Psychosocial theory focuses on the changes in attitudes and behavior that accompany increasing age, as opposed to the biological implications of anatomical damage. For the purposes of this discussion, sociological or non-physical changes are combined with psychological changes.
Each individual, young, middle-aged, or old is unique and has experienced, through a series of events in life, and through many events. Over the past 40 years, several theories have attempted to describe how behavior and attitudes in the early stages of life can influence human reactions throughout the later stages of life. This work is called the process of "successful aging." Examples of this theory include personality theory.
1. Personality Theory
The human personality is an area of fertile growth in the later years of life which has stimulated considerable research. Personality theory mentions aspects of psychological growth without describing the specific expectations or tasks of the elderly. Jung developed a theory of adult personality development that views personality as either extroverted or introverted, he theorized that a balance between the two is important for health. In Jung's concept of authority, the next half of human life is described as having its own goal, namely to develop self-awareness through self-reflective activities.
2. Developmental Task Theory
Several theorists have described the maturation process in terms of the tasks that must be mastered at stages throughout the human life span. Ericson's results are perhaps the best known theory in this field. Developmental tasks are activities and challenges that a person must meet at specific stages in his life to achieve successful aging. Erickson describes the main task of the elderly is to be able to see one's life as a life lived with integrity. In the absence of the attainment of the feeling that he has enjoyed a good life, the elderly are at risk of being preoccupied with feelings of regret or despair. Recent interest in this concept is occurring at a time when gerontologists and gerontology nurses are re-examining the developmental tasks of the elderly.
3. Disengagement Theory
Disengagement theory, developed for the first time in the early 1960s, describes the process of withdrawal by the elderly from social roles and responsibilities. According to these theorists, this process of withdrawal is predictable, systematic, unavoidable, and essential to the proper functioning of a growing society. The elderly are said to be happy when social contacts have been reduced and responsibilities have been taken by the younger generation. The benefit of reducing social contact for the elderly is that he can take time to reflect on his life achievements and to deal with unfulfilled expectations, while the benefit to society is to transfer the power of the older generation to the younger generation.
This theory has generated a lot of controversy, partly because the study was viewed as flawed and because many older people challenge the “postulates” that the theory raises to explain what happens in the breaking of bonds or relationships. For example, under this theoretical framework, mandatory retirement is a social policy that must be accepted. With increasing natural life spans, retiring at age 65 means that a healthy elderly person can expect to live another 20 years. For many healthy, productive individuals, the prospect of a slower pace and fewer responsibilities is undesirable. Clearly, many elderly people can continue to be good productive members of society until they are 80 to 90 years old.
4. Activity Theory
The direct opposite of disengagement theory is the aging activity theory, which argues that the path to successful aging is to stay active. Havighurst first wrote about the importance of staying socially active as a tool for healthy adjustment for the elderly in 1952. Since then, numerous studies have validated the positive relationship between maintaining meaningful interactions with others and the person's physical and mental well-being. The idea of meeting one's needs must be balanced with the importance of feeling needed by others. The opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to the life of someone who is important to him or her is an important component of well-being for the elderly. Research shows that the loss of role function in the elderly negatively affects life satisfaction. In addition, recent research has demonstrated the importance of continuous mental and physical activity for preventing loss and maintaining health throughout human life.
5. Continuity Theory
Continuity theory, also known as a developmental theory, is a continuation of the previous two theories and attempts to explain the impact of personality on the need to stay active or separate in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment of needs in old age. This theory emphasizes the individual's prior coping abilities and personality as the basis for predicting how a person will be able to adapt to changes due to aging. The basic personality traits are said to remain unchanged despite advancing age. Furthermore, personality traits typically become clearer as the person gets older. A person who enjoys being with others and has an active social life will continue to enjoy this lifestyle into old age. People who enjoy solitude and have a limited amount of activity may find satisfaction in continuing this lifestyle. Seniors who are used to having control over making their own decisions will not easily give up this role just because of their advanced age. Moreover, individuals who have manipulated or abrasive in their interpersonal interactions during their youth will not suddenly develop a different approach later in life.
When lifestyle changes are imposed on the elderly by socio-economic changes or health factors, problems may arise. Personality that remains unknown during meetings or brief visits can sometimes be focal and also a source of irritation when the situation calls for a change in living arrangements. Families dealing with difficult decisions about changing living arrangements for an elderly person often need a lot of support. An understanding of the previous personality patterns of the elderly can provide a more necessary understanding in this decision-making process.
7 Biological Theory of Aging Process
Understanding the Concept of Aging