Developmental Issues in the
Aging Adult
Alice E. Davis, PhD, RN
Theories
Developmental Tasks
– Adjust to decrease physical strength and health
– Adjust to retirement and decreased income
– Establish an affiliation with age group
– Adjust to changes in social roles in a flexible way
– Establish satisfactory living arrangements
Theories
Continuity –Personality Theory
– What you are is what you will be
Disengagement Theory
– Mutually beneficial disengagement by elders
from society
Activity Theory
– Increased activity in aging = increased role
identity
Common Issues
Physical
– Sensory changes
– Functional changes
– Hormone decline
– Alteration in Appearance
– Sexuality
– Nutritional Changes
– Medication Uses
Common Issues
Social/Role
– Retirement
– Declining Resources
– Changes in Living Environment
– Isolation
Self-Worth
– Helped not helping
– Wisdom vs. Obsolete
Common Issues
End of Life Issues
– Advanced Directives
– Durable Power of Attorney
– Wishes for After Care