Chapter 2 Part 1Chapter 2 Part 1Theoretical Perspectives on Theoretical Perspectives on

AgingAgingHPR 452

Aging begins at birth and ends with death (comprehensive def)

When is an individual old? Perspective?“We better get good at aging because

more people are doing it….some people have a knack for dealing with it.”

Aging is tough and requires adaptationThis chapter focuses on theories of

successful aging.

Older approaches to theory focused on either:◦Personal experience as related to change and

adaptation in later life or◦Social factors that shaped the experiences in

later lifeMore recent theories focus on bothThose in the book are a sample of

theories. Many more exist.

Personal Experience TheoriesPersonal Experience Theories

Focus on “successful aging” – Disengagement Theory, Activity Theory, Continuity TheoryThese use the concept of successful aging as an

indication of personal experiences in later lifeCommon sense views of agingBased on different general social-psychological

theoriesDisengagement Theory – Aging in later life is a

process characterized by gradual social disconnection

Reduction in role counts, interactions, social life space (# of interactions in the last month)

Disengagement TheoryDisengagement Theory

Fewer kinds of people less often for decreasing periods of time

Those remaining relationships changeLess concerned with other’s approval –

egocentric interest – disengagement of social expectations

This process is said to be good for the individual and society

Disengagement TheoryDisengagement Theory

Mutual - They want to disengage to prepare for final disengagement – Society wants them to make room for younger generations

Not all relationships disengaged from equally. Kin relationships (esp children) are most enduring

When society is ready and individual is not patterns of “unsuccessful aging” occurs

Could be based on urban “industrial” samplesViewed as harmful by many – “denigrating

and ignoring the elderly” – described as “repugnant” to gerontologists

Activity TheoryActivity Theory

Disengagement Theory prompted others…Opposite of Disengagement TheorySuccessful aging depends on one’s ability

to maintain social activity – not disengageBased on maintenance and enactment of

roles through activity – sociological perspective “role theory” (people’s identity is created by roles they assume)

The higher the level of activity the more positive mood and level of personal adjustment

Activity Theory cont’dActivity Theory cont’d

Self-concept is strongly dependent on role occupancy – role support from others

If new activities and roles aren’t created opportunities diminish

High role support = Higher life satisfactionWhich comes first? Chicken or egg?

Increased life satisfaction or increased activity? Which causes which?

Assisted in legitimizing the link between aging, gerontology and the Parks & Rec field

Continuity TheoryContinuity Theory

Links adaptation and adjustment to personality types

Personal style of adaptation and adjustment developed during one’s life

Aging in balance w/ society (Disengagement and Activity Theories) vs. personal evolution

Aging not a single pattern but a variety of patterns

While people may develop characteristic styles of adaptation, these styles can only be enacted if their life situation permits.

Continuity Theory ProcessContinuity Theory Process

Not considered to be psychologically determined

Lifestyles are predispositions to continuityContinuity itself is a function of

predispositions and situational opportunities

Characteristic styles of adaptation can only be enacted if life situations permit

8 patterns of aging were identified…

8 Patterns of Aging8 Patterns of Aging

“Integrated” personality types – complex mental life, intact cognitive abilities, positive self-concept◦1.)Re-organizers (substitute lost roles with new ones)

◦2.)Focused (fewer roles but expand amount of time w/ each)

◦3.)Disengaged (by personal preference)

8 patterns of Aging cont’d8 patterns of Aging cont’d

“Armored-Defended”– Achievement oriented & high defenses against anxiety – maintain tight control over impulse life – “Don’t grow old gracefully”◦4.)Maintain roles – aging constitutes a threat◦5.)”Constricted aging” – preoccupation with

losses and deficits - they deal with threats by limiting social interaction and energy expenditures

“Passive-dependent” – display little energy or initiative – Depend on others

8 patterns of Aging cont’d8 patterns of Aging cont’d

◦6.) Succorance-seeking – need high responsiveness from others – seek 1-2 individuals to rely on for material and emotional needs

◦ 7.)Apathetic – “passivity” is a strike feature – losses in aging reinforce pattern of lifelong passivity and apathy

“Unintegrated” – ◦8.) Disorganized aging – Limited role activity –

poor emotional control & deteriorated cognitive processes

8 Patterns of Aging summarized8 Patterns of Aging summarized

Overall, people adapt to aging in a way they have adapted all of their life◦Integrated personality – outcomes positive◦Armored-Defended – life satisfaction high to

medium based on their ability to sustain roles and activity pattern

◦Passive-Dependent – medium to low role activity and life satisfaction

◦Unintegrated – poor overall functioning and low life satisfaction

What this means to us….What this means to us….

Based on continuity theory, leisure service providers must understand the variability of aging as well as the life histories of those whom with they are working.

Know the values, attitudes, activity preferences, and personalities of individuals to assist them in leading Ulyssean lifestyles.

Must consider “normal” vs. “pathological” aging