Chapter 3:

Theories
of Aging
 Learning Objectives
• Identify the major theories of aging.
• Compare the similarities and differences
between biological and psychosocial
theories.
• Describe the process of aging using a
biological and a psychosocial perspective.
 Learning Objectives (cont’d.)
• Analyze the rationale for using multiple
theories of aging to describe the complex
phenomenon of aging.
• Describe a general theoretical framework,
taken from all of the aging theories, which
will assist nurses in making clinical
decisions in gerontology.
 Key Terms
• Apoptosis
• Capacity
• Free radicals
• Human needs theory
• Immunomodulation
• Lipofuscin
• Maslow
• Melatonin
• Mitochondria
 Key Terms (cont’d.)

• Nonstochastic theories of aging

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
• Senescence
• Stochastic theories of aging
• Telomerase
• Telomere
 Psychosocial Theories of Aging
• Changing roles, relationships, status, and
generational cohort impact the older adult’s
ability to adapt.
– Activity theory
– Disengagement theory
– Subculture
– Continuity theory
– Age stratification theory
– Person-environment-fit theory
– Gerotranscendence
 Psychological Theories
• Explain aging in terms of mental processes,
emotions, attitudes, motivation, and personality
development characterized by life stage
transitions.
– Human needs theory
– Individualism
– Stages of personality theory
– Life-course/life span theory
– Selective optimization theory
 Biological Theories of Aging
Stochastic Theories

• Based on random events that cause cellular

damage, which accumulates as organism ages
– Free radical theory
– Orgel/error theory
– Wear and tear theory
– Connective tissue theory
 Biological Theories of Aging
Nonstochastic Theories
• Based on genetically programmed events
caused by cellular damage that accelerates
aging of the organism
– Programmed theory
– Gene/biological clock theory
– Neuroendocrine theory
– Immunological theory
 Implications for Nursing
• Nursing has incorporated psychosocial
theories such as Erikson’s personality
development theory into its practice.
• Psychological theories enlighten us about
the developmental tasks and challenges
faced by older adults and the importance
of finding and accepting meaning in
one’s life.
 Nursing Theories of Aging
• Functional consequences theory
– Environmental and biopsychosocial consequences
impact functioning.
• Theory of thriving
– Failure to thrive is caused by discord between the
individual and environment or relationships.
• Theory of successful aging
– According to this theory, aging successfully means
remaining physically, psychologically, and socially
engaged in meaningful ways that are individually
defined.
 Summary
• For older adults with chronic illnesses, stochastic
theories of aging help nurses to better manage
physical illness and conditions.
• Psychosocial aging theories help nurses assist
older adults and their families recognize that their
life has been one of integrity and meaning, and
facilitate peaceful death with dignity.
• Aging continues to be explained from multiple
theoretical perspectives, which collectively reveal
that aging is a complex phenomenon still much in
need of research.