Reference no: EM133751491
Discussion
The theory of successful aging by Troutman-Jordan is a mid-range model that opines that the relatively complex process of gerotranscendence, which forms a basis for successful aging, is influenced by three key factors, encompassing functional performance mechanisms, spirituality, and intrapsychic factors. In the theory, Jordan opines that older adults must have spirituality, characterized by religiosity and spiritual perspective, actively participate in health promotion activities, physical health and physical mobility and demonstrate creativity and personal control (Fields, 2023). Achieving this enables individuals to attain gerotranscendence, which precedes successful aging and is characterized by decreased death anxiety, self-acceptance, wisdom, and the ability to engage in meaningful activities and relationships. As such, according to the theorist, successful aging entails individuals having meaning and purpose in life (Kim & Seo, 2022). This mode can be used as a practical guidance for promoting successful aging. This is because it incorporates nuanced perspectives from older adults, underscoring its applicability and effectiveness. Recent analyses show that the theory can be used to improve the quality of life among geriatrics. It is also based on concepts from other models, such as Roy's Adaptation Model and Tornstam's Sociological Theory of gerotranscendence, further evidencing its effectiveness for use in guiding research and practice.
A critical analysis of the model shows that successful aging requires continuous adaptation, given the relative possibilities of the aging process being unsuccessful, particularly with little care. Individuals must employ distinct coping mechanisms to progress towards desirable adaptation, which entails achieving collective physiological and functional changes that characterize old age. There is an increased understanding of the uniqueness of each individual across their lifespan (Troutman-Jordan, 2020). These changes become more pronounced as individuals undergo aging, hence the need to critically evaluate and understand each person as the basis for informing appropriate interventions. Nurse practitioners play an important role in helping individuals to undergo the aging process with success (LIM & CHANG, 2020). This includes enabling them to age in place as they take care of the presenting individual's needs and preferences.
Additional roles that nurse practitioners and primary care providers play in facilitating the aging process include ensuring the physical well-being of the individuals, achieved through conducting health assessments and educating the individuals on the best practices to employ to optimize the quality of their life. Since older adults are more likely to seek a wide array of healthcare services compared to otherwise healthy and young individuals, given their high rates of comorbidities, nurses can engage in targeted health promotion activities, including but not limited to nutrition and physical well-being counseling, and disease prevention and with the objective of helping the individuals to stay healthy. Practitioners can also focus on promoting the mental health and well-being of older adults and enhancing their spiritual well-being (LIM & CHANG, 2020). Addressing these would provide a basis for the provision of holistic care to older adults, ultimately helping them to lead a high-quality life.