Week 12 Lec

Question 1

What is gerontology

Answer 1

scientific study of ageing

Question 2

what is the fastest growing age group

Answer 2

people over 75

Question 3

what are some implications of demographic changes

Answer 3

• young adults postpone life transitions

- people will have decades of healthy retirement

Question 4

what is the disengagement theory

Answer 4

disengagement is a process by which the individual gradually separates him/herself from society - final stage is death

Question 5

what are critiques of disengagement theory

Answer 5

• not universal - may disengage socially, but not psychologically, varies according to personality
• may not be voluntary
• theory based on small sample

Question 6

what is the activity theory

Answer 6

positive relationship b/w activity & life satisfaction - the greater the role loss, the lower the life satisfaction
desirable to maintain as many activities as possible to gain new roles

Question 7

what are critiques of activity theory

Answer 7

• fails to acknowledge individual differences in personality

- upper limit healthy & fulfilling, lower level life = meaningless

Question 8

what is continuity theory

Answer 8

developed as a challenge to activity & disengagement theories
implies evolution not homeostasis
internal & external continuity

Question 9

what are the two types of continuity

Answer 9

1. internal continuity - remembered inner structure of ideas, personality, preferences, experiences & skills
2. external continuity - remembered structure of physical & social environment, role relationships etc.