Sociocultural Theories

Question 1

Disengagement

Answer 1

Purposeful withdrawal from family and society

Occurs c retirement
May wish to limit family exposure to loss of fx
Often seen after loss of a spouse

MAY have some benefit… “Ignorance is bliss” for family members

Question 2

Activity

Answer 2

Staying active c friends, family, society
*** generally thought to be necessary for successful aging

Some elders any opt for “less is more”
Some elders have difficulty going from work to leisure mode

Question 3

Continuity

Answer 3

Balance between disengagement and activity

Too little - unsettled
Just right - sufficient challenge to result in change, but not overwhelmed
Too much - life is boring, predictable

Internal v external
Int - temperament, emotions
Ext - environment, social

Question 4

3 components of successful aging

Answer 4

1. Avoiding disease and disability
2. Having a high cognitive and physical functional capacity
3. Engagement with life

Question 5

Selective Optimization c Compensation

Answer 5

A model of successful aging
Reallocation of resources for best outcomes

Arthur Rubenstein pianist example - played fewer songs at a slower pace