Theoretical Perspectives on Aging - Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and theories from the lecture notes on theoretical perspectives on aging.

Aging vs Old Age

Distinction between aging as the lifelong process from birth to death and the specific life stage commonly labeled 'old age.'

Disengagement Theory

Aging involves gradual withdrawal from social ties and activities, with mutual satisfaction between the older person and society; predicts reduced social involvement and a more limited life space.

Activity Theory

Successful aging depends on maintaining activity and social involvement; self-concept is tied to role occupancy and role support from others.

Continuity Theory

Aging reflects continuity in adaptation patterns; individuals maintain consistent life patterns, with multiple personality patterns influencing outcomes.

Role Theory

Identities are created through the roles people assume; role occupancy validates the self-concept.

Role Support

Validation of one's self-concept by others’ responses to role occupancy; strongest for intimate, recurring roles.

Life Space

The extent and quality of social interactions and environments; disengagement reduces life space.

Integrated Personality (Continuity Pattern)

One pattern in continuity theory: complex mental life, intact cognition, and a positive self-concept.

Reorganizer (Continuity Pattern)

A continuity pattern where lost opportunities are substituted with new role activities.

Focused (Continuity Pattern)

A continuity pattern with narrowed variety of roles but greater time devoted to remaining roles.

Disengaged (Continuity Pattern)

Pattern characterized by withdrawal from social activity in later life, aligning with disengagement theory.

Armored-Defended (Continuity Pattern)

Pattern marked by achievement orientation and high defenses, maintaining middle-age roles despite aging.

Passive-Dependent (Continuity Pattern)

Pattern with low energy and heavy reliance on others; succorance-seeking.

Disorganized (Continuity Pattern)

Unintegrated personality type with poor functioning and limited role activity.

Socialization to Old Age

Rosow’s view that late life involves learning norms and roles; three conditions: knowledge of norms, ability to perform actions, motivation to adopt the new role.

Age Stratification Theory

Society is organized into age strata with age-graded roles; cohort aging and changes in status influence individual aging.

Modernization Theory

The status of older people declines with modernization due to urbanization, literacy, and new occupations; can lead to independence-equals-dependence dynamics.

Selection (SOC component)

Narrowing the range of activities to focus energy on fewer, more important domains.

Optimization (SOC component)

Maximizing performance in the chosen domains by investing remaining resources and refining skills.

Compensation (SOC component)

Adapting to losses by using external aids or alternative strategies to reach goals.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

As people age, social networks shrink to emphasize emotionally meaningful relationships and emotional quality over breadth.

Gerotranscendence

A shift toward a cosmic, transcendent worldview; reduced emphasis on self and material things; greater significance of intergenerational ties and solitude.

Ulyssean Living

A pursuit of meaningful, self-directed aging—fewer activities but deeper engagement and purpose.

Life Course Perspective

History and biography interact to shape aging; transitions and trajectories illustrate heterogeneity and long-term influences.

Innovation Theory of Successful Aging

Well-being arises from engaging in innovative activities that provide meaning; includes motivation, reinvention vs preservation, and adaptation to change.