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Theories on aging
What is chronological age in age stratification theory of gerontology
Theories on aging
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The biological theories of aging support categorizing individuals according to chronological age as they take into account the common physiologic changes that appear as an adult ages. For example, the gene theory suggests that each cell, or whole person, has an inherent aging code that already knows the age at which the cell will no longer function (Lange & Grossman, 2014, p. 80). Some sociological theories of aging enforce the categorizing of older adults, such as the age stratification theory. This theory separates the categories according to the historical context in which the group develops postulating that each generation has different ideologies, attitudes, and values, as well as, expectations of aging (Lange & Grossman, 2014, p. 70).
Aging and old age for a long time presented as dominated by negative traits and states such as sickness, depression and isolation. The aging process is not simply senescence most people over the age of 65 are not Senile, bedridden, isolated, or suicidal (Aldwin & Levenson, 1994). This change in perspective led the investigation of the other side of the coin. Ageing is seen as health, maturity and personal Royal growth, self-acceptance, happiness, generatively, coping and acceptance of age-related constraints (Birren & Fisher, 1995). Psychological und...
Rupp, D. E., Vodanovich, S. J., & Credé, M. (2005). The multidimensional nature of ageism: Construct validity and group differences. The Journal of Social Psychology, 145(3), 335–362. http://dx.doi.org/10.3200/SOCP.145.3.335-362.
An individual’s personality and character structure portrays a major reflection of how they age. Personality style and character structure both incorporate the conscious and unconscious motivational, cognitive and affective mental states, as well as defense mechanisms (Silver 1992). Biopsychosocial factors-broken down into biological, psychological, and sociocultural-also play a huge role in personality and aging (Notes 10/08). Some examples of biological factors are health, genetics, and physiological function. Thoughts, feelings, and emotions would be considered psychological factors. Sociocultural factors include family, religion and community. Additionally, people endure unique experiences and circumstances throughout their life course,
305). Society is constantly bombarded by messages informing us about how to reduce the signs of aging, instead of accepting the natural process (Germov, 2014, p. 305). These beliefs have lead to ageism being very common in society. Ageism is best defined as the negative attitudes, which are associated with the aging process (Novak, 2006, p. 3). Ageism involves an individual or group being stereotyped and experiencing discrimination due to their biological age (Novak, 2006, p. 3). This discrimination can be direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment (Johnson, 2013, p. 27). Unlike other individuals and groups who are stereotyped and discriminated against, those who are making these comments will one day themselves be of old
With healthcare in the United States advancing so rapidly, there are new ways to treat just about any kind of illness every day. With being able to treat illnesses in new ways, and also the advancement of medical equipment, comes the possibility of a lot more people living up into their 90’s, and maybe even getting to reach 100. The aging population, which keeps growing every so rapidly, will be using up a lot more sources as the years go by. This means, that we need to educate more doctors and nurses, etc., and also make more living facilities for older adults. The question that comes up in my mind, is when is “old” actually”. Most people stereotypically consider ages 75 and older old, but that doesn’t mean they are actually “old”, does it?
Atchley, R. C. (1997). Social forces and aging: An introduction to social gerontology (8th ed.).
Hiller, S. M., & Barrow, G. M. (2011). Aging, the individual, and society. (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Prominent musician, Celine Dion, once said, “There’s no such thing is aging, but maturing and knowledge. It’s beautiful, I call that beauty.” To many, growing old is just a natural, beautiful part of life. It is inevitable. It is inescapable. The functionalist perspective of sociology states that the elderly perform a function in order to keep society running with ease. Functionalists focus on the disengagement theory and how people tend to disengage from society as they approach death. Symbolic interactionists focus on how environmental factors and relationships with others affect the aging experience, focusing on the activity theory and the continuity theory (Carl, 2011, p. 220). Conflict theorists focus on the discrepancies that arise between different age groups. They also focus on the economical side of aging and the issues that may arise due to an active elderly population (Carl, 2011, p. 221).
Some critics have argued that disengagement theory may have accurately characterized the behavior of the older population in the 1950s, but that it was a mistake to infer that this pattern was universal. According to these critics, activity theory or continuity theory might well be a better description of how older people actually live today. If the critics’ view is correct, does it mean that any theories of aging simply express the way aging appears at a certain time in history? If so, how would it be possible to develop an account that is more general and not limited to a certain time and place?
Theories concerned with ageing are constructed in an attempt to objectively satisfy the inquiries that arise after studying ageing and to provide evidence based clarifications. In the context of this essay, they allow troubleshooting regarding issues around the type of support would be expected to be needed by Betty and her son. Bengtson et al, (1999) accepts the potential pragmatism of the theories nevertheless he argues that they can be generalised and unimaginative. The controversy regarding theorising ageing becomes especially relevant when they are applied in isolation failing to address that “the science and positivism are severely limiting… for understanding aspects of ageing.” Bengtson et al (1999)
Aging and being old was dominated by negative characteristics and conditions such as illness, depression, and isolation for a long time (Eibach, Mock, & Courtney, 2010). At first glance the terms “success” and “aging” seem to be in conflict to each other. When asking people about aging, their answers have many facets that are also found in psychological definitions: successful aging is seen as health, maturity and personal growth, self-acceptance, happiness, generativity, coping, and acceptance of age-related limitations. In the psychological sense successful aging is also often seen as the absence of age-associated characteristics (Strawbridge, Wallhagen, & Cohen, 2002). It seems that successful aging means is not aging.
After reading all the biological theories of aging, I think the “Wear and Tear Theory” makes the most sense to me. The theory posits that there is a limit to the human life expectancy and that little can be done to push the figure upward. I do believe it’s true in my opinion. The wear and tear theory believes the effect of aging are caused by damage done to cells and body systems over time. Even though body cells die and replaced every day except the nerve cells of the brain, a range of things can damage the body such as exposure to radiation, toxins and ultraviolet light. And when the body metabolizes oxygen, free radicals are produce and can cause damage to cell and body tissue. The more the body sustains damage the more those new cells function
Throughout history, mankind has been obsessed with discovering a cure for any ailments or disorders that could disrupt or hinder their short lives, especially those to evade the aging process. With society becoming increasingly interested in everlasting beauty and living longer, the race to discover the main contributor toward aging begun in the early nineteen hundreds. In the midst of this quest, several biological theories had been developed. Among these theories is the immunity or immunological theory. This paper will discuss the immunological theory of aging by explaining the theory, giving a history of its origin and a description of further development within the evolution of the theory.
Activity theory is a theory of aging, which states staying mentally and physically active increases happiness among older adults. The main advantage of activity theory is people enjoy their life, age more gracefully, and remain active. Activity theory basically states “The more you do, the better you age!” The disadvantage is excessive physical activity is required which may be challenging for aging adults.
Age is but a number. A number that classifies, organizes, and can even define someone. It holds opportunities to learn new things and determines when the path into adulthood begins. The linear notion created by steadily increasing numbers is a very narrow outlook on age. It assumes that as someone grows in age, they are changing both mentally and physically. This, however, is far from the truth. Age is beyond the numbers; it is what lies within. When numbers are disregarded and the qualities attributed to each phase of life is examined, a sequence of repetition can be observed. Instead of growing old, it can be seen as regressing to adolescence. The two outliers of life, infancy and elderly, are far more similar than any numerical value could ever project.