| THEORIES Ā Ā OF AGING |
| GERIATRIC NURSING FALL 2011 |
| LOUISE S. Ā Ā CHARLES |
As people age, there are many age-related changes that occur. Aging can be classified as biological, psychological, and sociological. Many theories have been formulated to try to explain the phenomenon of aging. Biological theories have been formulated from the study of the changes that occur in an organism over its lifespan and it can be either error (stochastic) or non-stochastic theories. Psychological theories thrive on the premise that aging is one of the developmental processes that humans experience from birth to death. Sociological theories addresses Ā influences of culture, gender, and ethnicity on aging and tries to explain the changes that occur in social roles and relationships in middle and late in life.
One of the biological theories of aging is the free radical theory. Ā This falls under the umbrella of Error (Stochastic) theories which states that aging comes about due to the accumulation of errors in the synthesis of DNA and RNA which are the building blocks of cells. The mitochondrial region of the cell that manufacture chemical energy, produce free radicals and are the primary sites of free radical damage. This damage is caused by molecules in the cells which are called free radicals which is a natural by-product of cellular activity. Free radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons and according to the free radical theory; radicals damage cells in an organism, causing aging. In young people naturally occurring hormones, vitamins, enzymes, and antioxidants neutralize free radicals as needed. As people age, the rate of damage by free radicals is faster than the process of cell repair. The end result is cell death. Continuous exposure to environmental pollutants such as gasoline, smog, pesticides and radiation can hasten further cellular damage.
Psychological theories suggest that aging is a developmental process that human experience from birth to death. Psychologist Carl Jungās Theory of Personality presents the development of human personality from childhood to old age. The last half of life is less demanding and provides time for inner growth, self-awareness, and reflective activity. According to him, the later part of life is a time to concentrate on inner discovery. One’s personality can be extroverted and focused on the external world or introvertedĀ and focused on inner world of the individual.
Age-Stratification Theory relates to the age structure of society. It can take different forms such as defining whatĀ age is young, middle-aged or old.Ā People from different age groups are expected to have certain things in common such as global, political and environmental events. People are grouped into age cohorts, known as age strata.Ā Age is one basis of control over resources, such as allocation of jobs.Ā Age categories change through time based on historical events, biological and social aging. Roles and how you should act, are based upon which age strata you are born into; how you are cultured and taught by society.
The positive aspect of the free radical theory is that it can help us toĀ be aware of the environment in which we live and to decrease activities which contribute to pollution. But on the other hand over consumption of antioxidants by way of multivitamin supplements can do more harm than good if they reach toxic levels in the blood. Another of the weaknesses identified with the free radical theory is the failure of antioxidants given as dietary supplements such as vitamin C and E to increase lifespan for it to be of any clinical significance. The belief is that artificial antioxidants as opposed to naturally occurring antioxidants which are produced by cells, do not reach mitochondrial DNA, leaving sites vulnerable to free radical attack.
Jung’s theory of personality defines the later part of life as having a purpose of its own. As young and middle-aged adults we are usually concerned with confirming to societal norms. This can be good in the sense that we might strive to advance in life seeking educational advancement in order to obtain a job in which we are comfortable. But later on in life as one age, it can be a source of emotional turmoil if on looking back we were unsuccessful in our endeavors.
The age -stratification theory can be useful in helping us learn about what elders from different age groups did various periods in their lives. Elders can be huge source of information. But labeling people as belonging to certain age group can contribute to ageism. This theory makes no particular assumptions about what it means to age successfully.
From personal experience, I’ve seen older adults living longer well into their 80’s, 90’s and even up to 100yrs of age. This makes me more inclined to accept the free radical theory of aging. Even though they may be exposed to environmental pollutants such as smog, gasoline, pesticides or radiation the inclusion of antioxidant supplements in their diet such vitamin C and vitamin E help to counteract the damaging effects of oxygen-free radicals on the cells of the body. This increases the chances of a lengthened lifespan.
In accordance with Jung’s Theories of personality, I’ve seen adults who it is said that they are going through a “mid-life crisis”. I’ve seen patientsĀ in a state of emotional upheaval in which they are questioning their dreams, aspirations, and values.
Occasionally in the clinical setting I might find an older adult male or female who is willing to tell their life story. They would tell stories from childhood into adulthood about what was expected from them as they progressed through the different stages in life. I’ve heard stories about culture, religion and social norms.
Evidence has shown the effects of oxidative damage on the mitochondria of the cells of the body. Because of this the use of dietary antioxidant is accepted as one of the means of minimizing cellular damage by oxygen free radicals. Ā Also, caloric restriction has shown to slow down the rate of aging and extend the maximum lifespan in lab animals but it could be difficult to carry out such a study in humans. It is unethical to starve someone for the sake of science. The issue is whether a healthy lifestyle involving diet modification and exercise is just as effective or even more effective in slowing the formation of free radicals and its attack on cells of the body.
The age-stratification theory does assume that roles and behaviors are based on age.Ā Thus, if one does not perform the appropriate roles and behaviors, based on oneās age strata, you can be considered deviant by society.Ā Age stratification theory ignores other bases of social stratification such as social class, gender, and race that create inequality within age cohorts.Ā Ā It is also too broad, and more of an approach than a theory.
Many theories have been proposed in attempt to justify the aging process. Biological theories have tried to explain the physical aspects of aging and changes that occur in the different systems of the body. Psychological theories propose that aging is a journey from birth to death. Sociological theories of aging have tries to explain roles and relationships and how middle-aged and older adults have adapted. All of these theories have served as a guide for nurses on how to manage patients when they are most vulnerable as well as to help promote healthy aging.
References
Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. F. (2010). Theories and Physical Changes of aging. Ebersole and Hess (3rd Edition.), Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging (pp. 66-83). Mosby.
Touhy, T. A., & Jett, K. F. (2010). Social, Psychological, Spiritual, and Cognitive Aspects of Aging. Ebersole and Hess (3rd Edition.), Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging (pp. 84-100). Mosby.
Speakman J. R; Selman C. The free- radical damage theory: Accumulating evidence against a simple link of oxidative stress to aging and lifespan. Bioessays 33: 255-259, 2011 WILEY Periodicals, Inc.
Biesalski, H. K. Free radical theory of aging. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 2002, (5-10). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
VinaĀ J; Borras C; Miguel J. Theories of Aging. IUBMB Life, 59: 249-254, April-May 2007.
Nelson N. C. The free radical theory of aging. Retrieved from http:// www.physics.ohio-state.edu.
