For approximately two hundred years, scientists have been trying to find the answers to questions about aging. The humanity does not know why people age, when this process starts, and if the person’s growth is limited by certain factors. Molecular biology has unraveled part of the mysteries, but many questions which need to be answered remain. The science has proposed many theories trying to explain the specifics of the human lifespan, although most of them are not completely competent, and often contradict one another. However, by analyzing the existing theories, experts have already developed valuable programs for nursing intervention in order to help people fight consequences of becoming old.
Modern biological theories of aging are divided into two groups: programmed, and damage or error approaches. The first category suggests that aging is the result of biological timing. This system depends on the change of genes, which control all the organism functions. The programmed theory is divided into three separate sub-categories. The first one is programmed longevity, regarding aging as the result of certain genes being alternatively switching on and off. The second group is an endocrine theory, implying that hormones influence biological clocks controlling the process. The third category is an immunological hypothesis, asserting that the immune system is supposed to decay with time, which leads to infections, and aging and death in the end. All of these theories prove that becoming old is a natural process, programed in human bodies.
The damage and error approach implies that the environment damage for human organism is causing senescence. The wear and tear theory implies that tissues and cells in the human organism are damaged in the process of aging. The rate of living approach suggests that the faster the organism’s metabolism is the shorter is its life. The cross-linking hypothesis assumes that an accumulation of cross-linked proteins ruins tissues and cells, and slows down the organism functions, causing aging of the body. The last theory addresses free radicals, inflicting damage to the macromolecular parts of cells, thus, making organs gradually stop functioning. All of these assumptions are aimed at proving that aging is the result of occurring DNA damages.
There are other classifications developed by scientists, which include social and psychological theories. The disengagement theory refers to a process when most of the relationships between the individual and surrounding people are intercepted as aging people are less involved in the life of the society. The activity theory emphasizes that a person’s self-concept is identified by social roles of that individual, and it is useful to substitute the roles that are wasted because of the aging by new ones. The third theory implies that all societies have a social clock, which tells the time for all the events, meaning it “can include virtually anything that people commonly do throughout their lives” (William Jessup University, 2019, para. 3). The last theory, a continuity approach, states that the elderly continue the activities they were involved in while being younger, targeting at achieving balance with the society.
A critical issue is establishing whether aging is affected by one, or hundreds of different processes. The scientists have found that one mutating gene affecting life duration in laboratory animals exist, “as well as a well-known environmental intervention called caloric restriction” (American Federation of Aging Research, 2016, p.2). The experiment has shown that animals, eating fewer calories than others, had increased lifespans. However, many of them became sterile, a few of them were thin and always cold, which implies they would not be able to live in the wild.
There are numerous researches trying to find ways for making the aging healthy. In 2019, researchers studied the example of centenarians in order to find keys for successful aging. They found that centenarians have particular immunological, endocrinological and metabolic characteristics that protect them from different severe conditions. For example, the hypothyroid state which is typical for centenarians protects “against an excessive catabolism, thus favoring longevity by reducing metabolism rate, oxidative stress and cell senescence” (Borras, et all, 2020, p. 6). Furthermore, the psychological research has shown that there are such important factors as stress resistance, and the level of education, which help obtain a healthy aging, as well as a genetic factor. The researchers came to a conclusion that the key for a long life appears to be the result of a combination of many factors: environment, lifestyle, genetics, and a little luck.
Without a doubt, aging is usually associated with developing chronic diseases, although, disabilities often result from the lifestyle of the individual. The nurse should detect self-care deficits of an elderly person after their functional evaluation, and then choose an intervention according to the results of this screening. Typically, such people require help, as the aged of 85 and older always demonstrate the lack of therapeutic self-care. These interventions should result in independence, meaning that a person’s incapacities are reduced and self-determination is raised for simplifying the health processes.
Moreover, nurses have many means to help older adults with their social and psychological problems, as well as with the disabilities. A nurse can review the medication list, and address a doctor to revise it. Among other opportunities are suggesting non-drug therapies for decreasing pain, educating the patient about the nutrition, implementing different exercises, practicing safe movements together, working on strength and balance. For psychological issues, there are a number of techniques which could be used in the course of nursing intervention, as well. In most cases a simple placating phrase, such as “It is going to be fine, nothing is wrong” can help. Another approach is using memory training techniques, such as teaching of mnemonics. All of these methods are useful when working with retired people, as they help with supporting their physical and social activities, and provide psychological help when needed.
In the light of personal experience, a few of the strategies are best for helping people cope with their aging. It is important to consider all the needs of a patient: the physiological, psychological, social and cultural ones. To improve health it is necessary to follow a correct diet, which would support proper blood levels of cholesterol and sugar, and help lose weight if there are extra pounds influencing the person’s physical abilities. It is also important to help an individual to stay physically active, the exercise depends on the state of the patient. An essential task is protecting the person from possible injuries by installing necessary equipment facilitating the movement, making the patient wear comfortable non-slippery shoes, and making home safe by eliminating objects standing in the way. Finally, there is always need for communication, as patients often feel lonely or scared, a good way for facilitating their condition is talking to them and providing psychological support. Nursing intervention is an integral part of helping the aging people, as it has many means for making their lives easier, and improving the health condition.
In conclusion, many different theories of aging exist, however, they do not reply to all the questions which interest people and scientists. By analyzing the existing hypothesizes and creating new ones, experts can find the ways for making the aging successful and healthy, and prolonging people’s lifespan. Moreover, there are already many nursing interventions, which can be used to facilitate the process of becoming old, helping cope with disabilities and encouraging the patients to master their new social status.
References
American Federation for Aging Research (2016). Theories of aging. Web.
Borras, C., Ingles, M., Mas-Bargues, C., Dromant, M., Sanz-Ros, J., Román-Domínguez, A., Mallench-Gimeno, L., Gambini, J., & Viña, J. (2020). Centenarians: An excellent example of resilience for successful ageing. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 186. Web.
William Jessup University (2019). Why do adults adhere to a social clock. Web.