NURS 6052-Reflection 3 Theory Discussion

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Aging is a progressive process requiring from simple to increasingly complex adaptation;
Aging may be successful or unsuccessful, depending upon where a person is along the continuum of progression from simple to more complex adaptation and the extensive use of coping processes;
Successful aging is influenced by the aging person’s choices;
The self is not ageless (Tornstam, 1996); and
Aging people experience changes, which uniquely characterize their beliefs and perspectives as different from those of younger adults (Flood, 2006a).
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Definition of Theory

The theory of successful aging describes the process by which individuals use various coping mechanisms to progress toward desirable adaptation to the collective physiologic and functional changes occurring over their lifetime, while maintaining a sense of spirituality, connectedness, and meaning and purpose in life.

Foundation of Theory

Three coping processes (the way one responds to the changing environment)

Functional Performance Mechanisms

Intrapsychic factors

Spirituality

Constructs (within each Coping Processes)

Within each coping process there are measurable output responses- provide feedback to the person.

Cognitive

Behavioral

Affective Reflection 3 Theory Discussion

Coping Processes/Output Responses

Typical age-related declines that occur
Indicators

Health promotion activities
Physical health
Physical mobility
Annual physical exams
Current chronic and acute disease
Gait mobility
Functional Performance Mechanisms

Output Responses

Each is a manifestation of the human adaptive response of functional performance mechanism
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Coping Processes/Output Responses

Use of inherent character traits to respond to environmental stimuli
Intrapsychic Factors

Output Responses

Creativity

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Low levels of negativity
Personal Control
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Coping Processes/Output Responses

The sense of connection and beliefs about a higher power the older adult has help shape his values, beliefs, and behaviors while living especially in terms of what he believes happens after death.
Spirituality

Output responses

Spiritual perspective
Prayer
Religiosity
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Gerotranscendence

Shift in metaperspective from materialistic and rationalistic to a more mature and existential one that accompanies the process of aging.
New outlook on and understanding of life
Broad existential changes
Changes in one’s view of the present self & the self in retrospect
Developmental changes (r/t existential changes and changes in self) Reflection 3 Theory Discussion
Associated with positive gaining and has been theorized as a precursor to successful aging

Gerotranscendence (cont)

Three Levels of age-related change occur

Cosmic dimension-relates to the feeling of being a part of and at one with the universe

Self dimension-deals with one’s self perception

Social dimension-increase in a sense of interrelatedness to others

Assessed using the Gerotranscendence Scale (GS) (Tornstam, 1994)
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Gerotranscendence (cont)

A reasonable and well-balanced integration of the outputs of each foundational coping process for each individual, rather than an ideal amount or combinations of features from within the foundational coping processes, must be present in order for the aging person to experience gerotranscendence.