Theories of Aging Flashcards
- The practitioner who believes in the free radical theory of aging is likely to recommend that the older adult:
a.
avoid excessive intake of zinc or magnesium.
b.
supplement his or her diet with vitamins C and E.
c.
increase intake of complex carbohydrates.
d.
avoid the use of alcohol or tobacco.
ANS: B
Vitamins C and E are two naturally occurring antioxidants that appear to inhibit the functioning of the free radicals or possibly decrease their production in the body. The free radical theory of aging is not related to zinc, magnesium, carbohydrates, or alcohol and tobacco.
- To provide effective care to the older adult, the nurse must understand that:
a.
older adults are not a homogeneous sociologic group.
b.
little variation exists in cohort groups of older adults.
c.
health problems are much the same for similar age groups of older adults.
d.
withdrawal by an older adult is a normal physiologic response to aging.
ANS: A
The key societal issue addressed by the age stratification theory is the concept of interdependence between the aging person and society at large. This theory views the aging person as an individual element of society and also as a member, with peers, interacting in a social process. The theory attempts to explain the interdependence between older adults and society and how they constantly influence each other in a variety of ways. Variation exists among the members of a cohort. Health problems are not the same for every individual of the same age. Withdrawal by an older adult is not a normal response to aging but may be a sign of depression.
