Late adulthood is
characterized by Erik Erikson as being the eighth life stage – old age – and is
designated the crisis of integrity versus despair (Ashford & LeCroy, 2010). There are many varied theories of aging that
attempt to explain elderly adults’ behaviors and emotions. Continuity theory, developed by Robert
Atchley, supposes that by making adaptive choices old-aged adults are trying to
save and maintain existing feelings, attitudes, and beliefs by applying
familiar knowledge, skills, and coping strategies (Atchley, 1993). Implications for social work practice can
include being aware of an elderly client’s need to do or say things in a
certain manner. Too much change at this
stage in life can cause an old-age adult to become confused or disoriented, and
can actually make him or her more resistant to making small changes in their
everyday routine or environment (Ashford et al, 2010).
Another well-known aging
theory is Robert Havighurst’s activity theory, which focuses more on change
than continuity (Ashford et al, 2010).
Activity theory postulates that older adults enjoy a more positive life
experience when they are more active in their various social roles (Gutierrez, Daniels,
& Sannino, 2009). This theory
encourages elderly adults to adapt their behaviors to fit new roles when old
roles are phased out because of physical or mental old-age impairments (Ashford
et al, 2010). It is important that the
social worker explore social roles with the elderly client, and that the client
is encouraged and aided in finding activities that are compatible with the
client’s current living environment. If
a client is isolated, the social worker should assist the client with locating
a source for group activities that enable the client to feel purposeful and
validated (Gutierrez et al, 2009).
Ashford, J.B., &
LeCroy, C.W. (2010, 2008). Human behavior in the social environment: A multidimensional perspective (4th ed.)
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Atchley, R. C. (1993).
Continuity theory and the evolution of activity in later adulthood. In J. R.
Kelly (Ed.), Activity and aging: Staying involved in later life (pp.
5-16). Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc.
Gutierrez, K. D.,
Daniels, H., & Sannino, A. (2009). Learning and Expanding with
Activity Theory. New York: Cambridge University Press.
I would agree with Atchley’s continuity theory, in that maintaining a level of familiarity for the elder is what helps keep them comfortable and at ease when things are becoming more uncertain. Entering this stage of life can be over whelming and frightening as well. Particularly was the universe moves more and more towards electronics and automation. This can result in an older person simply refusing to make any changes what so ever, leaving them behind simply because the wrong approach was used. It is imperative that the social worker determine for each individual where the client’s comfort level is and ensuring that they are helped through changes as smoothly as possible with the least amount of tress or trepidation.
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