Key theories and concepts of aging : an examination of interdisciplinary principles and their application to life : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

This examination of key theories and concepts of aging is divided into three interdisciplinary areas of exploration: biology, psychology, and sociology. Biological theory looks at age-related changes on the cellular and molecular levels, psychological theory examines cognitive deficits, self-identity, and dealing with loss, and sociological theory explores functional relationships in old age and dependency amongst different age-related cohorts. Finally, an introspective essay deals with personal experiences and feelings related to aging and incorporates the themes of key theories of aging into everyday life, in the aspects of personal experience with family and nursing practice. These four sections work together to provide examples of both objective and subjective age-related changes in elderly adults.