Activity theory (aging)

Two older adults dancing. The activity theory states that optimal aging occurs when individuals participate in activities, pursuits, and relationships.

The activity theory of aging, also known as the implicit theory of aging, normal theory of aging, and lay theory of aging, proposes that aging occurs with more positive outcomes when adults stay active and maintain social interactions as they get older.[1] Activity theory suggests that the aging process is slowed or delayed, and quality of life is enhanced when the elderly remain socially active (attending or hosting events or pursuits that bring members of a community together to interact with each other).[2] Book clubs, club sports, barbeques, volunteer work, fitness classes, brunch dates, holiday celebrations and protests are just a few examples of how people maintain a healthy social life, which the activity theory of aging reports contributes to overall health in later life.

The theory assumes a positive relationship between activity and life satisfaction. One author suggests that activity enables older adults to adjust to retirement in a more seamless and less stressful fashion. This is coined as "the busy ethic".[3]

Activity theory reflects the functionalist perspective that argues the equilibrium an individual develops in middle age should be maintained in later years. The theory predicts that older adults that face role loss will substitute former roles with other alternatives.[4]

The activity theory is one of three major psychosocial theories which describe how people develop in old age. The other two psychosocial theories are the disengagement theory, with which the activity comes to odds, and the continuity theory which modifies and elaborates upon the activity theory.[5]

Though in recent years the acceptance activity theory has diminished, it is still used as a standard to compare observed activity and life satisfaction patterns.[4]

  1. ^ Loue, Sana; Sajatovic, Martha; Koroukian, Siran M. (2008). Encyclopedia of aging and public health. Springer reference. New York: Springer. ISBN 978-0-387-33754-8.
  2. ^ "The vanishing point of resemblance", The Turn to Biographical Methods in Social Science, Routledge, pp. 108–126, 2002-09-11, doi:10.4324/9780203466049-8, ISBN 978-0-203-46604-9, retrieved 2023-06-30
  3. ^ Ekerdt, D. J. (June 1986). "The busy ethic: moral continuity between work and retirement". The Gerontologist. 26 (3): 239–244. doi:10.1093/geront/26.3.239. ISSN 0016-9013. PMID 3721229.
  4. ^ a b Schulz, Richard, ed. (2006). Encyclopedia of aging: a comprehensive resource in gerontology and geriatrics. New York, NY: Springer. ISBN 978-0-8261-4843-8.
  5. ^ Guttman, Minerva S. (January 2012). "Ebersole & Hess' Gerontological Nursing and Healthy Aging(3rd ed.), by Theris A. Touhy and Kathleen Jett". Activities, Adaptation & Aging. 36 (1): 83–84. doi:10.1080/01924788.2012.647593. ISSN 0192-4788.