Theories on Aging Process and Physiological Changes in Older Adults

This essay delves into various theories of aging, categorizing them into biological (programmed and non-programmed) and psychosocial perspectives. It explores the wear and tear theory, disengagement theory, and activity theory, providing a comprehensive overview of the aging process. The paper also examines the physiological changes associated with aging across multiple body systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, skin integrity, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological, and sensory systems. Additionally, a case scenario involving the mistreatment of elderly individuals by personal assistants is analyzed, highlighting the importance of understanding aging theories in providing appropriate care. The essay concludes by emphasizing the significance of these theories in gerontological nursing and care delivery.

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Introduction
Theories are formulated so as to challenge the current practices, come up with new
approaches and in remodeling structure of the principles and rules that have been set. In the
nursing professional it is interesting and important to discuss the gerontological nursing theories.
In gerontological nursing, it is the practice that aims at taking care of the aging people. It
focusses on the promotion of quality living and the well-being of the aging people (Havighurst,
2013). It differs from geriatric nurses which focusses on taking care of the aged who are sick
(Havens, 2018). This paper will examine different theories on ageing; biological, psychosocial,
wear and tear, the disengagement theory, social activity and other theories so as to get a clear
understanding on how to care for the aged as the care accorded to the aging depends largely on
the theoretical perspectives that a nurse holds on the aging process. It will also expound on the
physiological changes as one age. In addition to this, it will examine the case scenario on the
misbehaving personal assistance. Lastly, a conclusion to summarize the essay.
Theories on aging
Biological theories of aging.
Goldsmith, (2014) grouped the theories into two; the traditional and the modern aging
theories. The traditional theories state that the aging process is not genetically programmed nor
an adaptation while the modern biological theories state that aging is programmed. The
programmed biological theory states that aging follows a biological clock/calendar. The bodies
contain a program that limits the lifespan of a specific species. It is believed that the aging
process has benefits in the evolution. The non-programmed believes that the aging arises as a

AGING PROCESS THEORIES AND THE PHYSIOLOCAL CHANGES. 3
result of lack of a strong defense against the natural processes of deterioration such as the
oxidation and the mechanical wears and tears (Goldsmith, 2014; Goldsmith, 2008).
Wear and tear theory.
Studies have shown that many believe that aging is as a result of the deterioration that is
caused by the tearing and wearing, oxidation, molecular damages and unavoidable biological
processes which leads to gradual deterioration (Goldsmith, 2012) The cells and the tissues has
vital parts that wear and tear as a result of aging. This theory suggests that the aging process
results from the accumulation of toxic byproducts, entropy, radiation damages and other
deteriorative process (Afanas’ev, 2013). this theory compares the aging process with that of the
automobile and the exterior paint that wear and tear over time. The theory also relates to aging
and the functional limitation (Goldsmith, 2012).
Psychosocial theories of aging
They are also termed as developmental theories. They try to explain the human
development and the aging process in terms of the changes that take place in the cognitive
functioning, the roles, behavior, coping abilities, relationships and the social changes. Eric
Erikson developed a psychodynamic theory in which he described the human growth and the
maturation from their birth to their old age (Erikson, 1997). It describes the aging process. it has
seven stages in which it specifies the human developmental, the identity crisis associated with
the stages and the solutions. In each he emphases on the development of ego and also on
successful completion as it affects the subsequent stages. Eric Erickson considered these
developments as an evolutionary process which is based on the sequencing psychological,

AGING PROCESS THEORIES AND THE PHYSIOLOCAL CHANGES. 4
biological and the social events. He also considered the bodily maturation to be shaped by the
social expectations. Therefore, it is clear that aging is inevitable and the previous milestones
prepare one for the old age (Antonucci, Birditt & Webster 2010; Wadensten, 2016; Havens,
2018).
Disengagement theory.
It is classified as one of the psychosocial theories of aging although it is not a
developmental theory. It gives an assumption that at the middle age and above, individuals turn
inward. As people age, they get withdrawn from the society. They neglect their bestowed roles,
responsibilities and activities. They lose the social ties to the ones around them as they expect
death and their capabilities to be engaged with others decrease over time. As they age they get
disengaged which makes them lose the social norms that guide the interactions this worsens their
disengagement with the society. In conclusion, this theory states that it is acceptable and natural
for the aging persons to be withdrawn from both personal and society (Kim & Rhee 2017).
Activity theory of aging.
It processes that for successful aging the older adults need to be active and to have social
interactions. There is a positive correlation between a happy living and the daily activities. It has
also been noted that the aging population is happiest in the events when they are active and when
they able to sustain social interactions (Knapp, 2017).
Social exchange theories of aging.
This theory further explains the disengagement theory as it entails the changes and the
instabilities of exchanges among people throughout their lifespan. The social behavior and the
interactions are usually a result of the social exchange. Due to the aging process and the

AGING PROCESS THEORIES AND THE PHYSIOLOCAL CHANGES. 5
disengagement, this is hindered as the aged view themselves as if they have nothing to offer
(Cumming, Dean, Newell & McCaffrey 2010).
Physiological changes of aging.
In the cardiovascular system; there is a decrease in the cardiac output, an increase of the
blood pressure and development arteriosclerosis. In the respiratory system; there is an impaired
gas exchange in the lungs as one age. There is a reduction in the vital capacity and the expiratory
flow rates reduces. In the genitourinary system; there is a decrease in the clearance of the
creatinine although creatinine levels are usually elevated in old age.in addition to this, there is
bladder inconsistency as the capacity and the sensory decreases. The gastrointestinal system;
there is an alteration of the motility patterns, there are atrophic gastritis and an alteration of the
drug metabolism in the liver. The skin integrity; the skin epidermis atrophies as one age, there
are changes in the elasticity and the collagen of the skin which make it lose the elasticity and the
tone. The musculoskeletal system; there are many degenerative changes that occur in the joints
as a person ages this limits locomotion. In addition to this, there is muscle mass loss as one age.
The endocrine system as one age, there is a decrease in the functioning and the number of the
insulin beta cells. This translates to progressive peripheral insulin resistance as they age. There is
also menopause in women as ovaries become dysfunctional. Lastly, osteoporosis as a result of
reduced estrogen. The neurological system; there is atrophy of the spinal cord and the brain this
causes a reduction in the sensation or/and reflexes. It makes the thought process to be slow and
causes memory losses. Lastly, the sensory system; some of the taste buds becomes
dysfunctional which makes them lose the taste sense. The eyesight is compromised as a result of
the accumulation of flakes from the lens. The hearing sense reduces. The olfactory functioning
reduces. There is a decline in the sense of touch (Tatar, Bartke & Antebi, 2013).

AGING PROCESS THEORIES AND THE PHYSIOLOCAL CHANGES. 6
Case scenario
As mentioned above the gerontological care delivery depends on the nurse’s theoretical
perspective and understanding of this care. it is clear that the particular personal assistants had
little knowledge on this. The old clients tend to lose their taste senses and their slow gastric
motility which reduces their motility, therefore, forcing them to eat was wrong. Secondly, they
were neglected on the assumption that they will forget. This was very wrong as they may be
having cognitive dysfunction but it is not that severe. Thirdly, they augured with the clients for
delays in the responses, this was wrong as they have slow cognitive functioning. Fourthly, they
performed tasks without asking for consent, this was wrong as it shows a lack of respect and the
care did not preserve their dignity. Lastly, they were heard saying that the old people are boring.
This shows that they do not have an understanding of the disengagement theory.
Conclusion
There are so many theories that try to explain the aging process. An understanding of this
theories is important as it helps in care delivery for the aging. It also clear that there is a
functional limitation as a result of degenerative changes as one age.

AGING PROCESS THEORIES AND THE PHYSIOLOCAL CHANGES. 7
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