Unit 4
P4- Explain two theories of ageing
Most people will live to experience ageing. Ageing is inevitable it happens to everyone eventually.
There are modern theories about age-related changes however, no one theory can explain the
process of ageing. Ageing theories include the disengagement theory, activity theory, the
neuroendocrine theory, the free radical theory. The membrane ageing theory and the mitochondrial
decline theory. However, in this piece of work, I will be referring to the disengagement theory and
the activity theory so what exactly are they?
The disengagement theory
Engagement means being involved with people, disengagement means withdrawing from
involvement. One theory of ageing in the disengagement theory of ageing which states ageing is
inevitable and outlines a process of disengagement from social life that people experience as they
age and become elderly. This theory states that, over time, elderly people withdraw, or disengage
from the social roles and relationships that were once central to their life in adulthood. This theory
was created and developed by Elaine Cummings and William Henry in 1961. Those who agree with
this ageing theory believe that it is natural and acceptable for those who are older to eventually be
withdrawn from society. This theory also mentions that the elderly will begin to understand that
they will pass away soon and that those around them will have to find new ways to function and live
without them. In short, this theory has the basic ideas that ageing is unavoidable and ageing results
in disengagement from others. An example of the disengagement theory could be, a man in his adult
life went out with friends every weekend. However, as he aged he stopped going out more often and
relaxed at home instead. Under the disengagement theory there are nine postulates provided that
make up the theory of disengagement:
1. People lose social ties to those around them because they expect death, and their abilities to
engage with others deteriorate over time.
2. Individuals who interact less with others will have greater freedom and fewer norms to follow,
therefore making the disengagement process quicker.
3. The disengagement process from men and women differs due to their different social roles
4. The process of disengagement is encouraged by an individual’s desire to not have their reputation
damaged by losing skills and abilities whilst they are still fully engaged in their social roles.
5. Complete disengagement occurs when both the individual and society are ready for this to occur.
6. People who have already disengaged adopt new social roles to not suffer a crisis of identity
7. A person is ready to disengage when they realize they have a short time remaining in their life and
they no longer wish to fulfil their current social roles; and society allows for disengagement to
provide jobs for those coming to age, to satisfy the social needs of a nuclear family and because
people die.
8. Once disengaged, relationships change, rewards of them may change and hierarchies may also
shift.
9. Disengagement occurs across all cultures but is shaped by the culture in which it occurs.
P4- Explain two theories of ageing
Most people will live to experience ageing. Ageing is inevitable it happens to everyone eventually.
There are modern theories about age-related changes however, no one theory can explain the
process of ageing. Ageing theories include the disengagement theory, activity theory, the
neuroendocrine theory, the free radical theory. The membrane ageing theory and the mitochondrial
decline theory. However, in this piece of work, I will be referring to the disengagement theory and
the activity theory so what exactly are they?
The disengagement theory
Engagement means being involved with people, disengagement means withdrawing from
involvement. One theory of ageing in the disengagement theory of ageing which states ageing is
inevitable and outlines a process of disengagement from social life that people experience as they
age and become elderly. This theory states that, over time, elderly people withdraw, or disengage
from the social roles and relationships that were once central to their life in adulthood. This theory
was created and developed by Elaine Cummings and William Henry in 1961. Those who agree with
this ageing theory believe that it is natural and acceptable for those who are older to eventually be
withdrawn from society. This theory also mentions that the elderly will begin to understand that
they will pass away soon and that those around them will have to find new ways to function and live
without them. In short, this theory has the basic ideas that ageing is unavoidable and ageing results
in disengagement from others. An example of the disengagement theory could be, a man in his adult
life went out with friends every weekend. However, as he aged he stopped going out more often and
relaxed at home instead. Under the disengagement theory there are nine postulates provided that
make up the theory of disengagement:
1. People lose social ties to those around them because they expect death, and their abilities to
engage with others deteriorate over time.
2. Individuals who interact less with others will have greater freedom and fewer norms to follow,
therefore making the disengagement process quicker.
3. The disengagement process from men and women differs due to their different social roles
4. The process of disengagement is encouraged by an individual’s desire to not have their reputation
damaged by losing skills and abilities whilst they are still fully engaged in their social roles.
5. Complete disengagement occurs when both the individual and society are ready for this to occur.
6. People who have already disengaged adopt new social roles to not suffer a crisis of identity
7. A person is ready to disengage when they realize they have a short time remaining in their life and
they no longer wish to fulfil their current social roles; and society allows for disengagement to
provide jobs for those coming to age, to satisfy the social needs of a nuclear family and because
people die.
8. Once disengaged, relationships change, rewards of them may change and hierarchies may also
shift.
9. Disengagement occurs across all cultures but is shaped by the culture in which it occurs.
