
The theories suggests that as a person gets older they should remain activity even if they are old. In 1966 Bromley states the importance of activity theory as a person gets older. The Activity theory that ageing occurs when older adults stay active and maintain social interactions that live becomes more enjoyable. Activity theory: The activity theory is one of three major psychosocial theories which describe how people develop in old age.

The theory suggests that people will have different needs when it comes to activity In 1989 Atchely states the importance of continuing as the person you have always been. The theory states that older adults will usually maintain the same activities, behaviours, personalities, and relationships as they did in their earlier years of life. Continuity theory :The continuity theory is one of six major psychosocial theories which describe how people develop in old age.In this assignment I’m going explain two theories of ageing. Explain two theories of ageing (use scenario given in vocational context.There is less pressure to conform to society's ideals, as there are fewer methods of reinforcement, such as school rules or workplace etiquette, directed toward the elderly. The life stage of old age is less constrained by social norms and rules that govern our behavior. Our gradual mental and physical decline leads us to distance ourselves from wider society and other individuals.

They argue that withdrawal and distance from wider society is a normal aspect of growing older. Disengagement Theory of Agingĭisengagement theory is the earliest functionalist perspective on gerontology, pioneered by Elaine Cumming and William E. Now that we've looked at each of the main theories of aging let's review the perspectives that fall under each core sociological tradition. Selective optimization with compensation theory, and The main symbolic interactionist theories of aging are: One such example is retirement as a marker of old age. The concept of gender age also reveals how we attribute aging differently to men and women - where the former may be labeled as 'mature', and the latter as 'old'.įinally, social norms also lay out timetables that indicate when people can be considered 'old'. We may also turn to people's personal histories, such as certain illnesses or accidents, which may make people feel older sooner than expected. We associate certain physical or biological factors with aging, such as baldness, body aches, wrinkles, or white hair. Our perceptions of age change as we ourselves age.įurthermore, several factors determine whether we perceive and/or label someone as 'old': And, as teenagers, those above the age of 30 seem rather old now. For example, when we were young kids, teenagers seemed to be very old. The fact that perceptions of the elderly shift between time and space proves that sociocultural associations of age are man-made. Just as individuals have different perspectives on aging, so do different types of sociologists! Let's explore the major gerontological perspectives in sociology.

We'll start by looking at a quick summary of the theories of aging - functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.In this explanation, we're going to explore theories of aging.While some of us see aging as a time to embrace the fruits of our lifelong labor, others dread the elderly years and what they may bring to our social, economic, and physical being. The process of getting older is packaged in many different ways in society. Have you ever imagined how your life will change as you age? Theoretical Approaches to Welfare Providers.Distribution of Wealth, Poverty, and Income in the UK.Representation of Social Class In The Media.Social Construction of Health and Illness.Postmodernist Perspective on The Family.Functionalist Perspectives on the Family.
