Theories of Aging 1 1

Christine I.
Reyes
STOCHASTIC THEORIES suggests that aging
events occur randomly and accumulate with time.
1. ERROR THEORY - proposes that aging is the
result of the accumulation of errors in
deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid
synthesis. The accumulation of errors over time
eventually leads to failure of cellular activity and
the changes we associate with aging.
Ex: Environmental agents like radiation causing
chromosomal abnormalities.
*** Hayflick (1996) does not support this theory, all
aged cells do not have errant proteins nor are all
cells found with errant proteins old
CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY: FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY 2019 March 8, 2022
2. FREE RADICAL THEORY
▪ Postulates that as fats,
proteins and
carbohydrates oxidize,
they create what are
called free radicals, which
attach to other molecules
and damage them.
▪ Cell damage causes
mitochondrial Harman (1994) suggests strategies to assist in
deterioration due to delaying the mitochondrial decay:
oxidants causing loss of ✓ decrease calories to lower weight
cell energy & decrease ✓ Maintain a diet high in nutrients
✓ Use antioxidants
metabolism ✓ Minimize accumulation of metals in the body that
can triggers free radical reactions
3. WEAR and TEAR
THEORY
▪ Described as “worn
out”
▪ Aging is caused by
the accumulation of
repeated and
random injury and
overuse of cells, Aged cells have lost the ability to
tissues, organs and counteract mechanical, inflammatory,
systems and other injuries due to their
senescence (Aigner, Rose, Martin, &
Buckwalter, 2004).
4. CONNECTIVE TISSUE THEORY
- also referred to as cross-link theory,
and it proposes that, over time,
biochemical processes create
connections between structures not
normally connected.
▪ Elastin dries up and cracks with age. Hence, skin with less
elastin (as with the older adult) tends to be dried and wrinkled
▪ Over time, due to decreased extracellular fluid, numerous
deposits of sodium, chloride, and calcium build up in the
cardiovascular system. (No clinical application studies were
found to support this theory)
NONSTOCHASTIC
THEORIES suggest that aging
is genetically programmed for the
specific life span of an organism
and includes senescence or aging
of the entire organism
1. PROGRAMMED THEORY
▪ Each cell is born with a
limited number of replications
▪ When they are done, the cell
dies and the organisms does Increased cell apoptosis rates do
as well cause organ dysfunction, and this is
hypothesized to be the underlying basis
of the pathophysiology of multiple organ
dysfunction (MODS) (Papathanassoglou,
Moynihan, & Ackerman, 2000).
2. GENE/BIOLOGICAL CLOCK
THEORY
- Each cell, or entire organism
has a genetically programmed
aging code that is stored in the
organism’s DNA
- It is thought that biological ▪ By restricting calories there is a
rhythms lose some rhythmicity decreased need for insulin exposure,
with aging which consequently decreases growth
factor exposure. Both insulin and
growth factor are related to mammals’
genetically determined clock
controlling life span, (Haq, 2003)
3. NEUROENDOCRINE ▪ Estrogen decreases thinning of bones, when
women age less estrogen
THEORY ▪ as one ages there is a loss of neuroendocrine
transmitter function that is related to the
- describes a change in cessation of reproductive cycles
hormone secretion, such as ▪ with physiological aging and also with certain
with the releasing hormones of psychiatric disorders there is increased
activation of the hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal
the hypothalamus and the axis, which causes increased plasma cortisol
stimulating hormones of the levels. The increased cortisol levels can be
linked with several diseases
pituitary gland, which manage
the thyroid, parathyroid, and
adrenal glands, and how they
influence the aging process
4. IMMUNOLOGICAL / ▪ decreased immune function in the elderly.
▪ thymus gland shrinks in size and ability to
AUTOIMMUNE THEORY function
- proposed 40 years ago and says ▪ loss of T-cell differentiation so that the
body incorrectly perceives old, irregular
that the normal aging process of cells as foreign bodies and attacks them
humans and animals is related to ▪ an increase in certain autoantibodies such
faulty immunological function as rheumatoid factor and a loss of
(Effros, 2004). interleukins causing autoimmune
diseases
1. ACTIVITY THEORY - Remaining occupied and involved
is necessary to a satisfying late-life
2. DISENGAGEMENT THEORY - Gradual withdrawal
from society and relationships serves to maintain social
equilibrium and promote internal reflection.
3. SUBCULTURE THEORY - The elderly prefer to
segregate from society in an aging subculture sharing
loss of status and societal negativity regarding the
aged. Health and mobility are key determinants of
social status.
4. CONTINUITY THEORY - Personality influences roles and life
satisfaction and remains consistent throughout life. Past
coping patterns recur as older adults adjust to physical,
financial, and social decline and contemplate death.
Identifying with one’s age group, finding a residence
compatible with one’s limitations, and learning new roles
postretirement are major tasks.
5. AGE STRATIFICATION THEORY - Society is stratified by age
groups that are the basis for acquiring resources, roles,
influenced by their historical context and share similar
experiences, beliefs, attitudes, and expectations of life
course transitions
6. PERSON-ENVIRONMENT FIT - Function is affected by ego
strength, mobility, health, cognition, sensory perception, and
the environment. Competency changes one’s ability to adapt
to environmental demand
7. GEROTRANSCENDENCE - The elderly transform from a
materialistic/rational perspective toward oneness with the
universe. Successful transformation includes an outward
focus, accepting impending death, substantive relationships,
intergenerational connectedness, and unity with the universe
1. HUMAN NEEDS THEORY - Five basic needs motivate human
behavior in a lifelong process toward need fulfillment.
Although Maslow does not specifically address old age, it is
clear that physical, economic, social, and environmental
constrain can impede need fulfillment of older adults
Jones and Miesen (1992) used Maslow’s hierarchy to present a
nursing care model for working with aged persons with specific
needs in an attempt to relate all patient needs to universal needs
2. THEORY OF INDIVIDUALISM - Jung (1960) proposes a
lifespan view of personality development rather than
attainment of basic needs. Personality consists of an ego
and personal and collective unconsciousness that views life
from a personal or external perspective. Older adults search
for life meaning and adapt to functional and social losses
As individuals age, Jung proposes that elders engage in an “inner
search” to critique their beliefs and accomplishments. According to
Jung, successful aging means acceptance of the past and an
ability to cope with functional decline and loss of significant others
3. STAGES OF PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT THEORY -
Personality develops in eight sequential stages with
corresponding life tasks. The eighth phase, integrity versus
despair, is characterized by evaluating life accomplishments;
struggles include letting go, accepting care, detachment, and
physical and mental decline.
In a recent study of frail elderly men and women, Neumann (2000) used
Erikson’s theoretical framework when asking participants to discuss their
perceptions about the meaning of their lives. She found that older adults who
expressed higher levels of meaning and energy described a sense of
connectedness, self-worth, love, and respect that was absent among
participants who felt unfulfilled
4. LIFE-COURSE/LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT - Life stages are
predictable and structured by roles, relationships, values,
and goals. Persons adapt to changing roles and
relationships. Successful adaptation to life change may
necessitate revising beliefs in order to be consistent
with societal expectations.
Individuals must adapt to changed roles and relationships that
occur throughout life, such as getting married, finishing school,
completing military service, getting a job, and retiring (Cunningham
& Brookbank, 1988)
5. SELECTIVE OPTIMIZATION WITH COMPENSATION -
Individuals cope with aging losses through activity/role selection,
optimization, , and compensation. Aging individuals become more
selective in activities and roles as limitations present themselves;
at the same time, they choose those activities and roles that are
most satisfying (optimization). Finally, ndividuals adapt by seeking
alternatives when functional limits prohibit sustaining former roles
or activities
Quick and Moen (1988) report that retirement quality for women is
associated with good health, a continuous career, earlier retirement,
and a good postretirement income. For men, good health, an enjoyable
career, low work role prominence, preretirement planning, and retiring
voluntarily impacted satisfaction.
CENTRO ESCOLAR UNIVERSITY: FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY
March 8, 2022 2019

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Christine I.

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