Other Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide  Healthy aging is now an achievable goal for many.  Aging and disease are separate entities.  Aging is an individual process that affects each person differently.  The c

Other Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide Gerontologic Nursing HESI Study Guide  Healthy aging is now an achievable goal for many.  Aging and disease are separate entities.  Aging is an individual process that affects each person differently.  The chronologic age of 65 is the standard in the United States for being considered an older adult (elderly).  By 2050, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65.  The concept of aging is further defined as young-old (65 to 74), middle-old (75 to 84), old-old (over 85), elite-old (over 90), centenarian (over 100), and super-centenarian (110 and over).  Eighty percent of people over the age of 70 have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have multiple health problems. Theories of Aging 1. Psychosocial Theories: a. Disengagement Theory: Progressive social disengagement occurs naturally with aging and is accepted by the older adult. Variation in disengagement across older populations is related to cultural style and behaviors in different geographic regions. b. Activity Theory: Successful again requires a high level of activity and involvement to maintain life satisfaction and positive self – esteem. 2. Biologic Theories: a.