Chapter 2 Part 1
Theoretical Perspectives on
Aging
HPR 452
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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 adaptation
This chapter focuses on theories of
successful aging.
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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 life
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More recent theories focus on both
Those in the book are a sample of
theories. Many more exist.
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Focus on “successful aging” –
Disengagement Theory, Activity Theory,
Continuity Theory
 These use the concept of successful aging as an
indication of personal experiences in later life
Common sense views of aging
 Based on different general social-psychological
theories
 Disengagement 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)
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Personal Experience Theories
Fewer kinds of people less often for
decreasing periods of time
 Those remaining relationships change
 Less concerned with other’s approval –
egocentric interest – disengagement of
social expectations
 This process is said to be good for the
individual and society
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Disengagement Theory
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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” samples
Viewed as harmful by many – “denigrating
and ignoring the elderly” – described as
“repugnant” to gerontologists
Disengagement Theory
Disengagement Theory prompted others…
Opposite of Disengagement Theory
Successful aging depends on one’s ability
to maintain social activity – not disengage
 Based 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
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Activity Theory
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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 satisfaction
Which 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
Activity Theory cont’d
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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
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Not considered to be psychologically
determined
Lifestyles are predispositions to continuity
Continuity 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…
Continuity Theory Process
 “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
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“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
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“Passive-dependent” – display little
energy or initiative – Depend on others
8 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
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“Unintegrated” –
◦ 8.) Disorganized aging – Limited role activity –
poor emotional control & deteriorated cognitive
processes
8 patterns of Aging cont’d
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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
8 Patterns of Aging summarized
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
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What this means to us….