NUR 2214 / NUR2214 Nursing Care of the Older Adult Module Two Overview | Latest 2020 / 2021 | Rasmussen College

NUR 2214 / NUR2214 Nursing Care of the Older Adult Module Two Overview | Latest 2020 / 2021 | Rasmussen College  Biological Theories of Aging  Theories of aging helps nurses to understand older adult changes, behaviors, and most importantly for the nurse to recognize problems and to provide interventions.  Theory is an unproven concept that attempts to explain some type of phenomena or observation.  Theories must be supported with evidence over time.  Free radical  The term “Free radicals” describes molecules that are harmful and unstable that are produced by the body's own process of metabolism of waste products.  In normal processes of molecule formation, electrons are shared to stabilize atoms, however as one ages or as cells or DNA are damaged from overexposure of radiation and pollution for example, molecules splits and fails to pair up with electrons - leaving an unstable atom which is a “free radical” that goes around and disrupts viable living cells. This creates a chain reaction leaving other cells susceptible to injury.  When free radicals are able to travel freely within the body they can cause various diseases such as cancers, diabetes, arthritis, and atherosclerosis that are often see in the older adult as they age.  Antioxidants in the body and as some individuals take as supplements are able to neutralize “free radicals” that donate an electron to form a stable atom.  Antioxidants can be found in food elements such as in vitamins and various fruits and vegetables.