The purpose of this study is to explain and understand the phenomenon for successful aging through reviewing and analyzing several theories on aging, and then attempt to find usefulness on implication in nursing situation.
1. The aging phenomenon has been studied by many researchers, but due to lack of consensus and empirical support, its conclusions are still not clear.
2. From the psychobiological view, the aging phenomenon seems to be an inevitable, irreversible decline which appears as time passes, and the aging depends on physical age.
Basic problems of the aging process consist of the loss nerve cell, the degeneration of revival ability, and the gradual decline of physical ability and stress adaptability. In such a point, these elements can be a basis of understanding the
disease
process and the aging process. But, the gradual declining process focuses only on these negative aspects and there is not explains on individual variation in aging.
3. Judging from the psychosocial view, the aging phenomenon more emphasis on the emotional response than the aging process. Ego-integrity, that usefulness is recognized as a theoretical basis for psychosocial aspect, shows the final stage of
life,
in
which reflects on one's life accomplishment and failures.
According to Butler, it is normal that old men reminisce about past life events. Therefore, reminiscing about their past experiences, recognizing and reintegrating their unresolved conflicts can be a positive approach to aging. In such a point,
the
process of reminiscing and life reviewing of one's life can be suggested the possibility of psychotherapeutic nursing intervention as well as explain the result of aging.
Social disengagement theory takes the position that it is nomal for old men to withdrawal from society and such a situation brings them a positive benefits. But scholars criticize this theory in many aspects. As a reaction to the negativistic
perspective of disengagement developed activity theory which takes the position that old men who participate positively in social activities are healthier and happier.
Though this theory is disputed by some critics, according to an empirical study, the support for this theory is more predominant than for the other. But the evaluation of successful aging cannot be disputed by the social disengagement theory or
the
social activities theory. From such a point, I think that more research this issue should be conducted in the future.
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