Ageing Social Context

1961 Words8 Pages

Discuss the social context of ageing in Ireland with reference to care provision.
In this assignment I will be discussing the social context of ageing in Ireland with reference to care provision. I will explain three theories, Developmental, Activity and also Continuity Theory. Dehumanisation, marginalization, caring for the elderly, changes in society, the structure of families and how roles have changed. Finally I will discuss the available facilities and care plans for the elderly that are available in Ireland. Ageing occurs naturally. It is something an individual cannot control. These changes occur over the course of one’s lifetime. Most countries categorize older people as those aged 65 years and up (WHO 2007). As individuals age their …show more content…

Disengagement and Activity Theory highlight opposite opinions on ageing. Disengagement Theory was introduced by Cumming & Henry (1961). This theory explains the impact of ageing over the course of one’s life. This theory explains the macro and micro level of ageing. Macro level is associated with society and the population. It is concerned with social structures and how institutions operate in order to establish how society itself is maintained and established. On the other hand micro level is associated with the individual itself and family. Disengagement theory accounts for social interactions and also accounts for the declines that occur in physical, cognitive and psychological functioning of an …show more content…

As a result this allows for the passing on of roles and skills to the next generation. Social roles are the parts an individual plays as a member of a social group. The passing on of roles helps ensure the stability of society. As older people disengage from society and pass on their roles and duties to the younger generation, society offers programmes and rewards for older individuals as a result such as retirement packages and pensions.
Havighurst (1961) published the Activity Theory in order to refute the Disengagement Theory. Havighurst came up with the idea that instead of older people disengaging from society and withdrawing, they should continue to remain active and continue socialising the way they would have in the past. Havighurst focused on individuals preserving as long as possible activities and attitudes and continuing them on from middle age into older age. Disengagement Theory and Activity Theory highlight opposite opinions of