psychological changes in ageing Flashcards
how does ageing affect confidence and self esteem
an individuals confidence and self esteem may increase with older age, as they feel that their life is more settled dand they may well have achieved many of their life goals. for example they may have reached a certain level for their job, own their house, raised a family - maybe they have grandchildren, enjoying retirement
however older age can mean loss of confidence as the physical affects of ageing make daily tasks difficult or impossible
effects of how roles change
for many people retirement provides more opportunity for contact with grandchildren and other relatives. older people are more likely to vote than any other age group, suggesting involvement in politics and community issues
effects of death of a partner
loss, grief and bereavement can result in a range of changes, including of status in anxiety and depression. the death of a spouse or partner will bring grief but also sense of loss which impacts on a persons sense of safety and security
effects of death of friends
losing friends is a source of grief and stress and losing social support networks can lead to a sense of isolation and of not being useful. it can also being a sense of ones own mortality which can lead to depression
increase in leisure times
for many people retirement provides freedom. retired people may be seen as time rich and free from work stress. but for some people retirement may result in losses of income, of purpose, of interest in life and connect with work colleagues.
more free time may enable many older people to engage in physical leisure activities such as walking and activity holidays. gardening is very popular among people ages 50 to 70.
financial concerns
some people over the age of 65 own their own property, have paid their mortgage in full and have sufficient income to live comfortably in their old age. however there are many who rent, either local authority or privately owned property. for some paying the rent, including rising rents
effects of culture, religion and beliefs
some people can maintain a happy and positive outlook on life despite having serious physical health problems. other people may appear to be depressed or withdrawn despite being relatively fortunate in terms of physical health. the way in which people react to changes in later life depends on their attitudes and beliefs, which are influenced by social issues such as culture and religion
What is the social disengagement theory
Disengagement means to withdraw from involvement . In1961 psychologist Cumming nd Henry proposed that older people naturally withdraw from social involvement as they get older.
- sees ageing as a gradual and mutual process and separation between individuals and their social roles and interests
- as people age their activity levels tend to decrease and they may have less family and work commitments
- this is a natural (and often positive) process whereby, in later life, the ageing person becomes more reflective and self sufficient and less absorbed in other people and events
Cumming and Henry describe 3 phases in the process if disengagement as people move towards the end of their lives:
• Shrinking of life space – brought about by fewer interactions with others and the relinquishing of some of our roles.
• There is increased individuality – as the individual becomes more flexible in the way in which the remaining roles are expressed.
• Acceptance of these life changes – acceptance leads to the person becoming more inward and self-reliant as though preparing for death.
What is the activity theory
- proposed as an explanation to ageing by Robert Havighurst
- Instead of decline and isolation, older people adjust to the ageing process
- assumption that social and psychological needs of older people remain the same
- need to adjust to changes in health / mobility but they can be satisfied by new roles, pressure new hobbies, skills, social groups (new language, chess/checkers, choir, clubs, some sports, gardening, knitting.)
- research supports this theory
