SOCIOLOGIC THEORIES OF AGING

Sociologic theories focus on changing roles and relationships (Box 2-5). In some respects, sociologic
theories relate to various social adaptations in the lives of older adults. One of the easiest ways to view
the sociologic theories is within the context of the societal values at the time in which they were
developed.

Disengagement Theory

When the disengagement theory was introduced by Cumming and Henry in 1961, it sparked immediate
controversy. These two theorists viewed aging as a developmental task in and of itself, with its own
norms and appropriate patterns of behavior. The identified appropriate patterns of behavior were
conceptualized as a mutual agreement between older adults and society on a reciprocal withdrawal.
Individuals would change from being centered on society and interacting in the community to being self-
centered persons withdrawing from society, by virtue of becoming “old.” Social equilibrium would be
the end result (Cumming & Henry, 1961).

The idea that older adults preferred to withdraw from society and to voluntarily decrease their
interactions with others was not readily accepted by the general public, much less the older persons
themselves. Although the theory oversimplified the aging process, its lasting benefit relates to the
controversy it created. The theory itself is no longer supported, but the discussion and the research
stemming from its premise continue today.

Aging is an inevitable, mutual withdrawal or disengagement resulting in decrease interaction between

the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to.

The theory claims that it is natural and acceptable for older adults to withdraw from society. The theory
was formulated by Cumming and Henry in 1961 in the book growing old.

This was the first theory of aging that social scientist has developed.

An example of disengagement theory if an older adult who has heart disease may develop shortness of
breath may be unable to continue daily walks with their friends. The older adult will develop less contact
with friends which may lead to fading friendships.
https://www.thoughtco.com/disengagement-theory-3026258

Elders experience this without them being aware and this is just a natural part of the stages of life. I
realize that when we become old we lose interest to the things that we used to do in our lives. Elder
people tend to withdraw themselves because they feel like they are not fit anymore to the society and
they feel like they don’t have the energy like they use to have when they were younger. This applies to
my 76 year old grandmother who always refuses to come or join with us whenever we want to bond
with her. She always says that she’s too old and not capable of the activity. She also has her own way of
entertaining herself. She enjoys her time alone.

1. As individuals age, they withdraw from society, and society encourages this withdrawal
(Cumming & Henry, 1961).

This was the first theory of aging that social scientist has developed.

The theory claims that it is natural and acceptable for older adults to withdraw from society. The theory
was formulated by Cumming and Henry in 1961 in the book growing old.

2. This connects to nursing because this is usually the stage where the older adult needs care. We
nurses must guide them through their journey of disengagement as they are left alone and not
capable of certain activities.

3. An older adult who is ill may result to him being unable to do his daily activities with friends and
family. The older adult will develop less contact with friends which may lead to fading
relationships.

4. Some Elders go through this experience without them being aware. I realize that when we
become old we lose interest to the things that we used to do in our lives. Elder people tend to
withdraw themselves because they feel like they are not fit anymore to the society and they feel
like they don’t have the energy like they use to have when they were younger. This applies to
my 76 year old grandmother who always refuses to come or join with us whenever we want to
bond with her. She always says that she’s too old and not capable of the activity. She also has
her own way of entertaining herself. She enjoys her time alone.