Research concerns. Aging as perceived by Saudi elders.

1. Theories of aging popularly taught to nurses are based on Western culture, which may not be appropriate for other cultures. 2. The continuity theory of aging was not supported with Saudi patients in a test of hypotheses derived from the theory. 3. Nurses must be aware that Western theories may not be valid in other cultures. Nurses, therefore, must be cautious regarding generalizations concerning aging--individuals, regardless of age, must be treated as unique.