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Social Disengagment Theory

Retirement and aging can be an enriching time for some and a frightening time for others. Many people are concerned about what their grandparents will do when their health deteriorates, their social circle shrinks and their responsibilities disappear. Social scientists have come up with a theory regarding how the elderly react to society called social disengagement theory.

  1. Definition

    • Social disengagement theory is a theory that the elderly inevitably quit socializing with the rest of society as they age.

    Roles

    • Old roles are abandoned even if these roles were once cherished. The social circle also gets progressively more narrow.

    Death

    • The inevitability of death causes the elderly to detach from everyday life. Those in the elder's life also interact with the elder less, which helps exacerbate withdrawal.

    Preferences

    • Feeling less physically able and having less time on Earth, the elderly feel less responsible for doing anything other than what they feel like doing.

    Criticism

    • This theory has fallen out of favor since the 1970s because of evidence that the elderly vary in how they respond to aging. Many elders find new ways to participate in life and often show self-growth.

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