StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Theories of Aging - Essay Example

Cite this document
Summary
The essay "Theories of Aging" focuses on the critical analysis of which individual theory has described the aging process most effectively and which individual theory has described this process inefficiently. Aging can be defined as a process of getting old and mature…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93.8% of users find it useful
Theories of Aging
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Theories of Aging"

The three most important and frequently addressed theories related to the aging process are the Theory of disengagement, Activity Theory, and Continuity Theory (Bengtson, Silverstein, & Putney, 2009).

This researcher finds that Activity Theory has defined the process of aging more effectively as compared to the other two theories. The theory was developed in 1953 by an American sociologist Havighurst (Schulz, 2006). This theory holds that remaining lively and participating in societal activities are key factors of satisfaction for aging people. Physical and intellectual activities are important for successful aging. The theory proposes that to maintain a positive self-image, older members need to develop new interests, roles, hobbies, and relationships (Schulz-Aellen, 1997). This theory would explain adequately why aging people feel encouraged to continue with their middle-aged lifestyles by denying the limitations of old age and why they make attempts to sustain that lifestyle over a longer duration.

According to Havighurst activity is always preferable to inactivity since it increases the chances of the well-being of personality on several levels. This theory also explains why post-industrial society allowed its older members to participate in meaningful activities. The theory incorporates an improvement in the general health and prosperity of older people.

In contrast to the Activity Theory, the Disengagement theory comes across as a more controversial theory. According to this theory, aging is the process of regular withdrawal between society and the subject aging individual. The theory holds that in growing older, withdrawal or disengagement can be considered to be a natural or universal process. In all cultures and societies, this process is acceptable to elders. According to this theory, there should be a social equilibrium that will promote self-reflection for elders. Old members of society should be free from societal roles (Ebersole, Hess, & Luggen, 2004). Gradual withdrawal from relationships has made it possible for society to continue its functions even after older valuable members have left the central circles of society.

It has been observed that very little to no research has supported this theory if one was to consider the support that other theories have acquired over time. This theory fails to explain the aging process effectively because it tends to discourage old people to remain engaged in societal activities while in reality, older individuals desire to remain occupied and involved with society and its members (Yu, 1993). According to my perspective, this theory is the weakest one as compared to other theories because aging individuals now realize that a complete withdrawal from society can adversely affect their health. Gerontologists have also discounted this theory.

It is apparent from the above discussion that the Activity theory is a far better theory than the disengagement theory. It would not be unfair to surmise that research in the field of aging under the premise of the activity theory can be expected to be relatively more productive in its outcomes in comparison to the disengagement theory.

Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Theories argue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words”, n.d.)
Theories argue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1568319-theories-argue
(Theories Argue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words)
Theories Argue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1568319-theories-argue.
“Theories Argue Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 Words”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/miscellaneous/1568319-theories-argue.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Theories of Aging

Evolutionary Theories of Aging and Longevity

Evolutionary Theories of Aging and Longevity The evolutionary Theories of Aging and longevity try to explain how living things try to avoid death or extinction.... Even though many evolutionary Theories of Aging and longevity were proposed by prominent anthropologists and biologists in the past, the mutation accumulation theory and the antagonistic pleiotropy theory are the most prominent theirs accepted by the scientific world at present.... Mutation accumulation theory was formulated by Sir Peter Medawar, a noted British professor of zoology and anatomy at the University of London who won the Nobel Prize in medicine (1960) for his work on acquired immunological tolerances” (Mutation Accumulation Theory of aging)....
4 Pages (1000 words) Research Paper

Theories of Aging Assignment

Theories of Aging Assignment 05/15/2013 Theories of Aging Assignment Introduction It is a false belief that elder people tend to become less energetic and, therefore, less physically active as their age increases.... Theories of Aging Assignment 05/15 Theories of Aging Assignment Introduction It is a false belief that elder people tend to become less energetic and, therefore, less physically active as their age increases.... The Theories of Aging are important in social work practice with relevance to variety....
3 Pages (750 words) Assignment

Biological Theories of Aging

Simple Deterioration, Non-programmed Aging and Programmed Aging, Autoimmunity theory, Free This paper briefly explains some of the biological Theories of Aging mentioned above.... on-programmed theory of aging believes that aging is a passive result of an organism's inability to better resist fundamental deteriorative processes.... We are not sure about anything in the world except the aging.... There are many biological theories with respect to aging....
4 Pages (1000 words) Research Paper

The informative speech. (Preparation Outline)

One can easily notice the physical changes occurring in aging Have you ever know what are the psychological Theories of Aging process?... I will inform you about the three major Theories of Aging process, their consequences on human mind.... Basically I want to focus on the psychological Theories of Aging process.... Central Idea: The audience will learn the psychological theories Activity Theory, disengagement theory and continuity theory, then about the psychological changes of aging and the remedies to overcome them. ...
3 Pages (750 words) Essay

Nursing Homes and Nursing Home Administrator

How can the three basic theories of ageing, discussed in this chapter, be applied to promote the individual autonomy of a patient residing in a nursing facility?... The paper "Nursing Homes and Nursing Home Administrator " highlights that people are introduced to basic education to get rid of the presence of dogs and cats and this can raise the perception that allergies or other health-related factors are of concern....
4 Pages (1000 words) Assignment

Life in the Later Years

“Evolutionary Theories of Aging and Longevity.... The first of these theories is programmed theory of aging.... The first of these theories is programmed theory of aging.... he second major category of aging theories is the error theory, which is represented by the phenomenon of wear and tear.... This states that aging is because of a biological clock that is governed by hormones.... The third subcategory of the programmed aging theory is the immunological theory, Life in the Later Years There are several different theories that seek to explain why people age, the theories are categorized into three major categories....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

Social Gerontology: Theories of Aging

This paper 'Social Gerontology: Theories of Aging' will provide some examples showing how the media is aiding in perpetuating ageism as well as the humans' role in conditioning ageism.... heories of aging Classified into macro and micro, theories of ageing are several and range from psychological to social.... Despite scientists believing humans can expand their current life beyond, theorists of aging do not support this believe since their works deliberate on aspects of aging....
2 Pages (500 words) Assignment

Different Theories of Aging

The paper "Different Theories of Aging" is a perfect example of a case study on medical science.... The paper "Different Theories of Aging" is a perfect example of a case study on medical science.... The paper "Different Theories of Aging" is a perfect example of a case study on medical science.... Different Theories of Aging have been developed, forming lenses through which the behavior and relations of older adults can be viewed....
6 Pages (1500 words) Case Study
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us