fiNdiNgS
Analysis of the data revealed two anteced-ents, three defining attributes, and two con-sequences (see Figure). Specific textual data from the sample articles were used as exam-ples of each of the attributes, antecedents, and consequences discussed.
Antecedents
Antecedents are phenomena or events that occur prior to the concept (Rogers & Knafl, 2000), but are an integral part of it. The two antecedents identified as preceding the con-cept of individualized aging were past experi-ences and biological aging processes.
past experiences Older adults’ past
experiences influence their beliefs, atti-tudes, expectations, and interactions with the health care system and health care pro-fessionals. Psychological and sociological the-ories of aging (e.g., activity, disengagement, gerotranscendence, age stratification) help explain the impact of past experiences on older adults and subsequently on the process of aging. The activity theory (Havighurst, 1961) suggests that older adults’ continued engagement with society through activities they enjoyed in middle age promotes both psychosocial and physical well-being. Older adults viewed through this theoretical lens might be more likely to have increased func-tional ability and to want more aggressive treatment options for illness and injury even if the prognosis is potentially poor, as with some types of cancer.
Disengagement theory (Cumming &
Henry, 1961) posits that as people age they gradually disengage from society to make room for younger people to take over the pri-mary responsibilities of society, thereby main-taining societal equilibrium. Older adults viewed through this theoretical lens might be more likely to have less functional ability and to not choose aggressive treatment options.