Blog Two: Late Adulthood

Late adulthood is a challenging time for most humans because it is the eighth life stage and is known as the integrity versus despair time in life. The age range in late adulthood is 60 and beyond and is usually a difficult stage because people tend to become “more reflective and introspective” (Ashford, J., & LeCroy, C. 2013). as they change. There are different types of theories that focus on the aging population. One such theory is activity theory by Robert Havighurst. Activity theory suggests that older people could experience a greater well-being by continuing to remain active in many roles. According to this theory, aging successfully depends upon elderly individuals adapting through substation for roles that may no longer be available to them. If aging individuals are happy with their past and their present, they are more likely to continue aging successfully (Williams, R. 2008.); enhancing their quality of life. This theory can aid social workers in finding appropriate resources and outlets for clients in the eighth life stage.             

Another theory is disengagement theory by Elaine Cumming and William Earl Henry. Disengagement theory states that there is a process between an individual and society as late adulthood occurs that involves mutual withdrawal (Ashford, J., & LeCroy, C. 2013). It states that aging is inevitable and that it is only natural that individuals in late adulthood begin to retreat from society, family, and friends. It can be a useful theory for social workers to apply to clients experiencing late adulthood. It can serve as an inside look to what the client may be dealing with in regards to their stage in life.
           

References
Ashford, J., & LeCroy, C. (2013). Human behavior in the social environment: A multidimensional perspective (5th ed.). Australia: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
 
Williams, R. (2008). Successful Aging. In Process of aging: Social and psychological     perspectives (pp. 299-300). Somerset, New Jersey: Aldine Transaction ;.