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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Validation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Body Image in Older People: An Experimental Design

Published on: May 31, 2021

The discourse of aging.

Connie L Madden¹, Kristin G Cloyes

¹University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. connie.madden@nurs.utah.edu

ANS. Advances in Nursing Science

|August 8, 2012

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study examines the historical development of anti-aging and healthy aging discourse, highlighting potential oversimplification in nursing care for older adults. Understanding this dichotomy can optimize care by bridging the gap between longevity and quality of life.

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Nursing Science
Bioethics

Background:

Historical and epistemological factors shape current discourse on aging.
The framing of aging often presents a dichotomy between extending lifespan (anti-aging) and improving life quality (healthy aging).
This dichotomous framing raises critical questions about quality versus quantity of life, autonomy, and risk-benefit analyses in aging.

Purpose of the Study:

To trace the development of anti-aging and healthy aging discourse.
To analyze the impact of this dichotomizing discourse on nursing care for older adults.
To propose a framework for optimizing nursing care within the complex realities of aging.

Main Methods:

Historical and epistemological analysis of aging discourse.
Examination of influential studies in the field of aging.
Discourse analysis of anti-aging versus healthy aging concepts.

Main Results:

The discourse on aging is often framed as a dichotomy, posing "live longer" versus "live better."
This oversimplification risks limiting the nuanced understanding required for complex elder care.
Nursing practice may be hindered by a lack of frameworks that address the spectrum between anti-aging and healthy aging.

Conclusions:

Understanding the evolution of aging discourse is crucial for nursing.
Nursing must develop theories and practices that acknowledge the complexities beyond the anti-aging/healthy aging dichotomy.
Optimizing care requires embracing the full spectrum of the aging experience and the spaces between these boundaries.