My : My Life Course

Activity theory of aging suggest that when elderly people interact with the community and include activities in their daily routine they are their happiest (Baird, 2011, p. 187). Ariel stated that “everyone need some form of release” (Lemmon, 1995).

The oldest group were much less likely than younger people to be exercising to keep fit, relieve stress/relax, keep in shape or lose weight but instead more likely to be taking part for enjoyment and social aspects or because it helps with an injury/disability

During the aging process, the elderly may take different approaches to aging and may apply to different theories of aging such as the disengagement theory and the activity theory. All elderly individuals will deal with aging in different ways, they may wish to stay active or they may wish to disengage themselves due to depression or they may be unable to deal with the processes of becoming older. Both of these theories of aging have completely different thoughts and views of the aging process.

Many people in the "baby boomer" generation are staying active as they age. By either jogging, swimming or becoming part of a sports team. They strive to remain youthful and mentally young and view retirement as an active period of their life. Theirinterest in health , fitness, looking young and attractive and longevity is quite phenomenal. They can expect to live longer due to medical advances however stress and burnout could impact on this expectation of longevity. They are well educated, thirsty for information interested in travel and will want to stay involved in the political processes. In addition they are optimistic, forward thinking and undoubtedly redefine old age. As the oldest of the nation's 75 million baby boomers approach the age of 60, a Pew Research Center survey finds many are looking ahead to their own retirement while balancing a full plate of family responsibilities either raising children or providing financial and other

The Activity Theory was originally an idea that was proposed by Lemon Bengtson &Peterson this proposal was seen to have a much more hopeful and positive view on ageing in comparison to the disengagement theory by Cumming and Henry. The activity theory suggests that as people get older their ageing process will be more successful if they maintain their roles and responsibilities as they did when they were younger this is if they

There’s nothing more important in this world than having a reason and purpose to live. It’s what strives us, it’s what motivates us, it’s what carries us (anaphora). I look forward to life and the things it throws at me for I feel that I am ready. Challenges I faced as a kid have prepared me for the challenges I will face as an adult. I was constantly put in new environments as a child. I went to 3 elementary schools and 2 middle schools. No matter how much my life changed, I came to admire it. As the old saying goes “If life hands you lemons, you make lemonade” and I did just that (idiom). I am grateful for all the friends and memories I’ve made on my journey. However, I am most grateful for my family for allowing to be on this journey. This journey created who I am

The source of the activity theory lies on the need to stay occupied in actions persists into older life, but the connotation and the focal point alters. Older individuals have the similar requirements, desires, and motivations as with the individuals in their

Most social gerontologist chose activity theory. Activity theory is widely supported opposing theory to disengagement in old age. This theory argues that actively engaged older persons have greater life satisfaction (Activity Theory 2014). Activity theory is also known as normal theory of aging, implicit theory of aging, and lay theory of aging. There is a positive relationship among an individual satisfaction and level of activity, which can raise positive views they may have of themselves (Activity Theory 2014). Active theory is usually contrasted with disengagement theory. Disengagement theory is a social

Since it is the social connectedness component of activity participation that is related to improved mental well-being in older adults, future interventions should include methods that boost feelings of social connectedness. This is especially true for older adults who do not have access to social activities. Table 1 shows that perceived overall physical health is significantly correlated to all the variables that measure social activity participation. This suggests that older adults who perceive their overall physical health as poor are less likely to participate in social activities. Older adults may not be able to access social activates for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to; The inability to drive a vehicle (due to medical reasons such as poor vision) or the inability participate in the activity due to physical limitations. Without participating in social activities, older adults have fewer opportunities to build social connections. Thus, it is crucial to implement programs that promote social connectedness in older adults who do not have access to social

Throughout this semester we have come across many psychological and social theories. From Vaillant’s aging well, to Erikson’s life stages, to Leont’ev’s activity theory, there is a lot to learn and to understand. For the purpose of this paper, I am going to focus on the Activity Theory of aging. After some thorough research on this topic I was able to come up with some great information about

     So far in my life many things have happened, some good, some not but I realize that all that I

My current lifestyle could use an increase in low impact exercise and healthy eating. While I try to do both, I know that as time goes on it becomes more important to do this regularly as it affects my health. Family history is dichotomous some family members have thrived in older adulthood while others did not make it into their 70s, and by simply looking at their lifestyle choices it would have been hard to guess who would live the longest. Those who thrived at this time of life had very active and meaningful lives. The family members who died younger made healthy lifestyle choices, but got cancer or some other life-threatening disease at a younger age, and were healthy until the disease came on suddenly. So, I am hoping I fall into the category of the people who are active into older age. I hope to continue swimming on a regular basis, and possibly play tennis. If I am alive at 75 based on family history I will have no major health issues but will have the normal effects of aging. I may also have high blood pressure or increased risk of pneumonia as this was common in some family members. This is partially due to the fact that the artery walls stiffen over time, and my lungs are more susceptible to illness due to a weakened immune system.

1) The article from The Gerontologist supports the activity theory of aging. This states that as people age, it is very important for them to be engaged in various activities and social roles. As described in the lecture, studies have shown that those who stay involved have less signs of depression and have a lesser decline in mental health. In addition, they are considered more competent than others in their age group by the general population since they are actively participating in society. The research described in the article proved that those who had moderate or high participation in activities such as working, volunteering, and caregiving had a better psychological well-being. It is not necessarily just taking part in these, but the level in which one does so is also crucial. It appears that moderate participation is the best way to a better psychological well-being, as one does not want to be overworked, but should still be involved.

In a rocking chair even older than herself, she sits, her body as still as a river on a calm day. The bright light emitting from the large windows in the living room gives the figure of an old woman with grayish hair that hangs near her face. But, for her fingers progressing fast in an exact routine, as an array of different colorful stitches extends from the knitting needles. Tomorrow I will be able to start a new knitting project, maybe use the blue wool to make new sweaters for the grandchildren. An unexpected sharp thud of a knock was heard at the door; more than enough to be detected by my aging ears. As much as it bothers me to get up, I refuse to let the rattling pain in my bones win against me. It isn’t that I get up at all, it just feels more complex than before. I just can’t get up too quickly for a sharp pain may shatter me like glass. I allow my right leg to hold my weight as I move my left leg upright to hold more of my weight. Once, standing I slowly take steps moving forward and with every single step I take the cold wooden floor creaks. Growing old shouldn’t really stop me from doing the everyday things in life. They want us to give up and I simply can’t allow that. Yeah, I do gaze at the old woman in the mirror before me. At my age, I would have my feet hanging from the grave already. The lines in my face are so deep and saggy - like the skin no longer connects to the skull underneath. Beyond this mask of age, there remains the youthful

As I take a look back on my life, I realize how great it has truly been. I had an absolutely amazing childhood and I am beyond blessed for it. I grew up in a home with two loving parents that have been with me through it all and now of days that is something to be truly thankful for. My parents taught me to strive to be anything that I wanted and that I could be anything that I set my mind to. These dreams changed throughout my life as I grew older and as I grew into the person that I am today.