THEORIES OF

AGING
Margie T. Molina, RN, MAN
 BIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF AGING
1. Stochastic Theory
= the effects of aging are primarily due to genetic
defects, development, environment, and the inborn
aging process .
2. Nonstochastic Theory
= are founded on a programmed perspective that is
related to genetics or one’s biological clock.
Stochastic Theory
 Stochastic Theory
1. Free Radical Theory
aging is due to oxidative metabolism and the
effects of free radicals, which are the end products
of oxidative metabolism
Membranes, nucleic acids, and proteins are
damaged by free radicals, which causes cellular
injury and aging.
Free Radical Theory
Causes:
Causes:

immune heart
disease disease
 2. Wear and Tear Theory
- focuses on the process of metabolic waste product
accumulation or nutrient deprivation that damages
DNA synthesis, which, in turn, results in molecular
and organ malfunction.
- it states that each person’s body has a “master
clock” that controls these cells and organs, which
slows down with time
Wear and Tear Theory
Stress Factor such as:
Smoking and alcohol abuse

Poor diet toxins

radiation,
Muscle strain
UV light
 3. Orgel/ErrorTheory
- over time, cells accumulate errors in their DNA and
RNA protein synthesis that cause the cells to die.

- Cellular molecules cannot function like usual, then

causing cellular breakdown, deterioration and
eventually death in the host
Orgel/ErrorTheory
 4. Cross-link/Connective Tissue Theory
- it proposes that, over time, biochemical processes create
connections between structures not normally connected

- Proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and other

structural molecules develop inappropriate attachments,
or cross-links, to one another as a person ages
Cross-link/Connective Tissue Theory
 Nonstochastic Theory
- The nonstochastic theories of aging are founded on a
programmed perspective that is related to genetics or
one’s biological clock
 1. Programmed Theory
- As people age, more of their cells start to decide to
commit suicide or stop dividing
- The Hayflick phenomenon suggests that cells divide until
they can no longer divide whereupon the cell’s
infrastructure recognizes this inability to further divide
and triggers the apoptosis sequence.
- Human cells age each time they replicate due to the
shortening of the telomere.
 2. Neuroendocrine Theory
- This theory describes a change
in hormone secretion, such as
with the releasing hormones of
the hypothalamus and the
stimulating hormones of the
pituitary gland
Hormones involved with aging
 Immunologic/Autoimmune Theory
= This theory says that the normal aging
process of humans and animals is related to
faulty immunological function.

= There is a decreased immune function in the

elderly.
Immunologic/Autoimmune Theory
 PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES OF AGING
1. Sociological Theories Of Aging
= Sociological theorists consider how changing roles,
relationships, and status within a culture or society
impact the older adult’s ability to adapt.
2. Psychological Theories of Aging.
= are concerned with personality or ego development
and the accompanying challenges associated with
various life stages.
 1. SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF AGING
a. Activity Theory
- proposes that successful ageing occurs when
older adults stay active and maintain social
interactions
- Stay active and maintain social interacton
- Increase their self esteem
 b. Disengagement Theory

= aging is characterized by gradual

disengagement from society and
relationships.
= diminishing social contacts lead to further
disengagement in a cyclical process that is
systematic and inevitable.
 c. Continuity Theory
Continuity theory suggests that personality
is well-developed by the time one reaches old age
and tends to remain consistent across the
lifespan.
 Continuity Theory
people remain consistent in:
- How they live their life
- Manage their relationship
Even though they experienced changes in
physical, mental and social status
 d. Subculture Theory
The subculture theory maintains that an older
adult will interact more with other older adults in his
subculture than he will with people from other age-
groups.
 e. Person-Environment Fit Theory

- This theory evaluates a person’s

competence in relationship to his
environment.
 e. Gerotranscendence Theory

This theory proposes that aging

individuals undergo a cognitive
transformation from a materialistic,
rational perspective toward oneness with
the universe
 Stages of Personality Development Theory
Erikson describes eight stages of psychological
development that extend from birth to death. To age
successfully, a person must complete each stage
satisfactorily.

By the time a person reaches the developmental tasks

of old age, he should have mastered the earlier tasks. If
he hasn’t, he may face problems with the final tasks
 6. Gerotranscendence Theory
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 Theory
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 Theory
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A picture is worth a
thousand words
02
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