Part C (Q9): Explain Psychosocial Theories of Aging.

Psychosocial theories of aging attempt to explain how an individual's behavior, social interactions, and mental state change as they grow older. These theories have evolved significantly over time.

1. Disengagement Theory (Cumming and Henry, 1961)

• The Concept: This early theory posits that aging involves a natural, mutual, and inevitable "withdrawal" or disengagement between the older person and society.
• The Mechanism: As people age and physical energy declines, they willingly step back from social roles (like retiring). Simultaneously, society withdraws from the individual, transferring roles to younger generations.
• Critique: Heavily criticized today. It assumes that isolation is "natural," which can be used to justify ignoring the elderly.

2. Activity Theory (Havighurst, 1961)

• The Concept: Developed as a direct contradiction to Disengagement Theory. It argues that successful aging occurs when older adults stay active and maintain social interactions.
• The Mechanism: It suggests that when older adults lose a role (e.g., through retirement or widowhood), their life satisfaction drops. To maintain high morale, they must replace lost roles with new ones (e.g., replacing a career with volunteering).
• Application: A foundational theory for modern social work, driving the creation of senior citizen clubs and active aging initiatives.

3. Continuity Theory (Atchley, 1989)

• The Concept: Suggests that people do not drastically change their personalities just because they get older. They try to maintain continuity in their habits and preferences.
• The Mechanism: An older adult will use past coping strategies. A highly social person will seek out group activities in old age; an introverted person will continue solitary hobbies and might feel stressed if forced into "active aging" programs.

4. Erik Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development (Ego Integrity vs. Despair)

• The Concept: Erikson proposed the final stage of human development (65+) is the crisis of "Ego Integrity vs. Despair."
• The Mechanism: Individuals look back on their lives. If they feel they have lived a meaningful life, they achieve Ego Integrity—peace and acceptance of death. If they look back with regret, they fall into Despair—bitterness and fear of death.
• Application: Social workers use "Reminiscence Therapy" to help older adults process past regrets and achieve Ego Integrity.