116: Foundations of aging

Question 1

Why is the population of older adults expected to grow?

Answer 1

There is a better healthcare system, access to maintenance medications, etc.

Question 2

Life expectancy in the Philippines for males and females

Answer 2

Male = 66.2
Female = 72.6

Question 3

Biologic theories: Stochastic (random)

Answer 3

View the effect of aging as a result of random assaults from both internal and external environment

Question 4

Cross-linking theory

Answer 4

Cross-linking agent attaches itself to a DNA strand and prevents anaphase

Question 5

Free radicals and Lipofuscin theories

Answer 5

Aging is caused by oxidative metabolism

Question 6

Wear and tear theories

Answer 6

Repeated use and injury of body over time causes aging

Question 7

Evolutionary theories

Answer 7

Interplay between processes of mutation and natural selection

Question 8

Biogerontology

Answer 8

Physiologic changes are caused by microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses)

Question 9

Biologic theories: Non-stochastic (non-random)

Answer 9

These theories see aging changes resulting from a complex, predetermined process

Question 10

Autoimmune theories

Answer 10

Cells change due to age → body redtags aged cells → attacks them

Question 11

Genetic theories

Answer 11

People are born with a genetic programming/ biological clock

Question 12

Radiation theories

Answer 12

Radiation may include cellular mutations that promote aging

Question 13

Nutrition theories

Answer 13

Good diet reduced bad effects of aging

Question 14

Environmental theories

Answer 14

Environmental factors may threaten health

Question 15

Disengagement theory

Answer 15

Gradual withdrawing of society and older adults from each other; discredited since older adults still want to be a part of society

Question 16

Activity theory

Answer 16

Older persons should continue their middle-aged lifestyle (e.g., pursue their old interests to a lesser, more age-friendly degree)

Question 17

Continuity theory

Answer 17

Personality and basic patterns of behavior are said to remain unchanged as the individual ages (e.g., loves music then and now)

Question 18

Subculture theory

Answer 18

Older adults formed their own culture with distinct norms, beliefs, etc., as a response to the negative attitudes and treatment by society

Question 19

Age stratification theory

Answer 19

As each group ages, they have their own unique experience with and influence on society

Question 20

Developmental tasks according to Erik Erikson

Answer 20

Ego integrity vs. despair

Question 21

3 challenges of older adults that affect the outcome (if either ego integrity or despair)

Answer 21

a. Ego differentiation vs. role preoccupation
b. Body transcendence vs. body preoccupation
c. Ego transcendence vs. ego preoccupation

Question 22

Geotranscendence

Answer 22

Materialistic metaperspective → cosmic and transcendent vision. There is a desire to shed roles and invest time in discovering hidden facets of oneself.

Question 23

Functional consequences theory

Answer 23

Nurses promote wellness by providing holistic care

Question 24

Theory of thriving

Answer 24

Nurses should consider the many factors that can impact health and quality of life for older adults in order for the latter to experience harmony between self and surroundings

Question 25

Theory of successful aging

Answer 25

People with high levels of personal control and a positive affect will experience higher levels of wellness in aging due to their ability to participate in health-promoting activities