NUR 2214 Nursing Care of Older Adult Module 2
Theories and Terms
What do the biological theories of aging do?
*Help nurses understand older adult changes, behaviors, and to recognize problems
and provide interventions over time. Not just one theories explains it, must be
supported with evidence over time.
What is the free radical theory?
*The idea that molecules that are harmful to the human body that are unstable
move around the body, causing harm to living cells. This can disrupt metabolism
and cell processes, leading to disease.
How does the free radical theory work?
*During normal cell molecule formation, electrons are shared with each other, but
from aging or damage to cell DNA from over exposure to radiation and pollution,
the molecule splits and does not pair with an electron, causing a free radical to be
formed and that can harm cells.
What types of diseases does the free radical theory propose when these cells travel in the body
with aging?
*Cancers, diabetes, arthritis, atherosclerosis
What can be taken to neutralize free radicals?
*Antioxidants-in the form of food, vitamins. They help to donate electrons from
stale atoms
What is the cross linkage theory?
*When free radicals interact or connect with cell molecules and connective tissue
that causes tissues to be damaged and unable be repaired. when it is damaged, this
can lead to disease and function problems in older adults
What is connective tissue?
*Matrix that provides support, binds tissues in the body such as organs, muscles,
bones and joints, adipose tissues, cartilage, blood and lymph.
, What happens when free radical cells destroy connective tissue in older adults?
*Diseases and functional issues
What interventions can the nurse do to limit free radical spread and promote health with cross
linkage theory?
*Smoking cessation, sun exposure, UV light exposure, diet management
What is the biological clock theory?
*The idea that we as humans have a predetermined number of cell divisions that
will occur during our lifetime, and that each one is a tick of a clock. these are
genetically predetermined and as older adults, these cell divisions are slowed down,
so more cell loss is perceived
Why are cell divisions important to aging?
*They are important for replication and repair and without this, efficiency is lost
and aging occurs
What is unique about the biological clock theory as it pertains to humans?
*Not all humans have the same number of cell divisions or ticks and timers since
some age faster or than others due to genetics, stressors and exposures
What is the wear and tear theory?
*The idea that the body is similar to a machine; with older adults, as they age, their
tissues and organs wear down after consistent use to maintain bodily function.
What is the wear and tear theory caused by that contributes to aging?
*External and internal damages to the body from stressors, exposures, diet, weight,
lifestyle, and environment can lead to faster aging on the body that can damage
hormones, DNA, ligaments, muscles, structure, etc.
What is the natural aspect when it comes to the wear and tear theory?
*That peoples bodies have a natural tendency when aging that its cells, tissues and
organs will not function at full capacity like it once did
What types of nursing interventions can nurses do with the wear and tear theory?
*Maintain appropriate health practices and healthily lifestyle to reduce strain on
one’s structural aging
Theories and Terms
What do the biological theories of aging do?
*Help nurses understand older adult changes, behaviors, and to recognize problems
and provide interventions over time. Not just one theories explains it, must be
supported with evidence over time.
What is the free radical theory?
*The idea that molecules that are harmful to the human body that are unstable
move around the body, causing harm to living cells. This can disrupt metabolism
and cell processes, leading to disease.
How does the free radical theory work?
*During normal cell molecule formation, electrons are shared with each other, but
from aging or damage to cell DNA from over exposure to radiation and pollution,
the molecule splits and does not pair with an electron, causing a free radical to be
formed and that can harm cells.
What types of diseases does the free radical theory propose when these cells travel in the body
with aging?
*Cancers, diabetes, arthritis, atherosclerosis
What can be taken to neutralize free radicals?
*Antioxidants-in the form of food, vitamins. They help to donate electrons from
stale atoms
What is the cross linkage theory?
*When free radicals interact or connect with cell molecules and connective tissue
that causes tissues to be damaged and unable be repaired. when it is damaged, this
can lead to disease and function problems in older adults
What is connective tissue?
*Matrix that provides support, binds tissues in the body such as organs, muscles,
bones and joints, adipose tissues, cartilage, blood and lymph.
, What happens when free radical cells destroy connective tissue in older adults?
*Diseases and functional issues
What interventions can the nurse do to limit free radical spread and promote health with cross
linkage theory?
*Smoking cessation, sun exposure, UV light exposure, diet management
What is the biological clock theory?
*The idea that we as humans have a predetermined number of cell divisions that
will occur during our lifetime, and that each one is a tick of a clock. these are
genetically predetermined and as older adults, these cell divisions are slowed down,
so more cell loss is perceived
Why are cell divisions important to aging?
*They are important for replication and repair and without this, efficiency is lost
and aging occurs
What is unique about the biological clock theory as it pertains to humans?
*Not all humans have the same number of cell divisions or ticks and timers since
some age faster or than others due to genetics, stressors and exposures
What is the wear and tear theory?
*The idea that the body is similar to a machine; with older adults, as they age, their
tissues and organs wear down after consistent use to maintain bodily function.
What is the wear and tear theory caused by that contributes to aging?
*External and internal damages to the body from stressors, exposures, diet, weight,
lifestyle, and environment can lead to faster aging on the body that can damage
hormones, DNA, ligaments, muscles, structure, etc.
What is the natural aspect when it comes to the wear and tear theory?
*That peoples bodies have a natural tendency when aging that its cells, tissues and
organs will not function at full capacity like it once did
What types of nursing interventions can nurses do with the wear and tear theory?
*Maintain appropriate health practices and healthily lifestyle to reduce strain on
one’s structural aging
