Psychosocial Theories of Aging

The concept of aging intrigues us all. More so when we see a person or persons approach aging with a different perspective. Whether that be culturally, socially or individually. As we continue to understand the way humans age, social scientists have come up with three psychosocial theories to aging. These theories are three separate viewpoints researchers took into notice when observing and studying older, mature adults.

The first theory developed in 1961 is the disengagement theory. The disengagement theory is explained as as people age, they withdraw from society socially, physically, and mentally. It is how we stereotypically think of life as an elderly person. My external source was a YouTube video made by medical students giving a presentation about disengagement theory. I chose this source because seeing people my age in that exact same position, giving a video presentation over theories of aging, and the way they explain it helps me understand the theory. This theory has faced backlash as it has given a negative representation of the elderly.

The next theory is the continuity theory. The continuity theory is the idea that as we age, we are more likely to stay with how we live life. You neither raise or decline from your habits. You stay the same. My external source was a scholarly article. I chose this specific article because it showcases an interesting hypothesis about the relationship between age-friendly cities and aging. It makes you think deeper and more critically.

The last theory is the active theory. The active theory is explained as older adults can enhance their life by remaining socially and physically active. My external source was a scholarly article. I chose this specific article because it shows a good study that accurately represents this theory.

SOURCES:
“disengagement theory explanation.”. YouTube, uploaded by 123McQuin, 28 Jan 2013,    • disengagement theory explanation  

Menec, V. (2003). The relation between everyday activities and successful aging: a 6-year longitudinal study. Journal of Gerontology, 58(2), S74-S82, https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/58.2.s74

Ng, Siew-Imm et. all. (2021). The Importance of Age-Friendly City on Older People’s Life Continuity and Life Satisfaction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147252

“Psychosocial Theories of Aging.”. YouTube, uploaded by Elizabeth, 1 Dec 2015,    • Psychosocial Theories of Aging