Four Theories Of Aging Research

The assigned readings and class forums all discus different theories on aging. The authors of the text delve into the different theories while the class discussions give insight into why those theories may be inaccurate. This is why we need to develop an account on aging that is more general and not limited to a particular time and place.

First of all, the author tells us the disengagement theory of aging was used to describe behavior of the older population in the United States during the 1950’s. It outlines a time when both the older person and society engage in mutual separation, such as retirement, and is viewed as a normal biological rhythm of life (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 10). This theory is challenged by critics as well as those

in our class discussions who believe society is much different now than in the 1950’s therefore this theory does not meet a universal standard of aging. Take retirement for example. As a nurse I see hospitals all but force out older, experienced nurses at the top of the pay scale in lieu of new graduate nurses at the bottom of the pay scale. This is not a mutual separation. The older nurse needs to work for financial stability but the organization looks at the money they can save by employing the younger nurse.
Secondly, according to the text, the activity theory and continuity theory might be a better description of how older people live today.

These theories argue the more active you are the more satisfied you will be with life (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 12). Also, they recognize that as we age, we try to maintain our same habits, personality, and style of life as did in our earlier years until our health deteriorates and we start to disengage (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 12). The forums debate these theories as applicable to today’s elders. Certain social and physical limitations can make social engagements difficult for the elderly. For example, that older nurse forced out of the hospital may want to pursue a second career however, by society’s standards, is too old to change

careers.
Finally, the text tells us every theory has its limits.

If these views are correct, perhaps they reflected a certain “theory of aging” at a “certain moment” in history. In order to develop an account that is more general and not limited to a particular time and place, one needs to examine the life course perspective on aging. “Life course theory holds that transitions are related to changes in roles and possibly, to changes in identity as well” (Moen, Erickson, & Dempster-McClain, 2000, p. 560). This perspective gives insight to the last stage of life as the result of all the stages that come before it (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 2). This means we view old age as a matter of individual choice and social policy (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 2). As discussed in the forums, the meaning of aging varies from individual to individual and can be influenced by things such as history, culture, and life experiences. For example, someone in poor health living in a low socioeconomic class may view old age quite differently than someone in good health living in the upper socioeconomic

class.
Life shapes our views at every stage, including old age. The timing of major life events has become less predictable so old age is not easily characterized (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 25). “The challenge of an aging society in the 21st century is to nurture the special strengths of an environment that prizes change, novelty, and flexibility (Moody & Sasser, 2015, p. 27). That challenge is what is at stake as we try to develop an account of aging that is general and not limited to a place and time as we debate the meaning of the last stage of life.

References
Moen, P., Erickson, M., & Dempster-McClain, D. (2000, Sept). Social role identities among older adults in a continuing care retirement community. Research on Aging, 22(5), 559-579.
Moody, H. R., & Sasser, J. R. (2015). Aging Concepts and controversies (8th ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, Inc.