Activity Theory or the Disengagement Theory Response Paper

Jacara Goodmond

Lifespan Development (SU20)

Dr. Karri Verno

22 June 2020
For the nature of the discussion everyone seemed to have an amazing story of who the oldest

person in their family is and describing him or her better-the activity theory or the disengagement

theory. While reading group B responses I’ve noticed that the majority of their responses were

based on grandmothers and great grandmothers. When it came to both theories of better-the

activity theory and or disengagement theory, many of the responses had different views of what

and how they categorized the oldest person they knew. Therefore, the activity according to the

responses must be engaging in physical activities and maintaining social interactions as you

become older. On the other hand, disengagement theory according to the responses is aging

withdrawal, being more isolated and not as social. Group B also had a different view of how

they categorized the oldest person they knew to standard stereotypes of older people. Most

people had responded “no”, and there were a few who responded “yes”, They also gave an

overview of who the person is, what made them who they are today, some values and beliefs that

they have had as well.

In addition, After summarizing these responses, the response I found most important was “Paul

and Margaret Baltes proposed the idea that, as adults get older, they maintain high levels of

performance by focusing on their strengths. This is how they compensate for their weaknesses

(Boyd & Bee, 2012). Other theories about old age focus on whether or not it is normal,

necessary, or even healthy for older adults to remain active as long as possible, or whether the

more typical and healthy pattern is some kind of gradual turning inward (Boyd & Bee, 2012, p.

461). Activity theory is the perspective that it is normal and healthy for older adults to try and

remain as active as possible for as long as possible. Activity theory argues that the
psychologically and physically healthiest response to old age involves maintaining the greatest

possible level of activity in the greatest number of ways. More social involvement has been

linked to better outcomes. Yet, it is also true that studies of the lifestyles of older adults have also

identified many older adults who lead socially isolated lives but are content because they’re

engaged in a preoccupying hobby (Boyd & Bee, 2012, p. 461).” [ Cara Griffith Post ] I found

this to be important because when I think of someone being old I think this is the time for them

to relax, live stress free, and try not to do as much, but according to the article that Cara gave it

gave me a new perspective and insight on why older people should still remain active.

In conclusion, one thing that I've learned was what successful aging is and how it can be

contributed to still maintaining a healthier way of living. I’ve also learned about the two main

theories better-the activity theory and the disengagement theory. As stated previously in the

paragraph above I’ve always thought it was best for older people to relax and not move a muscle

at all because their so fragile, but sometimes that is not the case it is good to maintain an active

healthy lifestyle so there wouldn't be as many complications with the body as it starts to age or

become older.