Ashford Soc 304 Discussions
Week 1- Dis 1
After reading Chapter 3 in your textbook, address the following: a. Discuss the differences between activity theory and disengagement theory. b. Compare and contrast one of the other theories mentioned in the chapter (i.e., modernization, exchange theory, subcultural theory of aging, etc.) to activity theory and disengagement theory. c. Discuss how the theory that you selected differs from the activity and disengagement theories of aging. d. Contact a person who would fall into one of the categories of old age (i.e., young old, middle old, or oldest old) and interview them about how their lives have changed since they reached the milestone of being an older adult. In your post, include a brief synopsis of what you learned with regard to that person’s activities, illnesses, social support networks, and employment situation. Based upon your informed opinion, which theory (or theories) provides the best theoretical framework for understanding the process of aging for the person that you interviewed? Be sure to support your answer.
Activity theory reminds me of the saying ‘You are as young as you feel’. The activity theory focuses on the individual person and feeling you in your older years. I feel it is important to keep up with the current times. Our required text states that "continued activity in old age preserves self-concept and ensures higher levels of life satisfaction” (Markson & Stein, 2012). Unlike activity theory, disengagement theory focuses on society as well as the individual. The text sums it best by stating, “A disengaged person is not inactive, however, but often maintains a high level of activity in smaller numbers and varieties of social roles” (Markson & Stein).
“According to modernization theory, as a society moves from a rural, agrarian-based society to an urban, technology-based system, older people's leadership roles, power, and influence decrease” (Markson & Stein). Modernization and
After reading Chapter 3 in your textbook, address the following: a. Discuss the differences between activity theory and disengagement theory. b. Compare and contrast one of the other theories mentioned in the chapter (i.e., modernization, exchange theory, subcultural theory of aging, etc.) to activity theory and disengagement theory. c. Discuss how the theory that you selected differs from the activity and disengagement theories of aging. d. Contact a person who would fall into one of the categories of old age (i.e., young old, middle old, or oldest old) and interview them about how their lives have changed since they reached the milestone of being an older adult. In your post, include a brief synopsis of what you learned with regard to that person’s activities, illnesses, social support networks, and employment situation. Based upon your informed opinion, which theory (or theories) provides the best theoretical framework for understanding the process of aging for the person that you interviewed? Be sure to support your answer.
Activity theory reminds me of the saying ‘You are as young as you feel’. The activity theory focuses on the individual person and feeling you in your older years. I feel it is important to keep up with the current times. Our required text states that "continued activity in old age preserves self-concept and ensures higher levels of life satisfaction” (Markson & Stein, 2012). Unlike activity theory, disengagement theory focuses on society as well as the individual. The text sums it best by stating, “A disengaged person is not inactive, however, but often maintains a high level of activity in smaller numbers and varieties of social roles” (Markson & Stein).
“According to modernization theory, as a society moves from a rural, agrarian-based society to an urban, technology-based system, older people's leadership roles, power, and influence decrease” (Markson & Stein). Modernization and