Saturday, January 17, 2015

Theory and Late Adulthood

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.

1 comment:

  1. 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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