Different Theories of Aging - Case Study Example

Theories of Aging Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Theories of Ageing Individuals experience different physiological, mental and emotional changes as a result of the deterioration that individuals undergo as they age. A Proper understanding of such age-related deteriorations may help different parties including medical personnel to understand ways through which they can positively influence factors that engender or maintain wellness and better health as individuals grow old (Tosato, Zamboni, Ferrini, and Cesari, 2007). This may also allow for the identification, amelioration, and treatment of symptoms that commonly come with aging (Kato and Mann, 2007). Different theories of aging have been developed, forming lenses through which the behavior and relations of older adults can be viewed. Case "June Carter is an independent, socially active and fit 75-year-old woman who takes great pride in her appearance. She has three adult children and five grandchildren and has been widowed for ten years. She visits her local GP to discuss her plans to commence a sexual relationship with Jim (65 years) and her concerns about her sexual function". Theories of ageing The theories of aging provide a foundation on which perspectives and beliefs of individuals about aging are based. In the Scenario presented, June’s perspective of aging is not necessarily the same as hers or those of her children. The theories of aging will be used to determine the possible perspectives and responses of June, her GP, and her adult children to the situation. June June is fit and independent, an aspect that influences her take on life. Her decision to engage with Jim sexually may be explained using the Activity Theory. Activity Theory The activity theory is focused on psychosocial aging, suggesting that individuals have to maintain social activity to maintain a positive self-concept (Mangoni & Jackson, 2004). According to the theory, self-concept relates to the roles held by the aging individual. Case in point, an individual that has recreational and familial roles may not feel the pressure of retiring. June is fit and highly active, an aspect that may influence her perception of aging. She lives independently, meaning that she cooks most of her meals and does some of the chores at home. As such, her resolution to start a new relationship was informed by her perception of still being fit. However, she is still cognizant of her age and is well aware of the possibility of not being sexually active like she used to be. June’s Adult Children June’s adult children are likely to refer to the disengagement theory before deciding on whether or not render support to their mother. Disengagement theory According to the theory, as people age, they are likely to find themselves detached from the rest of the society with their relationships with other people either cut or blurred (Eliopoulos, 2014; Liang & Luo, 2012). Either the society or the aging individual initiates the withdrawal. In June's scenario, her children are grown up adults with their households and families. As such, she has been forced to stay independently, an aspect that may create room for loneliness. June’s adult children are more likely to base their perspective on their perceived loneliness on their mother’s side, as they are aware that such loneliness would be eliminated, if not minimized, by establishing a new relationship with an individual that would always be there for her. June’s GP The GP’s perspective is more influenced by his professional experience and thus is more likely to base his beliefs about sexuality at an advanced age on scientific evidence or theories. Such theories include the Neuroendocrine Theory, the Membrane Aging Theory, and Mitochondrial Decline Theory. The Neuroendocrine Theory The neuroendocrine system is a highly sophisticated system that regulates the release of hormones by the hypothalamus (Jin, 2010). This theory suggests that with an increase in age, the hypothalamus reduces in terms of its capacity to regulate the release of hormones (Rollo, 2010). On the other hand, the receptors, which respond to such hormones also reduce regarding their sensitivity to the hormones. As such, the secretion of hormones in the older adults is limited (Shors, et al., 2001). The limited hormones that are released also have a lesser impact as a result of the down-grading of the receptors. As such, the GP may believe that June’s sexuality is lower than it was and thus is mandated to inform her of the likely reduced libido. Membrane theory of aging The membrane theory of aging suggests that the cell undergoes changes in its ability to transfer electrical impulses, chemicals, and heat, which impair its functionality (Marín-García, 2007; Morley & Thomas, 2007). As such, as individuals age, the lipid in the cell membrane becomes undergo peroxidation destroying them and impairing the integrity of the membrane. As a result, the cell membrane’s normal function of the cell membrane is impeded, and toxic accumulations occurs. Considering this theory, the GP is likely to believe that June will not be able to produce enough lubricants for sexual intercourse (Taylor & Gosney, 2011). The GP is likely to advise her to use lubricants during intercourse. Mitochondrial Decline Theory Mitochondria are cell organelles that generate Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), with is used as energy for the normal metabolic activities in the body. With aging, the mitochondrial function declines, and thus, the older adults become more easily fatigued and less active (Grimes, 2008; Seo, et al., 2010). As such, the GP is likely to believe that June and her partner are less likely to have sufficient energy to engage in intercourse often. Nevertheless, the GP may advise her to ensure that she optimally consumes the nutrients involved in the energy cycles to enhance their mitochondrial function. Such nutrients would include NADH, B vitamins, CoQ10 (Idebenone) and Acetyl-L-Carnitine (Wei, Ma, Lee, Lee, & Lu, 2001). Social category Age, as a social category, interacts with sexuality in the presented scenario. With an increase in age, there is a decrease in individual sexuality (Kalra, Subramanyam, & Pinto, 2011; Shutts, Banaji, & Spelke, 2010). This is evidenced by the reduction in the normal functioning of the body as people grow in age. Hormonal changes that come with age affect how individuals perceive sexuality and how they relate to it (Gawronski & Bodenhausen, 2015). June visits her GP as she is uncertain about her sexual functionality. The physiological changes she has undergone have reduced his capacity to engage in sexual intercourse like she used to when she was younger. Physiological changes in ageing Cardiac function With ageing, the great arteries and aorta reduce in compliance and elasticity. As a result, there is an increase in the impendence to the ejection of the left ventricle. This leads to interstitial fibrosis and ventricular hypertrophy (McNicoll, 2008). In addition, a reduction in the rate of myocardial relaxation also occurs. The left ventricle increases in stiffness and thus takes a longer period to relax. The decrease in cardiac output and the intrinsic heart rate as a result of aging may expose June to heart failure due to the increased need for energy thus, overtasking of the heart during sexual excitement (McNicoll, 2008). Neuroendocrine responses Right from the onset of menopause, individuals experience changes in their hormones such decrease in estrogen among females (Jin, 2010). Consequently, there is a decrease in libido among females (McNicoll, 2008). This may affect June’s response to arousal activities and interest in sex. Also, men have also been associated with increased likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction as they age. Jim’s sexuality could be affected by erectile dysfunction. Loss of body mass Individuals lose lean body mass as they age, and instead they increase in body fat. Degenerative changes also take place in the joints. Joint degeneration, coupled with loss of lean body mass inhibit movement in the elderly (McNicoll, 2008). This is likely to affect June and her partner at a later stage as they continue to age and to experience this changes. Impaired gas exchange Ageing individuals experience impaired gas exchange, with the vital capacity decreasing with age (McNicoll, 2008). The expiratory flow rate also slows (McNicoll, 2008). This reduces the Basal Metabolic Rate and energy output of the ageing individuals and contributes to an increase in fatigue and general body weakness. This may inhibit June’s involvement in sexual activity. Nutritional Implications Reduced metabolism Individuals become less active with ageing, leading to slower metabolism, and reduced energy needs (WHO, 2015). Energy is important for all other bodily functions including the synthesis of hormones and sperms from proteins (WHO, 2015). The reduced energy needs lead to reduced appetite and muscle atrophy. This may affect June and her partner with regard to their sexual life. Gastrointestinal tract changes Alterations in smell and taste are common in the elderly and this may affect food intake and thus lead to low appetite and enhance weight loss. In addition, slow gastric emptying and increased satiation after consumption of food have also been noted in the elderly, which may also affect the consumption of energy (Wells & Dumbrell, 2006). The nutrition status of the elderly may also be affected by esophageal motility, dental issues, and atrophic gastritis. All these factors may impede the consumption of macro and micro-nutrients, which may interfere with June and Jim’s physiological and cognitive ability to engage in sexual activities. References Bengmark, S. (2006). Impact of nutrition on ageing and disease. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 9(1), 2-7. Eliopoulos, C. (2014). Gerontological Nursing. London: Wolters Kluwer. Gawronski, B., & Bodenhausen, G. V. (2015). Theory and Explanation in Social Psychology. 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