Question

The negative consequences of aging, resulting ultimately in disease, are thought to be attributed to not one, but multiple causes or risk factors. One theory of causation attempting to link the aging process and disease is not sufficient. This link can only be explained by myriad theories and causes. After reviewing the theories of aging how would you explain the disease processes caused by or related to factors believed to influence aging?  

Answer 1

Ageing is a natural process. Old age should be regarded as a normal , inevitable biological phenomenon. With the passage of time , certain changes take place in an organism. These changes are most part deletarious and eventually leads to the death of the organism. The more common losses of aging are of health, significant others, a sense of being useful, socialization, income , and independent living. The way that older adults adjust to changes of aging are highly individualized. For some adaptation and adjustment relatively easy. For others coping with ageing changes may require assistance of family , friends , and health care professionals.

Various theorists have attempted to describe the complex biopsychosocial process of ageing. Although many theories have been developed there is no single universally accepted theory that predicts and explains the complexities of ageing process.

Biological theories of aging

Biological stochastic theories view ageing as the result of random cellular damage that occur over time. The accumulated damage leads to physical changes that we recognize as characteristics of ageing process.

According to biological nonstochastic ageing theories , genetically programmed physiological mechanisms with in the body control the process of ageing.

Solane suggests a 'rule of thirds ' in which functional decline due to disease, inactivity or disuse, and ageing itself each contribute one third to the complex process we call ageing.

Psychosocial theories of ageing

Psychosocial theories of ageing attempt to explain changes in behaviour, roles, relationships that come with ageing. The three classical psychosocial theories of ageing are disengagement theory, activity theory, continuity theory.

1. Disengagement theory

Disengagement theory is the oldest psychosocial theory, states that ageing individuals withdraw from customary roles and engage in more introspective self focused activities.

2.Activity theory

The activity theory considers continuation of activities performed during middle age as necessary for successful aging.

3. Developmental theory

Developmental or continuity theory suggests that personality remains the same and behaviour becomes more predictable as people age.

The biological and the three psychosocial theories either fail in some measure to consider the many factors that affect an individual in respone to the ageing process.

Althogh we generalise about ageing, biologically and psychosocially each individual ages uniquely. The physical and psychosocial aspects of aging are closely related. For the older person , a reduced ability to respond to stress, experience of multiple loses and the physical changes associated with normal aging may combine to place the person at high risk for illness and functional deterioration. The body changes continuously with age , and specific effects on particular older adult depent on health, lifestyle, stressors, and environmental conditions. The psychosocial changes that occur with ageing involve changes in roles and relationships. Group membership roles and relationship change as adult retires from employment, moves from a familiar neighbourhood, or stops attending social activities because of decling health status. Roles and relationship with in the family changes when parents become grand parents and adult children become care givers for ageing parents.