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ABSTRACT
Continuity Theory is a psychosocial theory of aging which posits that as middle-aged and elderly adults adapt to changes associated with the normal aging process, their past experiences, decisions, and behaviors will form the foundation for their present and future decisions and behaviors. Regardless of the clinical setting, nurses working with elderly individuals may find Continuity Theory helpful in viewing the experience or elders in a holistic way that incorporates a life course perspective. By applying Continuity Theory to clinical practice, nurses may be better able to provide individualized, clinically appropriate care to elders.
Two old friends who have not seen each other for 25 years meet at their high school class reunion. One friend says to the other, "You haven't changed a bit." Obviously, both individuals have changed. They are 25 years older, have had many different experiences over the years, and may have acquired some physical signs of aging. What is being referred to by the statement, "You haven't changed a bit" is the phenomenon called continuity. In this context, continuity refers to the establishment and maintenance of basic individual structures that form a predictable direction for one's choices or behaviors related to the normal aging process (R.C. Atchley, personal communication, August 30, 1995).
Regardless of the clinical setting, nurses working with elderly individuals may find Continuity Theory helpful in viewing the experience of each elder in a holistic way that incorporates a life course perspective. Nurses using Continuity Theory may improve their ability to connect with their elderly patients, thus deepening the nurse-patient relationship. Through more informed, intimate, and empathetic relationships with elderly individuals, nurses may be better able to provide individualized, clinically appropriate care to elders who so often have a variety of complex factors influencing their health. This article outlines the essential components of Continuity Theory, describes the evolution of the theoretical approach, and then discusses the application of the theory to nursing practice and nursing research.
ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OF CONTINUITY THEORY
The basic premise of Continuity Theory is that as middle-aged and elderly adults adapt to changes associated with the normal aging process they will attempt to rely on existing resources and comfortable coping strategies. In other words, as individuals strive to achieve their goals and cope...