Week 2 Theories Flashcards
What is the Functional Consequences Theory?
Miller’s functional consequences theory focuses on the needs that are unique to older individuals.
It proposes that the ability of older adults to maintain maximal self-care and overall wellness is affected by the interaction of normal AGE-RELATED CHANGES and additional RISK FACTORS the individual encounters.
What are Functional consequences? Give an example of a positive and negative functional consequence.
Functional consequences: observable effects of actions, risk factors and age-related changes that influence the quality of life or day-to-day activities.
* Negative functional consequences: those that interfere with functioning or quality of life
* Positive functional consequences: those that facilitate the highest level of functioning, least dependency and best quality of life. They are wellness outcomes.
What is the difference between the Functional Consequences Theory and Functional Assessment?
Functional Assessment:
- Focuses on older adult’s ability to perform activities of daily living that affect survival and quality of life
Functional Consequences Theory is broader because it:
* Distinguishes age-related changes that increase vulnerability and risk
* Focuses on consequences
* Focuses on assessment of conditions that affect function
* Leads to interventions to address the negative
* Leads to wellness outcomes
What are 3 Theoretical Perspectives on Aging?
- Biological Theories of aging
- Sociocultural Theories
- Psychological Theories
What is the basis for Biologic theories of aging?
- Biologic theories of aging: basic aging processes affecting all living organisms
- Explains gradual, progressive decline in physiologic functioning
- Each theory attempts to explain a specific aspect of aging.
- No single theory can explain the complex phenomenon of aging
Wear-and-tear theory
Body can be likened to a machine that is expected to function well during the period of its warranty, but that will wear out at a
fairly predictable time.
Cross-linkage theory
Biochemical processes create linkages, or connections, between structures that normally are separated. This causes a buildup of collagen-like substances that leads to failure of tissues and organs
Free radical theory
They are waste products of metabolism and they can damage cells. Healthy bodies have protective mechanisms that can remove
and repair damaged cells; however, these mechanisms become less effective
with increased age and cellular damage becomes cumulative.
Genetic theory
emphasizes the role of genes in the development of age- related changes
Immunosenescence/immune theory
Immunosenescence, which is an age-
related decline of the immune system, increases the susceptibility of older
people to diseases, such as cancer and infections. The immune system may
even attack healthy cells, leading to autoimmune conditions, such as
rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the basis for Sociocultural Theories on Aging?
Explain how a society influences its old people and how old people influence
their society
Disengagement theory
a society and older people engage in a mutually beneficial process of reciprocal withdrawal to maintain social equilibrium
Activity theory
older people remain socially and psychologically fit if they remain actively engaged in life
Subculture theory
states that old people, as a group, have their own norms, expectations, beliefs and habits; therefore, they have their own subculture
Age stratification theory
People pass through society in cohorts that are aging socially, biologically and psychologically. New cohorts are continually being born, and each experiences a unique sense of history
