NSG 4067: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES ON AGING WELL
1. A 77-year-old client was put on broad-spectrum antibiotics when hospitalized for sepsis. The
client has a history of rheumatoid arthritis and a recurring problem with pneumonia. Which of
the following theories best explains why the client has had these issues?
A) Free radical theory
B) Genetic theory
C) Immunity theory
D) Wear-and-tear theory
Ans: C
Feedback:
Immunity theories focus on immunosenescence. Older adults are more susceptible to cancer,
autoimmune disorders, and infections, a phenomenon that is known as immunosenescence.
Wearing out is exacerbated by harmful factors, such as stress, disease, smoking, poor diet, and
alcohol abuse. Free radicals are waste products of metabolism and they can damage cells.
Current studies indicate that the genetic effect on longevity is due to modest effects of many
genes interacting, with some genes increasing one's susceptibility to age-related disease and early
death and other genes slowing the aging process and leading to a longer life.
2. Until recently, a 77-year-old client lived alone in her own home. The client fell and fractured
an ankle and was placed in a long-term care facility for physical therapy. After the physical
therapy was finished, the client tells the nurse, "I want to stay at the facility; I am happy living
there and I like the social interaction." Which of the following theories of aging best describes
the status of this client?
A) Activity theory
B) Feminist theory
C) Life-course theory
D) Theory of thriving
Ans: D
Feedback:
The theory of thriving posits that the older adult thrives when there is concordance between the
person and the human and nonhuman environment. Activity theory postulates that older people
remain socially and psychologically fit if they remain actively engaged in life such as engaging
in full-time work and low-level volunteering. Feminist gerontology theories examine aging from
the experiences of older women. Feminist theories address gender inequalities with regard to
caregiving roles, diseases, and economic status. Life-course theories address old age within the
context of the life cycle.
, 3. Which of the following statements best explains the relevance of psychological theories for
gerontological nursing?
A) Human needs theory allows the nurse to determine priorities of nursing care for older
adults.
B) Life span development theories support the belief that it may be difficult to initiate
behavioral changes in older adults.
C) Psychological theories explain why nurses should focus their discussion more on the
present than on the past when talking with older adults.
D) Psychological theories explain why reminiscence groups may not be beneficial for older
adults.
Ans: A
Feedback:
Maslow's human needs theory is useful in conceptualizing interventions in the older adult's home
and in a health care facility. The attainment of lower-level human needs takes priority over
higher-level human needs, such as self-actualization. Life span development theories help nurses
identify those areas of personality that are likely to change and those that are more likely to
remain stable. Psychological theories imply that older adults should devote some time and
energy to life review and self-understanding.
4. A 55-year-old client was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The client completed a
diabetes education class and does water aerobics three times a week. The blood sugar and
hemoglobin A1c have improved since losing 20 lb. Which of the following statements best
describes this client's actions?
A) Activity theory
B) Age stratification theory
C) Functional consequences theory
D) Life-course development theory
Ans: C
Feedback:
The Functional Consequences Theory for Promoting Wellness in Older Adults provides a
framework for a holistic approach that identifies the risk factors and addresses those that are
modifiable in older adults. Age stratification theory addresses the interdependencies between age
as an element of the social structure and the aging of people and cohorts as a social process. Life-
course development is related to old age within the context of the life cycle. The activity theory
postulates that older people remain socially and psychologically fit if they remain actively
engaged in life.
1. A 77-year-old client was put on broad-spectrum antibiotics when hospitalized for sepsis. The
client has a history of rheumatoid arthritis and a recurring problem with pneumonia. Which of
the following theories best explains why the client has had these issues?
A) Free radical theory
B) Genetic theory
C) Immunity theory
D) Wear-and-tear theory
Ans: C
Feedback:
Immunity theories focus on immunosenescence. Older adults are more susceptible to cancer,
autoimmune disorders, and infections, a phenomenon that is known as immunosenescence.
Wearing out is exacerbated by harmful factors, such as stress, disease, smoking, poor diet, and
alcohol abuse. Free radicals are waste products of metabolism and they can damage cells.
Current studies indicate that the genetic effect on longevity is due to modest effects of many
genes interacting, with some genes increasing one's susceptibility to age-related disease and early
death and other genes slowing the aging process and leading to a longer life.
2. Until recently, a 77-year-old client lived alone in her own home. The client fell and fractured
an ankle and was placed in a long-term care facility for physical therapy. After the physical
therapy was finished, the client tells the nurse, "I want to stay at the facility; I am happy living
there and I like the social interaction." Which of the following theories of aging best describes
the status of this client?
A) Activity theory
B) Feminist theory
C) Life-course theory
D) Theory of thriving
Ans: D
Feedback:
The theory of thriving posits that the older adult thrives when there is concordance between the
person and the human and nonhuman environment. Activity theory postulates that older people
remain socially and psychologically fit if they remain actively engaged in life such as engaging
in full-time work and low-level volunteering. Feminist gerontology theories examine aging from
the experiences of older women. Feminist theories address gender inequalities with regard to
caregiving roles, diseases, and economic status. Life-course theories address old age within the
context of the life cycle.
, 3. Which of the following statements best explains the relevance of psychological theories for
gerontological nursing?
A) Human needs theory allows the nurse to determine priorities of nursing care for older
adults.
B) Life span development theories support the belief that it may be difficult to initiate
behavioral changes in older adults.
C) Psychological theories explain why nurses should focus their discussion more on the
present than on the past when talking with older adults.
D) Psychological theories explain why reminiscence groups may not be beneficial for older
adults.
Ans: A
Feedback:
Maslow's human needs theory is useful in conceptualizing interventions in the older adult's home
and in a health care facility. The attainment of lower-level human needs takes priority over
higher-level human needs, such as self-actualization. Life span development theories help nurses
identify those areas of personality that are likely to change and those that are more likely to
remain stable. Psychological theories imply that older adults should devote some time and
energy to life review and self-understanding.
4. A 55-year-old client was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The client completed a
diabetes education class and does water aerobics three times a week. The blood sugar and
hemoglobin A1c have improved since losing 20 lb. Which of the following statements best
describes this client's actions?
A) Activity theory
B) Age stratification theory
C) Functional consequences theory
D) Life-course development theory
Ans: C
Feedback:
The Functional Consequences Theory for Promoting Wellness in Older Adults provides a
framework for a holistic approach that identifies the risk factors and addresses those that are
modifiable in older adults. Age stratification theory addresses the interdependencies between age
as an element of the social structure and the aging of people and cohorts as a social process. Life-
course development is related to old age within the context of the life cycle. The activity theory
postulates that older people remain socially and psychologically fit if they remain actively
engaged in life.
