Module 02 Content
Course Competency:
Analyze the increased complexity of care among older adults.
Your supervisor needs to make sure that each of the in-service topics will be covered by someone, so she is asking the staff to communicate their topic preference. Below is the list of problems your supervisor wants the nursing staff to be able to teach older adult clients (and/or their family members) about.
In-service Topic Options:
Hypertension
Diabetes
Coronary artery disease
Depression
Dementia
Polypharmacy
Increased risk of falls
Vison/hearing impairment
Nutrition and hydration
Your supervisor has asked you to submit a 1-page proposal, written using proper spelling, grammar, and APA, which addresses the following:
Identify the client problem your in-service will address.
Describe at least 5 consequences of the client problem as it relates to the health, safety, and well-being of older adults.
Explain your rationale for choosing the client problem you selected.
Submit your completed assignment to the drop box below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document. (Mac users, please remember to append the “.docx” extension to the filename.) The name of the file should be your first initial and last name, followed by an underscore and the name of the assignment, and an underscore and the date. An example is shown below:
References from the modules:
Common Biological Theories of Aging
The common biological theories that explain the aging process include:
Free Radical Theory
Cross Linkage Theory
Biological Clock Theory
Wear and Tear Theory
Knowledge of the different biological theories enables nurses to understand the processes of aging better, and furthermore, to implement appropriate nursing interventions.
Free Radical and Cross Linkage Theories
In the Free Radical and Cross Linkage Theories, “free radicals” (depicted in the image below) are formed from incomplete molecule formation or overexposure to harmful substances. Both lead to the destruction of healthy DNA, cells, and connective tissues reducing function and viability. As an individual ages, “free radicals” destroy healthy cells and tissues more readily; this predisposes the individual to various diseases (Meiner & Yeager, 2019).
Free Radicals – Cell, tissue, and DNA destruction by free radicals
Cell, tissue, and DNA destruction by free radicals.
Biological Clock Theory
The Biological Clock Theory postulated that humans are predestined with a certain number of cell divisions. The decrease in cell divisions leads to a loss of regeneration and production of viable cells and tissues.
Wear and Tear Theory
Similar to the Biological Clock Theory, as people age, the normal biological processes slow down due to overuse or destruction as postulated by Wear and Tear theorists.
Video: Biological Theories of Aging
You can download the PowerPoint file used in the video here. It contains Speaker Notes to serve as a written transcript for the video..
References
Meiner, S., & Yeager, J. J. (2019). Gerontologic nursing (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier
Social Theories of Aging
The common social theories that explain the aging process include:
Activity Theory
Continuity Theory
Age Stratification Theory
Person-Environment Fit Theory
Many older adults, through the course of aging, disengage themselves from society due to negative perceptions, discrimination and stereotyping in what we term, “ageism.” On the other hand, however, many older adult clients live very active and productive lives and remain engaged through social groups and activities, volunteering, traveling, and many maintain employment past retirement age. As the name implies “activity” is an important element to maintain engagement and furthermore the emotional health, independence, and functionality of the older adult client. Many older adult clients continue to have the same values, beliefs, and behaviors as they did in their younger years as claimed by continuity theorist. Older adults have varying degrees of competencies that lend to the degree of “fit” within the present day of social interactions including that of employability, technology skills, and intellectual abilities.
Psychological Theories of Aging
The common psychological theories that explain the aging process include:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Erickson’s Eight Stages of Development
Jung’s Psychological Development Theory
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs theory postulates that individual behaviors are based on prioritized needs and assumptions (Meiner & Yeager, 2019). At the base of the pyramid of Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs is the basic premise of survival (physiological needs) with a desire for individuals to reach the highest level of the pyramid; the self-actualization stage. Erickson’s integrity versus despair development stage is commonly associated with the older adult reflecting over one’s life achievements. Jung’s theory adds that personality is a critical factor in the development of one’s achievement of self-realization and spirituality.
The Nursing Implications Associated with Common Theories of Aging
The common nursing theories of aging include:
Roy’s Adaptation Model
Pender’s Health Promotion Model
Kolcaba Comfort Theory
Roy’s Adaptation Model explains the coping process of the older adult client compounded by various internal and external stressors (Meiner & Yeager, 2019). The older adult’s capability of implementing coping mechanisms is individualistic and should be assessed by the nurse. The nurse should further implement the appropriate interventions to assist the older adult client in adopting healthy coping behaviors. In addition, as posed by Pender’s Health Promotion Model, the older adult client’s health should be viewed as multidimensional and based on one’s unique experiences. Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory adds that comfort is attributed to one’s level of relief, ease, and transdesence (Meiner & Yeager, 2019).
Knowledge of the different types of biological, psychosocial, and nursing theories enables nurses to better understand the processes of aging and to implement appropriate nursing interventions for older adult clients. High esteems of social and psychological health leads to emotional and physical well-being. Nurses play an integral role in encouraging the older adult client to engage in full functionality within social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual contexts.
APA format 7th edition, references and please follow all requirements.
