What does the 'disengagement theory' suggest about aging individuals?

The disengagement theory proposes that as individuals age, they tend to withdraw from social roles and relationships gradually. This theory was developed in the 1960s by Elaine Cumming and William E. Henry, who argued that this natural withdrawal serves a function in society, allowing for a smooth transition of roles as older adults disengage and make room for younger generations to take on those roles.

According to the theory, this process is not solely negative; instead, it can be seen as a mutual benefit to both the aging individuals and society as a whole. As they step back, older adults often reflect on their life and relationships, allowing them to focus on their personal interests and experiences. This gradual disengagement is suggested to help limit the stress associated with aging, providing a path toward acceptance of the inevitable changes that come with the aging process.

In contrast, other options suggest alternative perspectives that do not align with the key tenets of disengagement theory. For instance, the idea that aging individuals actively engage more with society does not reflect the central idea of withdrawal posited by the theory. Similarly, experiencing increased social mobility or redefining cultural identity introduces concepts unrelated to the disengagement theory, which focuses specifically on the process of withdrawing from social engagement.