The Disengagement Theory

The Disengagement Theory
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The Disengagement Theory
The process of aging is a natural process. It is also a psychological process as much as it is a biological process. The disengagement theory, advanced by Elaine Cumming and William Earle Henry, supports this notion by phrasing the process of aging from a social perspective. It is considered the first theory in the social sciences field and has over the years received a lot of critiques. According to the method, people disengage from social life as they grow old.
Crossman’s (2011) functionalist point of view considers the disengagement theory as crucial since it maintains a stable social system. According to the Disengagement theory, aging is described within the social network while offering a procedural outline of the aging process. Postulates describe the procedural framework. The first one is that the anticipation of death coupled with the continued deterioration of abilities to socialize with others makes them lose social ties. Moreover, if disengagement continues, fewer interactions are made. There is more freedom and hence the weakening of norms. At this stage, the process of separation is accelerated and becomes more personal.
According to DeLiema & Bengston (2017), the process becomes self-perpetuating. The gender roles differ. The men are known to be the breadwinners while the female overview is in family issues. Abandoning if their responsibility leads to demoralization unless they take their roles as expected.

Ultimately, a readiness by individuals as they are aware of a short lifespan and less period. An individual sees their lifespan reducing and hence a loss of the self-energy and importance. The ego changing causes the depreciation of skills and knowledge. Therefore, industrialized communities need knowledge and skills met by ensuring young people acquire adequate knowledge and skills to take over. Critiques say that there is a flaw in the theory where it provides an escape route in which individuals who do not disengage will not age (Zaidi & Howse, 2017). This theory, however, explains the process of aging while focusing on psychology rather than biology.
References
Crossman, A. (2011, June 13). Understanding Disengagement Theory and Why It Is Controversial. Retrieved from http://www.thoughtco.com/disengagement-theory-3026258DeLiema, M., & Bengtson, V. L. (2017). Activity Theory, Disengagement Theory, And Successful Aging. Encyclopedia of Geropsychology, 15-20.
Zaidi, A., & Howse, K. (2017). The Policy Discourse of Active Aging: Some Reflections. Journal of Population Aging, 10(1), 1-10.