theories of ageing Flashcards
What is the social disengagement theory?
The theory of disengagement was widely accepted in the past. psychologists Cumming and Henry proposed that older people naturally withdraw from social involvement as they get older. They concluded
that older people have restricted opportunities to interact with others,
what did cummings say ?
argued that older people experience
reduced social contact and become increasingly ‘individual’ and less concerned with others’ expectations. She concluded that it is
appropriate and healthy behavior and that disengagement is a natural part of ageing.
issues that limit social interaction
ill health being Poor mobility or problems with hearing or vision may make interaction with other people more difficult. Geographical mobility- Moving to areas away from friends and relatives in retirement. Family
members may move away from older people in order to seek better housing or employment. Retirement- Retiring from work may mean less contact with people. Ill Health of friends and relatives- Friends or
relatives may visit or contact less frequently if they have poor mobility or other disabilities.
what did bromley argue ?
‘although some individuals fight the
process all the way, disengagement of some sort is bound to come, simply because old people have neither the physical nor the mental
resources they had when they were young.’
Bromley argued that older people needed to disengage but remain ‘active’ in order to prevent disengagement from going too far.
why is the theory not agreed with today ?
little statistical evidence to support this view. The majority of older people remain socially active and involved with family and friends. Many older people become even more involved with close
family as they age. It may be that many older people choose to spend their time with people they feel close to, rather than seeking to make new friends.
medical advances
what is active theory?
His ten year 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.
theorized that older people’s needs can be satisfied by taking on new roles following retirement such as charity work, joining social groups or learning a new
skill.
does research support active theory?
yes
When people remain physically and socially active, their overall satisfaction and wellbeing is increased. This is important for reducing the risk of illness and increasing longevity.
benefits of being mentally/physically active
their overall satisfaction and wellbeing is increased. This is important for reducing the risk of illness and increasing longevity. You will have a better quality of life as well as living longer.
why older people are more at risk of falls in their home
balance problems and muscle weakness. poor vision. a long-term health condition, such as heart disease, dementia or low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of
consciousness.
