Encyclopedia of Aging Assignment Essay

Three Theories about How to Age Successfully

Introduction

The concept of successful aging originated in the late 1950s in the United States. Its emergence is associated with the upsurge of new technologies that prolong youth, the increase in life expectancy, and the development of the economy. This topic has been in the hot seat for many decades, and a plethora of scholars have attempted to skillfully analyze and describe so that there can be precisely established theories of how to age successfully. As a result, there are three major theories, which are activity, continuity, and disengagement. Each of them is different due to numerous factors, details, and outcomes. So, let’s take a look at them:Encyclopedia of Aging Assignment Essay

• The activity theory, also known as the normal theory of aging, states that the process of aging occurs when elderly keeps on being active and sociable no matter what. Social interactions and active lifestyle will undoubtedly make aging easier and more successful. Activity theory reflects the functionalist perspective that the equilibrium that an individual develops in middle age should be maintained in later years (Schulz, 2006). Hence, the activity theory is sort of a balance between liveliness and life satisfaction.
• The continuity theory claims that seniors will usually maintain the same actions, behavior, relationships, as in the early years of life. According to this theory (2007), such people try to keep this continuity of lifestyle by adapting strategies related to their past experiences. The argument uses a life course perspective to determine normal aging. This type of theory deals with both the internal and external structure of continuity to depict how individuals adapt to their situations and set their goals. The internal structure, such as personality, beliefs, and perspectives remain the same throughout a lifespan, whereas the external structure, such as relationships and social interactions supports the maintenance a stable self-concept and way of life.Encyclopedia of Aging Assignment Essay