Omaima UNIT 4 – P4 / M2 / D2
P4 - M2 – D2: Explain two theories of ageing and discuss two major
theories of ageing in relation to the development of the individual
Ageing is the process of development and growing old and most people go through this stage.
There are various theories about ageing such as disengagement theory, activity theory and
continuity theory.
I will be explaining two theories of ageing and relate them to the actress Angelina Jolie , who had a
difficult life:
Continuity theory
The theory states that older adults would preserve the same relationships and behaviours by
engaging in similar activities and maintaining common lifestyle patterns as they age.
Robert Atchley suggested continuity theory in 1971;
he believes that it is important for a person to
continue as the individual they have always been,
which means that a person will continue with the
same interest, relationships and lifestyles making
the behaviour more predictable.
Because of the steadiness of their way of life, they
will be able to have many memories and an
improved overall physical and mental health.
An example could be an older adult staying in contact with friends from University or previous jobs
by hanging out and frequently interacting with them or when an elder who used to frequent the
gym continues to take part in daily exercises.
Individuals that are extrovert and happy with socializing and being active should keep pursue that
level of happiness, while the opposite people who are introverted and prefer solitude should stay
like that.
I personally think that Angelina Jolie would keep the same relationships and behaviours. She is
currently an actress and humanitarian, since she is very passionate with the work she has been
carrying on for the past years I think she will continue to engage in them.
She has always been interested in acting from a young age after watching her mum doing her job,
which helped her develop this love for art and acting. However, Angelina has been trying to spend
more time with her six children since they are all teenagers, this means that she prefers doing
shorter jobs and be home more for her children, who she has a great relationship with considering
her adolescence, misuse of substances, self-harm and depression. This makes me think that she
will still participate in acting roles and humanitarian work, but less than before because she
prioritizes her family.
Relationship wise she was married to Brad Pitt from 2014 to 2016 when they filed for divorce but
been together since 2006. Being together for 10 years makes me think that Angelina is very
capable in maintaining the same relationship for a long period of time, considering the bullying she
went through at school and the fact that her relationship with her father was very hard because
he left her at a young age, which affected her approach with people in general.
, Omaima UNIT 4 – P4 / M2 / D2
It is also important to consider that she does not worry about ageing since her mum died of breast
cancer in her 50s after fighting for 8 years. According to Vogue she said, ‘I do like being older. I feel
much more comfortable in my forties than I did when I was younger'.
This means that she will not disengage and will continue to preserve the same lifestyle patterns
which will benefit her in making many memories.
Activity theory
This theory, created by Robert J. Havighurst in 1961, suggests that effective ageing occurs if older
adults stay active and preserve social relations. Activity theory is the opposite of the
disengagement theory.
The theory believes that the individual’s stability developed in middle adulthood should be
preserved in later years. Therefore, if an elder is used to be physically, mentally and socially active
he should maintain it so that it can help him emotionally with being happier and prevent him from
disengagement.
For example, if an older person retires from their job it will be a great opportunity for them to
experience new things such as traveling to different places and staying active with various
activities.
Some easy activities an older individual could try are:
Cycling Gardening
Walking Group exercise
Swimming Reading
The critics of this theory believe that it ignores disparities when it
comes to wellbeing and finances which makes it hard for older
adults to participate in such activities. Not everyone enjoys taking part
in those activities and not everyone has the opportunity to take part. For
example, if an elder has health issues he would not be able to
carry out activities like cycling or dancing since it can affect his
illness. To carry out some of these activities like swimming and
group exercises older adults would need to pay for
memberships, which can be expensive.
However, this theory can help individuals increase their life
expectancy by taking care of their physical wellbeing and keeping
their social life active.
I think Angelina Jolie would stay active and preserve social
relations. This is because she is currently involved with people during work and interviews, after
what she experienced at a young age with bullying, absence of her father and struggling with
approaching people. I believe this changed because of the support and love she receives from her
six children which three are biological and three adopted.
Also since she is a humanitarian she has to interact and see various people from different
backgrounds which will help her in preserving social relations. She will additionally have to visit
places and travel around the world for her charitable work which means that she will stay active.
