Explain two theories of ageing

Cumming (1975) argued that it is healthy for older people to withdraw from others and become less concerned with the expectations of others and increasingly “individual”.

Surprisingly this theory was widely accepted in the past. Bromley (1974) argued that some people are expected to fight this process however it’s bound to happen anyway because people don’t have the physical or mental resources they did years ago.

The “springboard” view of life –

Childhood – Growing strong and tall
Early Adulthood – Height of your ability
Later life – All downhill now

The disengagement theory fits in well with the “springboard” theory in that what happens when you get older is an inevitable process and consequence of biological decline. Even though it’s accepted that this is a natural response to getting older there is no statistical evidence to suggest that this is a general rule for everyone.

Although Henry, Cummings and Bromley believe this theory is the best theory Zimbardo (1992) argued that the disengagement theory “has been largely discredited for a number of reasons”. He believes that the majority of older people do remain socially involved in family and friends, some elderly people decide that now their working days are over, they no longer need to meet new people and socialise with new people and they would rather spend time with their close relatives. If elderly people only socialise with their close family, do they automatically become disengaged?

The second theory of ageing is the activity theory; this is keeping active while disengaged.  Bromley (1966) argued that elderly people need to disengage however they need to stay active during this lifestyle. Elderly people need to keep mentally active and maintain an interest in life and enjoy the company of others. Bromley suggests that it’s not enough to just provide facilities for elderly people they need to be shown and taught how to use the facilities and how to abandon lethargic attitudes and fixed habits. Too much disengagement would lead to ‘stagnation’ and a loss of mental and physical skills.

There is just one more theory of ageing which is the continuity theory this theory stresses the significance of continuing the lifestyle and to continue being the same person you were before.