Aging is an inevitable stage of life. People age differently and successful aging is everyone’s ultimate desire. Psychosocial theories have different perspectives on the aging process. Some of these theories include the disengagement theory, the activity theory and continuity theory.
The disengagement theory is controversial and the earliest theory of aging. It was developed by Cumming and Henry in 1961. This theory avers that as people age, they tend to detach themselves from the rest of the society and previous social roles. They hypothesized that death is inevitable and everyone will lose ties with the society; disengagement in male members of society differs from that of the females, people disengage when they abandon their central roles, and disengagement is independent of culture but the form it takes is bound by culture. This theory has been discounted by gerontologists because there is no research or evidence to back it, and many old people desire to remain occupied. In Iowa sample, grandparents feel that their grandchildren’s transition to college enhances their mentoring role .
Continuity theory, closely associated to Maddox and Atchley, states that older people tend to maintain the same activities, behaviors, personality traits and relationships through their lifetime. Personality traits, ideas and beliefs become entrenched in a person as they age. Relationships and social roles support the maintenance of a stable self-concept and lifestyle. Iowa sample affirms this as the quality of grandparent-grandchild relationship and mentoring is higher in time two than in time 1 . The theory considers complexities of the aging process to a larger extent more than the other theories. However, it neglects old people who suffer from chronic illnesses and does not explain how social institutions impact individuals and how they age.
The activity theory, developed by Havighurst and associates in 1953, emphasizes on the importance of maintaining active roles in society in old age. New roles should be developed to replace lost roles. It suggests that old people should maintain middle age activities, and the society should not demand diminishing involvement by the older members. Critics say that many old people cannot maintain middle age lifestyle due to lack of desire, income and even functional limitations. Regardless of the limitations of this theory, activity is advantageous compared to inactivity as it promotes wellbeing on several levels. This theory is also applicable for a stable post-industrial society which offers opportunities for its older members for meaningful participation. This is evident in the mentoring role grandparents assume in Iowa sample. This theory is more applicable today than it was applicable when it was developed, and it is also good because activity is better than inactivity, thus represents the best aging lifestyle.
These theories have minimum reference to social problems like gender, ethnicity and age. Age relations are linked to the capitalist mode of production and relations of distribution. Most employers consider young people to have fewer health problems, higher motivation and greater capability compared to their older counterparts. This may lead to age-based discrimination. Sex is linked to biological determinants while gender is defined by society through socialization. Women social roles are family-centered while men social roles are work centered. These roles may influence the choices we make and sometimes may be a basis for discrimination. The choices we make in relation to a profession may also influence an individual’s aging process. People in manual jobs tend to age faster than people in white collar jobs. Race and ethnicity may also be a basis of discrimination and can influence one’s aging process as some races like the blacks are associated with low literacy levels, higher poverty levels which translate to low living standards which accelerate aging.
In conclusion, the three theories have been very instrumental in the study of the aged in different fields. However, future scholars should consider different social challenges and their influence in the aging process, in order to develop more comprehensive theories.
Works Cited
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