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Only comparatively recently have the fields of psychology and sociology turned their attention to the last half of the life cycle. Various psychosocial theories of aging are in evidence in the psychology and sociology literature. The nursing literature has been conspicuously lacking in explorations óf these various theories.
Large numbers of the clients that nurses serve are elderly and since the expected life span is increasing, these numbers are likely to increase. Robert Butler1 states "Geriatrics seems destined to be even more important in tomorrow's medical practice. . . in 40 years, the elderly may account for as much as 75% of the total time physicians spend with patients." The nurse, like the physician, will be increasingly involved with care of the elderly client, in view of these facts, the psychosocial development of the older adult is an important area of concern for the nurse.
In this paper I will present and examine three psychosocial theories of aging: activity theory, disengagement theory, and continuity theory. Because the continuity theory, as I will show later, seems to hold the most promise of explaining the full reality of aging, I will also address the nursing implications related to it.
Activity Theory
The activity theory is the most common theory evident in the literature. Yet it has received the least amount of formal consideration in terms of research. It is a common sense or lay theory which is reflected in legislation, newspaper and magazine articles, and service programs.
The optimal ager, according to the activity theory, is the person who stays active and manages to resist the shrinkage of his world. As roles change the individual finds substitutes for the activities involved in these roles.
With few exceptions, research has supported the hypothesis that activity throughout the life span seems to be an important determination of life satisfaction. Most of this research has, however, been cross-sectional rather than longitudinal. For this reason, the findings have often been criticized as resulting from the design of the study. In addition, some studies have been clearly nonsupportive of the activity theory. Exceptions, supporting the theory, are two longitudinal studies, one by Maddox2 and one by Palmore.3
A study done by Lemon, Bengston, and Peterson4 found that only social activity with friends...