Theories Of Ageing
Bethany Rixon - Health and Social Care Level 3
Erikson's Theory
There are many theory's of ageing, one of which is Erikson's theory.
Eriksons Theory
Eriksons Theory is one of the best known Theories in physiology, it is about the physiological facts of ageing. In his theory there are 8 stages, and they go from Infancy which is 0 -1-1/2 years of age to maturity which is 65+ years.
Erikson's Theory Continued
To explain his theory Erickson came up with 8 stages, which are shown here in the diagram. Erikson's theory accesses social experience as you grow older. In each stage he believed that, that person experienced some form of battle that would be used as a turning point in development. One of the main things about Eriksons theory is development of the ego identity, this is understanding sense of self that we gain throughout social interactions.
Disengagement theory
The disengagement theory is aimed at elderly people. It states that as they grow older, they start to disengage from there social activities as they start to become aware that the end of life is slowing approaching. However this theory does argue that it is natural for a older person who is coming to the end of their life to detach themselves form society.
Activity Thoery
The activity theory states that staying mentally and physically active will, increase you chances of being happy when you get older. The activities are said to help older people fill up a gap, where they have lost life roles after retirement such as, going to work, taking the children to work, doing the shopping. The theory assumes the a positive relationship between activity and life satisfaction.