ELECTIVE WEEK 2
EMERGING THEORIES
Cont. Theories of Aging
3. Cross-linkage theory
 The cross linking theory, also referred to as glycosylation
theory of aging, was proposed by Johan Bjorksten in
1942
 An accumulation of cross-linked proteins damages cells
and tissues, slowing down bodily processes resulting in
aging.
 It is binding of glucose (simple sugars) to protein, (a
process that occurs under the presence of oxygen)
 Once this binding has occurred the protein becomes
impaired and is unable to perform as efficiently
 Cross-links are associated with loss of elasticity in skin
and muscle tissue, stiffening of blood vessel walls,
changes in the lens of the eye, delayed wound healing
and reduced join mobility in aging individuals.
4. Wear and tear theory
 Proposed in 1882 by Weisman
 Cells wear out over time
 Worn-out tissues cannot forever renew itself
Non-stochastic Theories
1. Programmed Theory/ Hayflick Limit Theory
 Based on study completed in 1961 by Hayflick and
Moorehead
 Also called Biologic clock, cellular aging or genetic
theory
 Cumulative effect of improper functioning of cells and
eventual loss of cells in organs and tissues are
responsible for aging phenomenon
 Life expectancy is seen ad pre-programmed within a
species-specific age (110-120 years)
2. Immunity Theory
 A programmed ecline in immune system
functions leads to an increased vulnerability to
infectious disease, aging, and eventual death
 Immunosenescence: Age-related functional
diminution of the immune system
 Lower rate of T-lymphocyte (“killer cells”)
proliferation in response to a stimulus
 Increased autoantibodies as a result of
altered immune autoimmune diseases.
 Change include a decrease in humoral
immune response, often predisposing older
adults to:
1. Decreased resistance to a tumor cell
challenge and the development of
cancer
2. Decreased ability to initiate the immune
process and mobilize defenses in
aggressively attaching pathogens
3. Increased susceptibility to auto-immune
disease
1. Neuroendocrine Control of Pacemaker Theory
The neuroendocrine control or pacemaker theory
explains aging as a programmed decline in the
functioning of the nervous, endocrine, and the immune
system (Dela Fuente, 2008). It is not the cells “
2. Metabolic Theory of Aging
 All organisms have finite metabolic lifetime
and that organisms with a higher metabolic
rate have a shorter life span
 Any damage, either due to normal toxic by-
products of metabolism or inefficient repair/
defensive systems, accumulates throughout
the entire lifespan or causes aging.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AGING THEORIES
JUNG’S THEORY OF INDIVIDUALISM
 The shift of focus is away from the external world
(extroversion) toward the inner experience
(introversion)
 Search for answers to many life’s riddles and try to find
the essence of the “true self”
 To age successfully, the older person will accept past
accomplishments and failures. (INTROSPECTION)
ERICKSON’S DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY
 There are 8 stages in life with developmental tasks to be
accomplished at each stage
 Ego integrity versus despair
 Older persons who have not achieved ego integrity
may look back in their lives with dissatisfaction and feel
unhappy, depressed, or angry over what they have
done or failed to do
 Psychological counseling is integral to resolve this issue
SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES
DISENGAGEMENT THEORY
 Introduced by Cummings and Henry (1961)
 States that it is beneficial to both society and the
individual to participate in a process of withdrawal from
meaningful roles and relationships as that person enters
the later years of life
 When death occurs, neither the older individual nor the
society is disadvantaged and social equilibrium is
maintained.
ACTIVITY THEORY
 Contradicts the disengagement theory; older adults
should stay active and engaged if they are to age
successfully. When retirement occurs, replacement
activities must be found.
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ELECTIVE WEEK 2