c2 - the psychological effects of ageing

Question 1

social disengagement theory

Answer 1

• cumming and henry proposed that older people naturally withdraw from social events as they get older, and that they have restricted opportunities to interact with others
• cumming further argued that older people become increasingly ‘individual’ and less concerned with other’s expectations
• concluded that this is appropriate and healthy behaviour and that disengagement is a natural part of ageing
• little statistical evidence to support disengagement theory, many older people remain socially active with their family and friends, and may become even more involved with family
• may be that older people choose to spend their time with people they are close to rather than making new friends
• bromley argued that older people needed to disengage but still remain active in order to prevent disengaging too far
• argued that providing facilities for older people was not enough and that they need to be shown how to use them

Question 2

activity theory

Answer 2

• proposed as explanation to ageing by havighurst
• ill health study of older people showed that, rather than isolation and decline in interest, people tended to adjust to the ageing process
• theory based on assumption that social and psychological needs of older people remain the same
• recognised that this may involve adjusting to changes in health or mobility but theorised that needs can be fulfilled by taking on roles after retirement such as charity work or joining social groups
• many older people look forward to retirement and view this period as a way to pursue new interests and make new friends
• when people remain social and active their wellbeing improves, this is important for reducing illness
• one theory is that people need to engage in telling their life story or reminiscing, to help create self-esteem confidence
• coleman argued that some types of reminiscence therapy can be used for helping individuals cope with the effects of ageing