Theories of aging

For explain the aging is not accepted an single definition, again is resides of changes that occur over time

BIOLOGIC THEORIES

These theories of aging attempt to explain why the physical changes of aging occur. Researcher try to identify which biologic factor have the greatest influence or longevity.

1. The programmed theory: Proposed that every person has a “biologic clock”.

2.The rut-out-program theory: said that individual has a limited amount of genetic material that will run out over a time

3. The living theory: explain that persons have an number of breaths or heartbeats over time

4. The gen theory: Proposes that the person has one or more damage genes which activate over time producing changes seen with aging

5. The molecular theories: advance that aging is controlled by genetic materials encoded to predetermine grow and decline.

6. The error theory: proposes that error in ribonucleic acid, protein synthesis cause error to occur in cells in the body resulting in a progressive decline in biologic function

7. The free radical theory: The free radical theory process one exaltation for cell damage, excessive accumulation of these purported to cause or contribute to the physiologic changes of aging and a variety to diseases.

8. The cross line, also called connective tissue theory: is one variation of the free radical theory.

9. The clinker theory: combines somatic mutation with free radicals, presumes that body is similar to a machine which loses function when its parts wear out. As a people age their cells tissues and organs are damaged by internal or external stressors.

10. The neuroendocrine theory: focuses on chemical interactions set off by the hypothalamus of the brain. With age the hypothalamus appears to be less precise in regulating endocrine function related with age.

11. The immunologic theory: proposes that aging is a function of changes in the immune system, also proposes that the increase in autoimmune diseases and allergies seen with aging is causes by changes in the immune system

I do not agree with some theories, for example the living theory sais that we have finite numbers of breaths and hearts beats, I think that it is not correct because it depend of more factors, physical factor, facrtor of risk or life quality.

PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES

Psychosocial theories of aging do not explain why the physical changes og aging occur; rather they attempts to explain why older have different responses

1. The disengagement theory: This theory proposed that older people are systematically separated, excluded from society because they are not perceived to be of benefit to the society as a whole.

2. The activity theory: proposed that activity is necessary to successful aging.

3. Live course theory

• erkson’s theory: identifies eight stages of developmental tasks than an individual must confront throughout the life
• trust VS mistrust
• autonomy VS shame and doubt
• initiative VS guilt
• industry VS inferiority
• identify VS identity confusion
• intimacy VS isolation
• generatively VS stagnation
• integrity VS despair
• Havighurt’s theory: details the process of aging and defines specific tasks for late life including:
• adjusting to decreased physical strength and health
• adjusting to retirement and decreased income
• adjusting to the loss of a spouse
• establishing relationships with one’s age group

In my opinion the better theory is the activity theory because I think it is correct that if you do exercice as mental as physical help to improve your function.

Bibliography

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995895/

http://longevity.about.com/od/researchandmedicine/p/age_programmed.htm

PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES

BIOLOGICAL CHANGES

The changes in body function that occur with aging are not random and do not develop suddenly or without warning. Is essential for nurses to learn that each aging person, just like each younger person, is unique

The intergumentary system

This system includes the skin, hair and nails, those changes most obvios probably.

With aging the epidermis becomes more fragile, increasing the risk for skin damage such as tears, maceration and infection.

Cares: prevent dehydration, modify skin care to reduce drying, adjust room temperature 

The musculoskeletal system 

The bones provide a rigid structure. The red bone marrow in the cavities of spongy produces red blood cells, platelets. 

In this system the common disorders seen with aging are the osteoporosis and the osteoarthritis

The respiratory system

Provides the body with the oxygen needed for life. Without oxygen, cells quickly die. The brain cells are the most sensitive cells. The common disorders seen with aging are influenza, pneumonia, tuberculosis or lung cancer.

Cares: positions to facilitate ease of respiration, encourage smoking cessation.

The cardiovascular system

This system is responsible for the transportation of blood with oxygen and nutrients to all body tissue. The common disorders seen with aging are coronary artery or valve disease, hypertensive disease, aneurysm.

Cares: observe closely for abnormal sound, instruct patients to rest if short of breath or fatigued

The gastrointestinal system

Over time change in GI track can interfere with normal digestion, in the oral cavity gingival tissue may recede and the periodontal bones that hold the teeth in place may be loosen. Dental caries can soften the enamel and expose nerves in the tooth put. Esophageal dilation and problems rated to swallowing may be conserved with against.

The urinary system

The system supports homeostasis by eliminating wastes and excessive fluid from the body. The number of nefrona decreases. Decreased blood floe result in al altered glomerular filtration rate

Cares: obtain urine for analysis, palpate bladder after voiding

The nervous system

Many cellular changes have been observed in the aging brain including a reduction un its size and weight.

Cares: educate regarding safety precautions and use of assisitive devices.

PSYCHIC CHANGE

Changes in intellectual capacity

From 30 years old onwards, a decline in intellectual capacity begins which accelerates with old age.  The capacity to resolve problems becomes slower. Creativity and imaginative capacity survive.

Character and personality

Personality does nor usually change unless there are pathological alterations.

The ability to adapt usually becomes harder due to the fear of unknown situations.

SOCIAL CHANGES 

Change of role and personality

The change of an individual’s role can be looked at from three different dimensions:

-          The old person as an individual

-          The old person as a member of the family

-          The old person as a person capable of facing up to his losses


In my opinion is very important know the different disorder in everyone system because that take us know how actuate in the different cases.
I think that the most important system are the respiratory and the cardiovascular so I belive it coud be importat begin the valuations by those.

Introduction to geriatric nursing

Gerontology: science that studies the aging process in general,

Gerontological Nursing: means preventive care and health promotion specialist in the elderly

Geriatrics: branch of medicine that studies the acute and chronic diseases in the elderly both in its clinical, therapeutic, and social.

Geriatric Nursing: Nursing part that is responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation of nursing care for the elderly to meet their needs

In my opinion the nursing have an important role in geriatric. in this phase often of live, the person suffer a lot of changes. we, the nurses, must explain them the changes and thech how face them.
The part most important in our job with elderly people, I think is get their more posible independent.

Geriatrics is not just about healing, the most important thing is to look after the patient and know produce an overall assessment and increase in functionality to the elderly

What nursing is that we need to get the old man to be as independent as possible with the best quality of life that we can offer.

There are several situations in which care will be specific to each:

-          Healthy elderly: not suffering illness or social problems, mental or functional

-          Elderly sick: healthy or sick with an acute

-          Frail elderly: those with underlying diseases, can maintain their independence thanks to the family

-          Geriatric patient: has 3 or more of the following criteria: over 75 years, significant comorbidity, illness incapacitating main character, there is mental illness, social problems exist regarding their health

In short, is important in elderly realised a global geriatric evaluation for improve their quiality of live.