Theoretical Perspective on Aging Hcs/548 Essays - 1183 Words

Running head: THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE ON AGING Theoretical Perspective on Aging Rachael Porchia HCS/548 September 3, 2012 Deborah Ayers Theoretical Perspective on Aging The study of aging has not been around long. Aging is natural, and occurs during an individual’s lifetime. Essentially, no one can escape the aging process many individuals 60 and over are in good health, and hold his or her independence status. However, some individuals over 60 experiences medical issues, and may need to count on others for assistance. Typically, when most people retire he or she expects to remain independent, and live life as he or she always has in the past. However, because of some unforeseen illness some†¦show more content†¦In general, it removes older people from his or her duties from the world before going into a state where he or she withdraw, disconnect, or remove him or herself from society before death. On the other hand there is the activity theory. The activity theory is the opposite of the disengagement theory. The activity theory â€Å"assumes that older people have the same needs as people in mi ddle age† (Novak, 2009, 139). The activity theory occurs when older people are still focus, and perform many of the activities he or she did when they were middle age. However, some individuals may have lost roles, and responsibilities in life but he or she replaces the roles, and responsibilities with other activities. These individuals are content in his or her role in life in regard to working, attending events, interacting, and engaging in activities that are meaningful. Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages and disadvantages occur with the disengagement theory, and activity theory. The advantages of the disengagement theory allow elderly people to become free of life. It â€Å"ensures a viable labor force as older people whose job skills degrade will fully remove themselves from the workplace,† (Conger, n.d. p. 2) this allows opportunity for the younger generation to enter the workforce, and start his or her career. The disadvantages of the disengagement theory occur when some older individuals disengage themselves from society. These individuals prefer to be alone