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Chronic Illness: Al Duane B. Ungab, RN, MAN
Chronic Illness: Al Duane B. Ungab, RN, MAN
Activity theory
social activity is an essential component of successful aging
when social activity is halted because of death of loved ones,
changes in relationship, or illness and disabilities that affect
relationships, aging is accelerated and death becomes nearer
SOCIOLOGICAL
THEORIES
Continuity Theory
one can look to past experiences of an older adult to predict how
they will encounter current and future stressors
For example, if an individual became greatly distressed after the
loss of a friend in their forties, it is likely that they will experience
similar distress to other losses in life
Critical Thinking Case Study
A 64-year-old White male had been healthy for
most of his life. He was a teacher and an
upstanding father who was active in the church and
community. However, after experiencing signs of
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), he underwent a
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG). What
should have been an unremarkable recovery was
tainted with many complications, and he required
permanent residence in a nursing home
approximately 1 hour away from his home, wife,
and grown children. Within 1 month of admission,
he died.
1. What theories of aging could be used to
help explain why this client died when he
did?
2. What factors may have contributed to
this man’s premature death?
3. Do you think any one theory explains the
aging process and the cause of death
among older adults, or do you feel a
combination of theories is more useful?
Why?