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RECAP
Definition Why study Geria/Gero? Epidemiology Core Values
CORE VALUES & PRINCIPLES OF GERIATRICS and GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING Health promotion Health protection Disease prevention Treatment of diseases
THEORIES OF AGING
Myths of Aging
AgingThe Pros
In some societies, old age is revered for the wisdom and knowledge
But, most people would prefer somehow to keep the option of not experiencing all the effects of growing old.
AgingThe Cons
Characterized by loss of teeth, taste and of the pleasures of eating and drinking. Visiting the dentist, an activity not looked forward to by most Greater physical and emotional challenge for the elderly.
Myths of Aging
Being old means being sick Older people are set in their ways and cannot learn new things
You cant teach an old dog new tricks
Myths of Aging
Health promotion is wasted on older people Elderly do not pull their own weight
Myths of Aging
Dirty old man Disease and disability are an inevitable part of aging
Theories of Aging
Aging Theories
Cultural, spiritual, regional, socioeconomic, educational, environmental factors, and health status impact the older adults perceptions and choices about their health care needs
Aging Theories
Limited work has been done to identify nursing-specific aging theories Aging is a distinct discipline that requires aging theories that have an interdisciplinary perspective
Types of Theories
Psychosocial Sociological Biological
Types of Theories
Psychosocial theories
Attempt to explain aging in terms of behavior, personality, and attitude change
Types of Theories
Encompass psychological and sociological theories
Psychological: How mental processes, emotions, attitudes, motivation, and personality influence adaptation to physical and social demands
Types of Theories
Erik Erikson
Generativity vs. stagnation Busy with creative and meaningful work "be in charge fear of inactivity meaninglessness Mid-life crisis self-absorbed and stagnate
Types of Theories
Erik Erikson
Integrity vs. despair
Happiness and content Fulfilled with a deep sense that life has meaning Made a contribution to life perceived failure - despair
Maslows theory
Although Maslow doesnt specifically address old age, it is clear that physical, economic, social, and environmental constraints can impede need fulfillment of older adults.
Types of Theories
Sociological theories
How changing roles, relationships, and status within a culture or society impact the older adults ability to adapt
Vgotsky
Types of Theories
Sociological theories
Activity theory central theme that remaining active in old age is desirable
Disengagement theory characterized by gradual withdrawal from society and relationships (reciprocal withdrawal)
Types of Theories
Sociological theories
Continuity Theory Successful aging involves maintaining or continuing previous values, habits, preferences, family ties, and all other linkages that formed basic underlying structure of adult life.
Types of Theories
Biological theories
Explain the physiologic processes that change with aging
Types of Theories
Biological theories
Senescence progressive deterioration of body systems that can increase risk of mortality
Types of Theories
Biological theories
Free Radical Theory aging caused by effects of free radicals Wear and Tear Theory cumulative changes occurring in cells age and damage cellular metabolism
DNA Theories
Human Genome Project Telomeres
Immunity Theory
Immune response
Nursing Theories
Need to take human aging into consideration Need to develop a more situationspecific theory of aging to guide practice
Theory of Thriving
Based on the concept of failure to thrive and application of thriving to the experience of well-being among frail elders living in nursing homes
Theory of Thriving
Nurses identify and modify factors that contribute to disharmony among a person and his or her physical environment and personal relationships