Theories of Aging

Question 1

Biological theories

Answer 1

Genetic Theory
Error Theory
Mutation theory
Free Radical Theory
Cross Linkage Theory
Wear and Tear Theory
Auto-Immune Theory

Question 2

Genetic Theory

Answer 2

Ageing is a result of programmed changes placed into the DNA molecule of each cell.

Existence of one or more harmful genes activate overtime.

Question 3

Error theory

Answer 3

Errors in ribonucleic acid protein synthesis cause errors to occur in cells in the body.

Question 4

Mutation theory

Answer 4

aging result from DNA caused by exposure to chemicals results in chromosomal abnormalities that lead to disease or loss of function later in life.

Question 5

Free Radical Theory

Answer 5

Byproducts of fundamental metabolic activities within the body.

These highly reactive free radicals react with molecules in cell membranes.

Question 6

Crosslinkage Theory

Answer 6

Cell molecules from DNA and connective tissue interact with free radicals to cause bonds that decrease the ability of tissue to replace itself.

Question 7

Psychosocial theories

Answer 7

Disengagement theory
Activity theory
Continuity theory
Subculture theory

Question 8

Disengagement theory

Answer 8

A gradual withdrawal between the older adult and society.

Question 9

Activity theory

Answer 9

Activity is necessary for successful aging.

Question 10

Continuity theory

Answer 10

state that personality remains the same and the behaviors become predictable as people age.

Question 11

Subculture theory

Answer 11

Older adults form a unique subculture within society to defend again negative attitudes towards aging and accompanying loss of status.

Question 12

Developmental theories

Answer 12

Erickson’s theory
Peck’s theory
Havighurt theory
Newman’s theory
Jung’s theory

Question 13

Erickson’s theory

Answer 13

Ego integrity vs Despair
Acceptance of one’s life as meaningful and that death is a part of life vs failure to accept the meaningfulness of one’s life, along with fear of death.

Question 14

Peck’s theory

Answer 14

Body transcendence vs body preoccupation
Phase concerned with enjoyment of life in the face of physical discomforts associated with aging.

Ego transcendence vs ego preoccupation
older adult’s ability to focus on the welfare of the future generation rather than one’s death.

Question 15

Havighurst theory

Answer 15

Details the process of aging and defines specific task for late life

Question 16

Newman’s theory

Answer 16

Identifies the task of aging as coping with the physical changes of aging, redirecting energy to new activities and roles include retirement…

Question 17

Jung’s theory

Answer 17

Proposes that the development continues throughout life by a process of search, questioning and setting goals that are consistent with the individual’s personality.