Theories of Aging

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Theories of Aging Aging is an inevitable, continuous process that occurs as we grow old. It occurs as a result of several genetic, chemical, physiological and behavioral processes that interact, bringing about the changes evident with aging. Aging is inevitable in humans. However, anti-aging behaviors can be used to slow down the aging process. This paper discusses the theories of aging, nursing interventions to address issues that come with aging, nursing implications for the aging theories and health promotion strategies for successful aging.

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Defining Aging Based on Biologic, Sociologic, and Psychological Theories Several disciplines have tried to explain the process of aging, leading to the validation of biologic, sociologic and psychological theories. Biologic theory of aging bases on the physiologic body changes that is evident with aging. It focuses on the impact of aging as manifested in cells, organs, tissues and systems (Franzese & Rurka, 2016). The biologic theory is categorized into two, programmed or non-stochastic theories and error or stochastic theories.

Non-stochastic biological theories are founded on the fact that the body is designed to age based on a timeline. It comprises of the genetic, immunologic and endocrinal theories. Stochastic theories suggest that aging occurs as a result of environmental damage that accumulates over time. It includes wear and tear, free radical, rate of living, DNA damage and rate of living theories (Pathath, 2017).

Sociologic aging theory explains aging in the context of relationships, roles, status and the ability to adapt. Together with psychological theory, the sociologic theory is one of the earliest theories used in aging. Under the sociologic theory are several sub-categories such as the activity, subculture, disengagement, continuity, gerotranscendence and age stratification theories.

These theories suggest that aging adults needs to stay socially active and involved to prolong middle age and delay the effects of old age (Franzese & Rurka, 2016).

Psychological theories explain the aging process through changes in emotions, mental processes, personality development, attitude and motivation as one age. It includes theories such as the human needs, individualism, selective optimization, lifespan and stages of personality theories. These theories explain how the mental wellbeing of a person as they transition through life is important in the adaptation to physical and social stresses, impacting their aging process (Pathath, 2017).

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Nursing Interventions Based on Psychosocial Issues and Biologic Changes in Older Adulthood Nursing interventions helps aging adults to adapt to the physical, emotional and functional challenges that come with aging. Biologic changes are responsible for most health issues and reduced functionality. Health prevention and promotion strategies are therefore important to promote better quality of life. Nurses can influence better disease management in chronic illnesses and utilize screening tools to assess and prevent the risk of comorbidities. They can also help improve and maintains a persons’ functionality to help them remain independent by capitalizing on the individual’s strength and physiotherapy (Henning-Smith, 2020). Nurses also assess the cognitive and mental health of older adults. This enables them to use strategies to preserve their decline and treat conditions present to improve their wellness.

Nursing Implications for Biologic, Sociologic, and Psychological Theories of Aging Biologic, sociologic and psychological theories have been used to inform the care of aging adults in nursing practice. The sociological and psychological theories are used to guide the assessment of older adults to identify their health, social and mental needs. They also help evaluate the achievement of their expected developmental tasks. Sociological theories have helped nurses design support systems for the old to address social challenges that come with aging (Franzese & Rurka, 2016). This includes provision of resources, improving functionality and role engagement in the society among other strategies. The theories have made it possible for the aged to have safer nursing homes and facilities that provides favorable environment for them as their health needs are being met. In addition, nurses have borrowed a lot from the theories in designing holistic care approaches for the elderly. This has been beneficial in improving outcomes in chronic illnesses and maintaining physical and functioning of aging

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adults. Most of the nurse-based interventions used in care are informed by the theories. The same way, the theories have been used to provide theoretical frameworks for gerontology nursing research (Pathath, 2017).

Health Promotion Strategies for Successful Aging Successful aging is achieved when an individual maintains optimal functioning based on their ability to adapt to changes as they age. Health promotion strategies aim at improving the quality of life. It includes strategies such as disease prevention and treatment, maintaining optimal mental and physical functioning and preventing disability (Tesch-Römer & Wahl, 2017). Proper dieting and nutrition is important in the achievement of these goals. In addition, physical exercising helps in preventing functional decline and also improves overall health. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, stress and having unhealthy weight is discouraged. Cognitive stimulation and social support are also utilized to achieve successful aging.

Conclusion Biologic, sociologic and psychological theories provide explanations to the aging process. These theories provide insights that can be incorporated into aging care to ensure successful aging. The nursing interventions used in care of older adults are informed by the biologic, sociologic and psychological changes that occur with aging. The theories are still being used as theoretical frameworks to further research relating to aging care.

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References Franzese, A. T., & Rurka, M. M. (2016). Theories of Aging. Encyclopedia of Family Studies, 19. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119085621.wbefs206 Henning-Smith, C. (2020). Strategies for Promoting Successful Aging and Well-Being. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 39(3). https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464819894746 Pathath, A. W. (2017). Theories of aging. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 4(4), 1522. DOI: 10.25215/0403.142 Tesch-Römer, C., & Wahl, H. W. (2017). Toward a more comprehensive concept of successful aging: disability and care needs. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 72(2), 310-318. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbw162