental theory
(7. Generativity vs. Stagnation)
Generativity versus stagnation is the seventh of eight stages of
Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development. This stage
takes place during during middle adulthood ages 40 to 65 yrs.
Psychologically, generativity refers to "making your mark" on the
world through creating or nurturing things that will outlast an
individual. During middle age individuals experience a need to
create or nurture things that will outlast them
Psychological Aging Theories- Erikson’s theory

We give back to society through raising our children,
being productive at work, and becoming involved in
community activities and organizations. Through
generativity we develop a sense of being a part of the
bigger picture.
Success leads to feelings of usefulness and
accomplishment, while failure results in shallow
involvement in the world.

By failing to find a way to contribute, we become stagnant and feel
unproductive. These individuals may feel disconnected or uninvolved
with their community and with society as a whole. Success in this stage
will lead to the virtue of care..

8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair
Ego integrity versus despair is the eighth and final stage of Erik
Erikson’s stage theory of psychosocial development. This stage
begins at approximately age 65 and ends at death
It is during this time that we contemplate our accomplishments and
can develop integrity if we see ourselves as leading a successful life.
Individuals who reflect on their life and regret not achieving their
goals will experience feelings of bitterness and despair.

Erikson described ego integrity as “the acceptance of one’s one
and only life cycle as something that had to be” (1950, p. 268)
and later as “a sense of coherence and wholeness” (1982, p. 65).

 Sociological Aging theory
1. Disengagement theory views aging as a process of mutual
withdrawal in which older adults voluntarily slow down by
retiring, as expected by society. Proponents of disengagement
theory hold that mutual social withdrawal benefits both
individuals and society.
2. Activity theory, on the other hand, sees a positive correlation
between keeping active and aging well. Active participation in
physical and mental activities helps maintain functioning well into
old age.
SociologicalAgingtheory-Disengagement theory and Activity theory

• APPLICATION IN NURSINGFIELD
• Physical theories of aging indicate that, although biology
places some limitations on life and life expectancy, other
factors are subject to behaviour and life choices. Nursing can
help individuals achieve the longest, healthiest lives possible
by promoting good health maintenance practices and a
healthy environment.
• Psychosocial theories help to explain the variety of
behaviours seen in the aging population. Understanding all
of these theories can help nurses recognize problems and
provide nursing interventions that will helping aging
individuals successfully meeting the development tasks of
aging. Cultural, spiritual, regional, socioeconomic,
educational and environmental factors as well as health
status
impact older adult’s perceptions and choices about their
health care needs.
• Theories can predict patient outcomes hold the
greatest promise for guiding nursing practice in ways
that help each individual patient age successfully.

REFERENCES
• Smeltzer CS, Bare GB, Hinkle LJ, Cheever HK.
Brunner & Suddarth’s textbook of Medical-
surgical nursing. Volume I. Twelvth edition.
NewDelhi:Wolters Kluwer (India) ; 2011.
• Lewis LS, Dirksen RS, Heitkemper MM, Bucher L. Lewis’s
Medical Surgical Nursing Assessment and management of
clinical problems. Second edition. Volume 1.India: Reed
Elsevier; 2015.
• Goldsmith TC. Evolution of Aging Theories: Why Modern
Programmed Aging Concepts Are Transforming Medical
Research. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2016 Dec;81(12):1406-
1412.
• Walker RF. Developmental theory of aging revisited:
focus on causal and mechanistic links between
development and senescence. Rejuvenation Res. 2011
Aug;14(4):429-36.

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