Life stages
Merit 3
Use examples to compare two major theories of ageing:
Use examples from your placement or family surroundings to compare two major theories of ageing
The disengagement theory suggests that older people will withdraw their social contact with others due to reduced physical health and a loss of social opportunities whereas the activity theory argues that older people need to stay mentally and socially active to limit the risks associated with disengagement.
‘This mutual withdrawal or disengagement is a natural, acceptable, and universal process that accompanies growing old. It is applicable to elders in all cultures, although there might be variations. According to this theory, disengagement benefits both the older population and the social system.’
Cumming and Henry 1961
Zimbardo (1992) states the following:
‘The disengagement view of a social ageing has been largely discredited for a number of reasons’ he argued this as he believed that majority of elder people stay in social contact both with family and friends.