9/14/2023 0 Comments Activity theory of agingHowever, the theory is no longer accepted in its classic form. The suggestion that old age was a distinct state in the life course, characterized by a distinct change in roles and activities, was groundbreaking when it was first introduced. Because men focus on work and women focus on marriage and family, when they withdraw they will be unhappy and directionless until they adopt a role to replace their accustomed role that is compatible with the disengaged state (Cummings and Henry 1961). Finally, social withdrawal is gendered, meaning it is experienced differently by men and women. Therefore, this withdrawal allows a greater freedom from the pressure to conform. Second, as the elderly withdraw, they receive less reinforcement to conform to social norms. First, because everyone expects to die one day, and because we experience physical and mental decline as we approach death, it is natural to withdraw from individuals and society. There are several main points to the theory. The earliest gerontological theory in the functionalist perspective is disengagement theory, which suggests that withdrawing from society and social relationships is a natural part of growing old. Three social theories within the functional perspective were developed to explain how older people might deal with later-life experiences.ĭoes being old mean disengaging from the world? (Photo courtesy of Candida Performa/Wikimedia Commons) How does this perspective address aging? The elderly, as a group, are one of society’s vital parts.įunctionalists find that people with better resources who stay active in other roles adjust better to old age (Crosnoe and Elder 2002). Functionalists gauge how society’s parts are working together to keep society running smoothly. In their quest to find life's meaning, older adults often have a vital need to share their reminisces with others who care, especially family.\)įunctionalists analyze how the parts of society work together. Throughout the process, they look back to try to find the meaning and purpose that characterized their lives. The elderly may reminisce for hours on end, take trips to favorite childhood places, or muse over photo albums and scrapbooks. Individuals who led active lives as young and middle adults will probably remain active as older adults, while those who were less active may become more disengaged as they age.Īs older adults approach the end of their life span, they are more apt to conduct a life review. In other words, growing old means different things for different people. To date, research has not shown either of these models to be superior to the other. Proponents of activity theory hold that mutual social withdrawal runs counter to traditional American ideals of activity, energy, and industry. Activity theory, on the other hand, sees a positive correlation between keeping active and aging well. Proponents of disengagement theory hold that mutual social withdrawal benefits both individuals and society. Disengagement theory views aging as a process of mutual withdrawal in which older adults voluntarily slow down by retiring, as expected by society. Two major theories explain the psychosocial aspects of aging in older adults. No one makes it through life without wondering if another path may have been happier and more productive. However, even older adults who achieve a high degree of integrity may feel some despair at this stage as they contemplate their past. Those who succeed at this final task also develop wisdom, which includes accepting without major regrets the life that one has lived, as well as the inescapability of death. Sexual Identity, Orientation: Age 12–19Įrik Erikson, who took a special interest in this final stage of life, concluded that the primary psychosocial task of late adulthood (65 and beyond) is to maintain ego integrity (holding on to one's sense of wholeness), while avoiding despair (fearing there is too little time to begin a new life course).Physical, Cognitive Development: Age 12+.Physical, Cognitive Development: Age 7–11. Physical, Cognitive Development: Age 2–6.Physical, Cognitive Development: Age 0–2.Problems During Pregnancy and Childbirth.Introduction to Developmental Psychology.
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