Disengagement Theory

This is the idea that separation of older people from active roles in society is normal and appropriate, and benefits both society and older individuals. Disengagement theory, first proposed by Cumming and Henry (1961), as cited in Stuart-Hamilton (1994), has received considerable attention in gerontology, but has been much criticised. Schaie and Willis (1996) note that the original data on which Cumming and Henry based the theory were from a rather small sample of older adults in Kansas City, and from this select sample Cumming and Henry then took disengagement to be a universal theory. As Stuart-Hamilton (1994) notes, there are research data suggesting that the elderly who do become detached from society as those were initially reclusive individuals, and such disengagement is not purely a response to aging. In response to the many criticisms that have been levelled against disengagement theory, a very different theory has been proposed:

Activity Theory

In contrast to disengagement theory, this theory implies that the more active elderly people are, the more likely they are to be satisfied with life. The view that elderly adults should maintain well-being by keeping active has had a considerable history, and since the work of Lemon, Bengston and Peterson (1972; cited in Schaie & Willis, 1996), this has become to be known as activity theory. However, as Stuart-Hamilton (1994) notes, this theory may be just as inappropriate as disengagement for some people. Stuart-Hamilton argues that current received wisdom on the psychology of aging is that both disengagement theory and activity theory may be optimal for certain people in old age, depending on both circumstances and personality traits of the individual concerned. There are also data which query whether, as activity theory implies, greater social activity is linked with well-being in adulthood (Schaie & Willis, 1996). One theory that has been proposed as a compromise between activity theory and disengagement theory is Cartensen’s (1991) selectivity theory, suggesting that it may benefit older people to become more active in some aspects of their lives, more disengaged in others (Schaie & Willis, 1996).

Continuity Theory

The view that in aging people are inclined to maintain, as much as they can, the same habits, personalities, and styles of life that they have developed in earlier years. Continuity theory, as Bowling (2005) explains, is Atchley’s theory that individuals, in later life, make adaptations to enable them to gain a sense of continuity between the past and the present, and the theory implies that this sense of continuity helps to contribute to well-being in later life. Bowling describes disengagement theory, activity theory and continuity theory as being “Social theories of ageing (sic.)” but adds that each has been criticised, stating that they are now perceived as “dated products of their era” (Bowling, 2005, p3). Bowling lists problems with these theories, such as whether they take enough cognizance of socio-political issues, and describes theories which, in her view, may be more promising.

Cognitive Theory

A view of aging that emphasizes individual subjective perception, rather than actual objective change itself, as the factor that determines behavior associated with advanced age.

Demographic Transition Theory

The idea that population aging can be explained by a decline in both birthrates and death rates following industrialization.

Disuse theory. The idea states that cognitive and physical skills will atrophy unless one continuously practices them.

Exchange Theory

The idea that interaction in social groups is based on the reciprocal balancing of rewards depending on actions performed

Political Economy Theory

A societal perspective on the aging process that explains that the status and resources of the elderly, as well as how people age, are shaped by each person’s place in the social structure and the economic and political forces that impact their sociopolitical location.

• Selectivity Theory – see above for under Activity Theory, for more on how Cartensens’ (1991) selectivity theory acts a mediator between disengagement theory and activy theory (Schaie & Willis, 1996)

source: oldagehome.in