Theoretical Perspectives on Aging: Understanding Successful Aging

1. Chapter 2 Part 1Theoretical Perspectives on Aging HPR 452

2. 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.

3. 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 • More recent theories focus on both • Those in the book are a sample of theories. Many more exist.

4. 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) Personal Experience Theories

5. 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 Disengagement Theory

6. 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

7. 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 Activity Theory

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. “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

12. “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’d

13. 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 cont’d

14. 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

15. 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 What this means to us….