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 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, 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)