Theories of Ageing
Explain the theories of ageing
What is 'old age' or 'elderly'?
- Reference One
What are the theories?
There are a few theories that explain ageing.
There are Sociological/Psychological theories, and examples of these are:
- The Disengagement Theory
- The Activity Theory.
There are also Biological theories, and examples of these are:
- The Disposable Theory
- The Genetically Programmed Theory
How do they relate to ageing?
- Reference Two and Three
The Activity Theory believes that to increase happiness among older adults they must keep both physically and mentally active. According to this theory, the elderly are most happiest when they stay active and maintain good social interactions. This theory was developed in response to The Disengagement Theory.
- Reference Four
The Disposable Soma Theory believes that organisms only have a limited amount of energy and that they eventually weaken and then die. This theory states that ageing is the result of the natural degrading processes that result in the accumulation of damage.
- Reference Five
The Genetically Programmed Theory believes that ageing and death are necessary parts of evolution (and not of biology). If a species did not have the genetic capacity for ageing and death, then it would not be forced to replicate (the cells) to survive. Individuals would just keep on living until a climate or other change wiped them all out. The key point is that there would be no evolution if individuals lived forever. Ageing, therefore, must be built-in in the organism and not simply a result of environmental factors or disease. According to this theory then, ageing and death are not a result of wear and tear (like other theories suggested) or exposure, but are a programmed, natural and essential part of genetics. Conclusively, we are programmed to age and die.
- Reference Six
References
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[Last Accessed 29.04.15]
Reference Three: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-disengagement-theory.htm
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[Last Accessed 29.04.15]
Reference Five: http://www.programmed-aging.org/theories/disposable_soma.html
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Reference Six: http://longevity.about.com/od/researchandmedicine/p/age_programmed.htm
[Last Accessed 29.04.15]
Task Three - Factors and Theories of Ageing
Dementia and Elderly
Submission Date: 4th May 2015.