Theoretical Rationale - Disengagement Theory

The aging process of a human life may encounter many different events that could impact and influence the individual’s perception of whether or not he or she has aged successfully. The disengagement theory portends that an individual will gradually withdraw from society in preparation for death (Cumming & Henry, 1961).

While the rate of social activity would be expected to decline as the individual ages, the disengagement theory posits that individuals voluntarily withdraw from social roles and relationships. Moreover, societal expectations also mandated that older people withdraw from their roles to bring about opportunity for younger individuals to make a life where the older person once may have thrived.

While the aging process inevitably leads one to death, a more modern approach to the interpretation of the disengagement theory suggests that an individual may consciously delay the disengagement process until after his or her physical and psychological performance is greatly reduced. Even then, one may want to continue in life’s continuum to further reflect and understand what the life has meant to the individual.