The document discusses aging and theories of aging. It provides information on: 1) Biological theories which attempt to explain aging processes on a physical level including genetic, environmental, immune, wear and tear, and neuroendocrine theories. 2) Psychosocial theories which focus on social and psychological changes with age including personality, disengagement, activity, and continuity theories. 3) Normal physical, psychological, social, cultural, sexual, and health-related aspects of aging.

1. Presented by
T.MAGLIN ANUSHA M.SC (N)

2. The concept of “OLD”has changed drastically over
the years.Our prehistoric ancestors probably had a
life span of 400 years,with the average individual
living around 180 years.As civilization developed
,mortality rates remained high as a result of periodic
famine and frequent malnutrition

3. • Ageing or aging is the process of becoming older.Aging is associated
with changes in dynamic Biological, physiological
,environmental,psychological ,Behavioural
and social processes.
•Gerontology is the study of the aging
process.

4.  Geriatrics is the branch of clinical medicine
specializing in problems
of the elderly.
 Geropsychiatry is the branch of clinical medicine
specializing in psychopathology of the
elderly population

5. YEAR >65YEARS >85YEARS
1900 76.1% 3.2%
1950 152.3% 4.9%
2000 276.1% 12.6%
2050 403.7% 23.7%

6. •A number of theories related to the aging process
have been described.
•These theories are grouped into 2 broad categories.
They are:

7. BIOLOGICAL
THEORIES
PSYCHOSOCIAL
THEORIES
THEORIES OF AGING

8.  Biological theories attempt to explain the
physical,process of aging ,including molecular and
cellular changes in the major organ systems
Biological theories contain 5 major theories :
They are

9. GENETIC
THEORY
ENVIRONM
ENTAL
THEORY
IMMUNIT
Y
THEORY
WEAR AND
TEAR
THEORY
NEURO
ENDOCRIN
E THEORY
BIOLOGICAL THEORIES

10. •According to the genetic theory, aging is an involuntary
inherited process that operates over time to alter cellular
or tissue structure
•This theory suggests that life span and longevity changes
are predetermined

11.  Free radicals ,which are the waste products of
metabolism, accumulate and cause damage to important
biological structures
According to this theory ,these free radicals cause DNA
damage ,crosss-linkage of collagen and the accumulation of
age pigment

12. •According to this theory ,factors in the environment
eg;Industrial carcinogens sunlight ,trauma and infection bring
about changes in the aging process

13. • It describes the age –related decline in the immune system.
• As people age,their ability to,defend against foreign
organisms decreases, resulting in susceptibility
to diseases such as cancer and infection

14. •This theory proposes that aging occurs because of a slowing of
the secretion of certain hormones that have an impact on reactions
regulated by the nervous system.
•This is demonstrated by pituitary gland,thyroid ,adrenals and
the glands of reproduction

15. PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORY
 Psychosocial theories focus on social and psychological
Changes that accompany advancing age,as opposed
to the biological implications of anatomic deterioration
 Psychosocial theory contains 4 major theories

16. PERSONALITY
THEORY
DISENGAGEME
NT
THEORY
ACTIVITY
THEORY
CONTINUITY
THEORY
P
S
Y
C
H
O
S
O
C
I
A
L
T
H
E
O
R
Y

17. It address aspects of psychological growth without deliveating
specific tasks or expectations of older adults.
Some evidence suggests that personality characteristics in
Old age are highly correclated with early life characteristics

18. •Describes the process of withdrawal by older adults from
social roles and responsibilities.
According to the theory, this withdrawal process is
predictable, systemic inevitable and necessary for the
proper functioning of a growing
society

19. • This theory holds that the maintenance of activities is
Important to most people as a basis for feriving and
sustaining satisfaction,self-esteem and health
• It emphasis the individuals previously established coping
abilities and personal character traits as a basis for
predicting how the person will adjust

20. NORMAL
AGING
PROCESS
BIOLOGICA
L ASPECTS
OF AGING
PSYCHOLOGIC
AL ASPECTS
OF AGING
SOCIOCULT
URAL
ASPECTS OF
AGING
SEXUAL
ASPECTS
OF AGING

21. • Individuals are unique in their physical and psychological
aging process,as influenced by their predisposition and
resistance to illness,the effects of their external environment and
Behavoiurs and the health and illness practices they have
adopted during their life span
SKIN
•Loss of elastin in the skin ,changes in
collagen causes aged skin to
wrinkle and sag

22. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
•Loss of pacemaker cells,decrease in
maximal heart rate,diminished output
•Decreased elasticity of heart valves
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
•Decreased vital capacity,diminished
Cough reflex and laryngeal reflex,
Decreased pulmonary blood flow

23. GENITOURINARY AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
•Altered absorption from GI tract,
constipation, reduction in dentine
production, shrinkage and fibrosis
of root pulp
GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
•Decreased glomerular filtration rate,
hardness of erection ,decresed vaginal
lubrication ,enlargement of prostate ,
constipation

24. • Decreased in height because of
shortening of spinal column(2 inches)
,reduction in muscle strength,
loss of bone matrix
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Estrogen levels decreases in women
,testosterone decreases in men,
increases in follicle-stimulating hormone
and leutinizing hormone
ENDOCRINE

25. IMMUNE SYSTEM
SPECIAL SENSES
•Thickening of optic lens ,reduced
peripheral vision, inability to
accomdate ,reduced acuity
of taste ,smell and touch
•Increased susceptibility
of infection

27. • Elderly people in virtually all cultures share some basic needs
and interests,they want protection from hazards
and release from the weariness of everyday tasks.
They want to die with the same respect and dignity
• Cultural stereotypes play a large in the misperception
many people hold regarding sexuality of older adults

28.  Decline in ovarian function,
 Reduced production of estrogen
 Vaginal dryness
 Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night
sweats,sleeplessness ,irritability, mood swings)
PHYSICAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUALITY
IN WOMEN :
IN MEN :
 Decline in testosterone production
 Erectile dysfunction
 Decrease in testicular size
 Decrease in amount of ejaculate

29. SPECIAL CONCERN OF ELDERLY POPULATION
RETIREMENT
 Retirement cause negative reactions to bring retired,feelings
Of being unproductive ,economic hardship and loneliness
 Retirement has both social and economic implication for
Elderly individuals
ELDER ABUSE
 Abuse of elderly individuals may be
- Psychological
- Physical
- Financial

30. PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE
 Yelling
 Insulting
 Harsh commands
 Threats and social isolation
PHYSICAL ABUSE
 Stricking
 Beating and restraints
FINANCIAL ABUSE
 Misuse or theft of finances,

31. SADOCK AND SADOCK (2007) States that :
 Several psychosocial risk factors predispose older people
to mental disorders.
 These risk factors include loss of social roles ,loss of autonomy,
death of friends and relatives ,declining health, increased isolation,
financial constraints and decreased cognitive functioning
Psychiatric disorders among elderly people are :

34. • The nurse should demonstrate leadership and competence in
implementing the role of the primary care nurse practitioner
• The nurse should set the goal is to meet the behavioural health needs
of both the patient and their families
• Integrate advanced knowledge and experience in delivering safe,
effective ,quality care to geriatric clients
• Engage in counseling ,communication, collaboration and teaching
in a manner that reflects caring, advocacy, ethics and professional
Standards
• Consulatation is provided in multidisciplinary teams headed
by a psychiatrist

35. • Provide schedule about the therapy classes ,and other counseling
courses and self care activities
• Encourage the client family members to mingle with the client
and support the client in every activities
• Teach about current conditions and treatment to the patients
and their relatives

36. PHYSIOLOGICALLY RELATED DIAGNOSIS
• Impaired physical mobility related to muscular wasting
and weakness
• Disturbed sensory- perception related to age –related
alterations
• Disturbed sleep pattern related to age-related cognitive
decline,decrease in ability to sleep
• Self –care deficit related to weakness,confusion or
disorientation
• Risk for trauma related to confusion

37. PSYCHOSOCIALLY RELATED DIAGNOSIS
• Disturbed thought process
• Disturbed body image
• Low self esteem related to loss of pre-
retirement status