C2: The psychological changes of ageing

Question 1

Why might the social life of an elderly person decline? (3)

Why might the social life of an elderly person improve? (4)

Answer 1

Decline:
1) poor health
2) poverty
3) isolation

Improve:
1) more leisure time
2) less commitments to work
3) uptake in hobbies
4) grandchildren

Question 2

What are the 4 psychological issues associated with ageing?

Answer 2

1) effects on confidence and self esteem
2) effects of culture, religion, and beliefs
3) financial concerns
4) effects of social changes (retirement, bereavement, loneliness)

Question 3

Negative social changes an elderly person may experiences? (4)

Positive social changes an elderly person may experiences? (3)

Both? (2)

Answer 3

NEGATIVE:
1) Stress of paying bills
2) Death of a partner
3) Loss of friends
4) Isolation

POSITIVE:
1) New hobbies
2) Uptake in more physical activities
3) Grandchildren

BOTH:
1) retirement
2) financial changes

Question 4

Effects of retirement, and death of a partner/friends?

Answer 4

Retirement - increased leisure time - loss of friends/colleagues

Death of a partner - loneliness/anxiety/depression

Death of friends - losing support network/isolation

Question 5

Explain the social disengagement theory (Cumming + Henry)?

What are reasons for social disengagement? (4)

Answer 5

They proposed that elderly people:
1) naturally withdraw from social involvement.
2) Experience reduced social contact.
3) Become increasing ‘individual’ and less concerned with others expectations.

REASON + EXPLANATION
1) Ill health - ( e.g. poor mobility) interacting with others is more difficult.
2) Geographical mobility - Moving away from friends/family in retirement vice versa.
3) Retirement - loss of contact with colleagues
4) Ill health of friends/family - they may visit less frequently if they have poor mobility.

Question 6

Evaluate the social disengagement theory.

Positives? (2)
Negatives? (3)

Answer 6

POSITIVES:
1) Bromley supported this by stating that older people have neither the physical nor the mental resources they had when they were younger - supports the idea of the natural decline.
2) When the theory was first suggested, there was no mobile phones so perhaps this had something to do with social engagement.

NEGATIVES:
1) There is less statistical evidence to support this view - lots of elderly people remain active + engaged with friends.
2) A lot of people still have access to technology - so is this outdated theory?
3) Many elderly people spend time with close friends/family. If they only interact with them, does that mean they are disengaged?

Question 7

Explain the ‘Activity Theory’ by Robert Havighurst?

Answer 7

He suggests that delayed ageing happens when older adults stay active and maintain social interactions.
- His ill health study of older people showed that, rather than an inevitable decline in interest in life and isolation, older people tend to adjust to the ageing process.

Question 8

Evaluate the Activity theory.

Positives? (2)
Negatives? (2)

Answer 8

POSITIVES:
1) Many people look forward to retirement. People remain active which increases their wellbeing and reduces risk of illness.
2) Remaining socially active by reminiscing on their life, boosts self-esteem and confidence. Also types of reminiscence therapy can help to cope with effects of ageing.

NEGATIVES:
1) Are all elderly people able to remain this active if they have health conditions? (e.g. being bedbound)
2) There are wide differences for this idea due to individual differences so this therapy may no be useful for all.

Question 9

Why do some elderly people look forward to retirement? (3)

Why does reminiscing help increase self-esteem / confidence? (2)

Answer 9

1)
- more leisure time.
- able to spend more time with friends/family.
- more time to enjoy hobbies.

2)
- Positively influencing others lifestyles.
- being listened to/respected.

Question 10

Describe the financial concerns (living in poverty) for the elderly in the UK? (effects)

Answer 10

Poverty = less opportunities to..
- socialise
- buy food
- buy fuel

Poverty causes…
- worry + stress which can lead to social withdrawal.

Question 11

Describe the effects of culture, religion and beliefs on the elderly? (british / asian culture)

Answer 11

• Reactions to later life/death depends on attitudes/beliefs.
• British culture puts the care of elderly people in the hands of the government. (welfare state).
• Asian culture puts the care of the elderly in the hands of family members.