Non-equilibrium systems theory: some applications for gerontological nursing practice

1. In terms of NEST, aging can be understood as a process of formative change toward increasing disorder and order in form, pattern, or structure. The person moves toward greater complexity through self-organization processes. 2. Over time, self-organization processes result in increasingly unique perceptions and behavior. As an older person becomes more unique, he or she becomes more different from other older persons. 3. Self-organization processes are an appropriate focus of concern for nursing when NEST is used as a practice framework. The nurse tries to understand older persons' behaviors as outcomes of self-organization processes (attempts to bring order out of disorder).