Explain two theories of ageing
Activity Theory (Robert J. Havinghurst, 1961)
This theory relates to ageing because it suggests an approach as to how to age successfully,
and how the users will reap the benefits ranging from maintaining the ability to live
independently to relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Activity Theory
suggests that in order for one to age successfully, they must stay mentally and physically
active, while maintaining social interactions. For an elderly adult to stay mentally active, they
must participate in mentally challenging exercises to keep their brain active. Mentally
challenging exercises could include chess, Sudoku and word search, physical exercises could
include Zumba, water aerobics or just simply walking. Lastly, in order for the person to
maintain social interactions, they could meet up with friends or family a few times a week, or
perhaps join a club to meet new people with the same hobbies and interests to build a
relationship with; they could even start using social media if they do not already use it! When
individuals retire, it becomes harder for individuals to remain socially active, as they are no
longer working and are not forced into socialising with others. If people are following the ideas
of the activity theory, it will encourage those individuals to ensure that they are remaining
social throughout their retirement as well as remaining physically and mentally active. As for
the delivery of services in health and social care settings, if the professionals follow the activity
theory, it will help the service users stay fit and healthy, and ensure they are not lonely or
bored. Although the Activity Theory tends to bring enjoyment and maintain people’s skills and
dignity for longer as well as reducing isolation and helping people to express their emotions,
it overlooks inequalities in health, which may curb their ability to remain active.
Social Disengagement Theory (Cumming and Henry, 1961)
The Disengagement Theory is related to ageing because it states that it is normal and
acceptable for the elderly to withdraw themselves due to their age, and coming to the end of
their life. The Disengagement Theory states that it’s completely acceptable for elderly people
to withdraw themselves – or disengage themselves – from society and their social roles due
to the inevitability of death closing in on them. It also says that the rest of society – like the
individuals friends and family members – should accept that they are no longer as socially
interactive with them any longer, because they will be learning to live without them, so when
the individual does eventually pass, the grieving process is easier and does not affect society
as much. Many people do not like the Social Disengagement theory because it does not apply
to everybody. For example, in many cultures, when people become old they move in with their
children and help look after the young children and babies. If the professionals in retirement
homes supported the Social Disengagement theory, it would create a lot of loneliness and
sadness for the residents’ at the home, and they wouldn’t feel comfortable or at home. Since
Cumming and Henry published their book ‘Growing Old’ in 1961, this theory has been very
much disproven, because although their theory is logical, it is not supported by any empirical
data to prove it is correct (www.boundless.com).
Activity Theory (Robert J. Havinghurst, 1961)
This theory relates to ageing because it suggests an approach as to how to age successfully,
and how the users will reap the benefits ranging from maintaining the ability to live
independently to relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The Activity Theory
suggests that in order for one to age successfully, they must stay mentally and physically
active, while maintaining social interactions. For an elderly adult to stay mentally active, they
must participate in mentally challenging exercises to keep their brain active. Mentally
challenging exercises could include chess, Sudoku and word search, physical exercises could
include Zumba, water aerobics or just simply walking. Lastly, in order for the person to
maintain social interactions, they could meet up with friends or family a few times a week, or
perhaps join a club to meet new people with the same hobbies and interests to build a
relationship with; they could even start using social media if they do not already use it! When
individuals retire, it becomes harder for individuals to remain socially active, as they are no
longer working and are not forced into socialising with others. If people are following the ideas
of the activity theory, it will encourage those individuals to ensure that they are remaining
social throughout their retirement as well as remaining physically and mentally active. As for
the delivery of services in health and social care settings, if the professionals follow the activity
theory, it will help the service users stay fit and healthy, and ensure they are not lonely or
bored. Although the Activity Theory tends to bring enjoyment and maintain people’s skills and
dignity for longer as well as reducing isolation and helping people to express their emotions,
it overlooks inequalities in health, which may curb their ability to remain active.
Social Disengagement Theory (Cumming and Henry, 1961)
The Disengagement Theory is related to ageing because it states that it is normal and
acceptable for the elderly to withdraw themselves due to their age, and coming to the end of
their life. The Disengagement Theory states that it’s completely acceptable for elderly people
to withdraw themselves – or disengage themselves – from society and their social roles due
to the inevitability of death closing in on them. It also says that the rest of society – like the
individuals friends and family members – should accept that they are no longer as socially
interactive with them any longer, because they will be learning to live without them, so when
the individual does eventually pass, the grieving process is easier and does not affect society
as much. Many people do not like the Social Disengagement theory because it does not apply
to everybody. For example, in many cultures, when people become old they move in with their
children and help look after the young children and babies. If the professionals in retirement
homes supported the Social Disengagement theory, it would create a lot of loneliness and
sadness for the residents’ at the home, and they wouldn’t feel comfortable or at home. Since
Cumming and Henry published their book ‘Growing Old’ in 1961, this theory has been very
much disproven, because although their theory is logical, it is not supported by any empirical
data to prove it is correct (www.boundless.com).
