Aging theories

Question 1

What are criticisms of the disengagement theory

Answer 1

doesn’t examine mandator retirement and how it affects others
doesn’t consider opportunities for activity
doesn’t consider individual preferences/personal factors (i.e. physical health and abilities)
doens’t consider different outlooks on activities and meaning

Question 2

What have studies shown about satisfaction in activities

Answer 2

stays the same but times spent doing them changes

Question 3

What is the disengagement theory approach

Answer 3

all or none

Question 4

What is the activity theory

Answer 4

Elderly strive to maintain activities

high level of activity = well being

Question 5

What are criticisms of the activity theory

Answer 5

reflection of cultural bias (our culture values being busy) than aging
not concerned w/ outcomes, role, meaning, context just the activity and keeping busy
not concerned w/ personal preference

Question 6

What is the continuity theory

Answer 6

elderly attempt to continue activities that are important
activities are perceived as continuous
activities are adapted to compensate for change
incorporates roles, lifestyle changes, and meaning

Question 7

criticisms of the continuity theory

Answer 7

activities w/ new roles (parenting to grandparent, work to retired)
doesn’t discuss change in the process of huan development

Question 8

What are life span theories

Answer 8

Look at growing old as normal

Question 9

How did newgarten view age

Answer 9

old age is developmental representing a new stage

Question 10

How did levinson view age

Answer 10

tasks specific to the stage can be identified

Question 11

how did erikson view age

Answer 11

successful aging results from accomplishing tasks

Question 12

What are criticisms of aging theories

Answer 12

Tasks aren’t well defined in later life (theories were created b/f people started living longer)

Question 13

What are neugartens 4 life stages

Answer 13

1. acceptance of imminent death
2. coping w/ increasing infirmity (illness)
3. dealing w/ care decisions
4. maintaining social ties

Question 14

What did erikson believe

Answer 14

in each stage there are conflicts that need to be resolved such as generativity vs. stagnation or ego integrity vs. despair

Question 15

What is levinsons view

Answer 15

transition. decreasing concern w/ formal structure and authority, status and rewards
dev. broader perspective

Question 16

What are the biological theories of aging

Answer 16

Stochastic
Developmental genetic 
cellular aging
evolutionary 
neuropsychological

Question 17

What is the stochastic view of aging

Answer 17

aging changes as a result from an accumulation of random events or damage from environmental influences

Question 18

What is the developmental genetic view of aging

Answer 18

changes are due to genetic programming

Question 19

what is the cellular view of aging

Answer 19

cellular level changes affect organismal changes.

cells divide for growth and tissue repair but can only divide so many times before they lose power

Question 20

What happens after cells lose power when they divide

Answer 20

immune system decreases and increased chance for disease

Question 21

What is the evolutionary theory of aging

Answer 21

genetic errors/accidents over time lead to other problems later in life

Question 22

What is the neurpsychological view on aging

Answer 22

cog change is an inevitable part of aging and is the result of damage and degeneration

Question 23

What kind of model does bonder suggest

Answer 23

integrated: combine all theories to dev. meaning for all individuals

Question 24

Wha to consider for OT for aging theories

Answer 24

factors that lead to activity choice (social, cultural, motivation, coping)
internal processes that lead to activity choice
selection of roles and activities (roles and meaning to them)

Question 25

What is associated with postivie outcomes in later life

Answer 25

spirituality and religion

Question 26

What is important for the elderly to do

Answer 26

reminisce.

it connects the past, present and future and leave behind a legacy

Question 27

What is the disengagement theory

Answer 27

Gradual activity withdrawal (active participation and psychological engagement)
Disengage from people and events
Age means decline, loss, and withdrawal w/ no gains in any areas