Two Theories of Ageing Essay Example

impact one's perspective on life.

However, Bromley argued that while older individuals should partially disengage, they should also remain active to prevent complete disengagement. According to Bromley, it is not enough to simply provide facilities for the elderly; they must be educated and encouraged to let go of apathetic attitudes and habits. This quote emphasizes Bromley's belief that offering facilities alone does not aid in halting or preventing the disengagement process for older individuals.

In order to avoid this situation, it is essential to educate elderly individuals on how to make the most of the resources they have. The Disengagement Theory, which was introduced by Cumming and Henry in 1961, suggests that as people get older, they gradually give up activities that used to bring them joy when they were younger.

According to Cumming and Henry, as individuals grow older, their declining health and ability also result in a decrease in their physical, social, emotional, and intellectual skills. This decline leads to a disengagement process where these individuals reduce their interests and participation in activities. The reason for this is the belief that less is expected from them as they age and become weaker. As a result, they are willing to retire from previously prioritized aspects of life such as work, hobbies, and relationships.

During the disengagement phase of aging, elderly individuals opt to decrease their involvement in previous responsibilities and daily routines, resulting in reduced socialization and interaction with others. As people age, they typically modify their lifestyle compared to when they were younger. As part of the disengagement process, older individuals who were previously active and socially engaged gradually

withdraw from these aspects of their lives by giving up activities that used to be considered normal, such as work or attending social events.

As people disengage, their everyday activities can turn negative, as seen in situations like retiring from work and becoming less sociable. Cumming observed that as individuals age, they interact socially less and opt for greater independence and self-reliance. They may isolate themselves and withdraw from engaging in significant or active pursuits. As a result, they become less preoccupied with meeting others' expectations.

According to him, as people age, they may naturally withdraw from social interactions, which is known as disengagement. P5 also states that aging involves physical and psychological changes that can manifest in different ways and impact various aspects of the body, including the bones.

The weakening of bones as we get older is caused by the loss of bone tissue, leading to a decrease in density and structural changes. Multiple factors, including physical inactivity and lack of calcium, contribute to this decreased density. It significantly raises the chances of fracturing a bone when there is low bone mass, especially during falls or accidental impact with an object.

Older people face an increased risk of bone fractures for multiple reasons, resulting in both physical and psychological consequences. For example, if they fall down the stairs and fracture their hip, it can cause arthritis and impact their mobility. As a result, their ability to carry out daily activities like going to the community center or managing household chores and cooking may be limited.

Fracturing bones can have a psychological effect, causing a decrease in self-confidence and

independence as people may need help from others for daily tasks and emotional encouragement. This change in mindset affects their perception of their own capabilities. Mrs M, who used to be known for her sociability, exemplifies the disengagement theory of aging.

Mrs. M engaged in social activities such as visiting friends, attending weddings and parties. Additionally, she maintained an active lifestyle by walking in the park with her husband and friends instead of using transportation for groceries; she opted to walk to town. Tragically, Mrs. M's life drastically changed when her husband unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack.

During the process of disengagement, Mrs M went through different stages. The sudden loss of her husband had a deep impact on her, leading to a change from a positive outlook to a negative one. She went from being cheerful and actively participating in social activities to consistently feeling unhappy and trying to distance herself from others. Despite her feelings of isolation, Mrs M received love and support from her son, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson who lived with her.

Despite having a support system of friends and family during her grieving period, she opted to grieve in solitude and kept her emotions hidden. She placed a barrier between herself and her loved ones, appearing physically present but emotionally disconnected when visited by her children and grandchildren. This corresponds with Cumming and Henry's disengagement theory, which proposes that individuals tend to withdraw from their previous roles, relationships, and responsibilities.

Following the death of her husband, Mrs M also began to withdraw from her usual duties and obligations. Over time, she no longer engaged

in activities she once found pleasure in, such as going on walks with friends or attending social gatherings like weddings. Additionally, she discontinued maintaining connections with individuals from her past. As an illustration, she ceased visiting her friends and distanced herself when they made efforts to visit her.

Disengagement can happen due to various factors, including the loss of a partner, health problems, retirement, or grief. These elements have the ability to impact a person's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual abilities.

The various theories of aging have varying effects on healthcare and social care provision. The government has implemented healthcare provisions to assist people in maintaining an active and high-quality life as they age. These facilities are funded by the government, but a significant portion of the funding comes from taxes paid by UK citizens. However, not all available facilities are fully utilized, which puts strain on the healthcare system.

The disengagement theory suggests that individuals have the autonomy to decide whether or not they want to engage in healthcare services, such as socializing with peers at community centers. Despite the availability of these facilities, many elderly individuals undergoing the disengagement process choose not to utilize them.

There is a debate regarding the worth of investing a substantial sum in healthcare for the elderly, as some argue that they are in the latter stages of life and suggest reallocating funds to other resources like community centers for young individuals. However, supporters of the activity theory of aging contend that offering healthcare services to older adults can be beneficial.

Various facilities are available to support older people, such as day outs

to places like the Black Country museum, bingo nights, activities for older people, adult protection, community transport, home care, luncheon clubs, residential care, travel passes, and playing memory games with residents. These activities aim to keep residents positive and engaged, stimulating their brain function. As healthcare providers, it is their responsibility to offer these facilities to older people, enabling them to stay active and adhere to the activity theory for as long as possible.