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Disengagement Theory

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Disengagement Theory
BACKGROUND
The social theories of aging can be described as expected progressions from midlife to old age based on social factors. It is noted that there was acceptance that as we approach old age we give up roles previously earned in adult-hood. This idea was then extended in the disengagement theory, proposed by Cumming and Henry, which is the process of individuals withdrawing and isolating from prior social interactions due to age. (Henry and Cumming, 1959). The disengagement theory in this case refers to the process of individuals withdrawing and isolating from prior social interactions due to age and await their death in whichever way it comes.
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