CONTENT:
Student Name Professor`s Name Social Gerontology 2 February 2012 Social Gerontology THE CONTINUITY THEORY It is a psychosocial theory of ageing which is based on the work of Atchley. The theory makes a basic assumption that though ageing is a changing process, those undergoing it react and respond to ageing based on their past life experiences. The decisions they made when they were a little younger and the day to day experiences they encountered strongly influence how they adapt when ageing knocks at their door. The theory also asserts that they are “predisposed and motivated towards inner psychological continuity as well as outward continuity of social behaviour and circumstances.†This theory allows room for change. Their current and future decisions and behaviours are based on their past actions. This is because peoples` personality, values, beliefs and reasoning remain the same throughout life as a constant identifier of the inner self. (Hooyman & Kiyak 14) It has many applications with regard to social, physical and psychological aspects of life. A nurse taking care of the old in seniors` home will cope better if she understands the past of those she is entrusted with. She will give better services if he knows what decisions they made in the past as they are likely to follow the same path in coping with the normal ageing process. It can be applied across many cultural divides and is not limited to one country like Singapore. It also ...
