GERO 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Social Exchange Theory, Economic Inequality, Disengagement Theory
Document Summary
Developed by elaine cummin and william e henry (1961) in the book growing old. Key ideas of disengagement theory: it"s normal for older adults to decrease their activity, it"s necessary for both the individual and social. Giving up midlife activities, growing old gracefully . Selectively investing in some relationships over others. It"s not fair or practical to expect everyone to disengage in old age. Many discourage interventions designed to help older people. Has generated a great deal of criticism and has had little empirical support. Social gerontologists no longer view the withdrawal of elders for social roles and interaction as normal aging. Reasoned that disengagement is associated with changes that makes it difficult for people to remain active. Widowhood, poor health, and retirement are all correlated with disengagement and better predictors of activity level. However, neither theory is believed to be true for everyone. Personal evaluation of life experience; subjective, not objective. How you feel about your own life.
