Conceptual models of aging: The challenge of a new frontier

Explores a range of social, professional, and scientific conceptual models to examine their potential impact on the scientific and professional approach to the aging. These models include an economic/productive model, the behavioral medical model, and conceptual models of mental health care. Narrow models have led to beliefs, training, and approaches to practice that reinforce the models and perpetuate a mythology of aging to the detriment of all involved. An opportunity to broaden conceptual horizons by learning about the aged is described. It is proposed that a biopsychosocial model best conceptualizes the complexity of the situation. A commitment to a broad model must incorporate a stance by which strategies are examined in terms of how effective they are, where they are best applied and where they are appropriate, what insights they provide, what risks and benefits accrue to patient and family, and who makes decisions about care. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).