SOC 304 activity theory and disengagement theory
WEEK 1
DQ 1:
Discuss the differences between activity theory and disengagement theory.
Compare and contrast one of the other theories mentioned in the chapter (i.e., modernization, exchange theory, subcultural theory of aging, etc.) to activity theory and disengagement theory.
Discuss how the theory that you selected differs from the activity and disengagement theories of aging.
Contact a person who would fall into one of the categories of old age (i.e., young old, middle old, or oldest old) and interview them about how their lives have changed since they reached the milestone of being an older adult. In your post, include a brief synopsis of what you learned with regard to that person’s activities, illnesses, social support networks, and employment situation. Based upon your informed opinion, which theory (or theories) provides the best theoretical framework for understanding the process of aging for the person that you interviewed? Be sure to support your answer.
DQ 2: For this discussion, you will need to read Chapters 1 and 2 in your textbook. In addition, you will need to review pages 10 through 13 of Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences and pages 62 and 63 of Aging, Society, and the Life Course.
As your textbook notes, historical events can have different impacts depending upon one’s age cohort. Historical events like the Great Depression, World Wars, and pandemics have had a marked impact on the life course of individuals. How have the social and demographic changes of the last century led to the increased growth and aging of the population? Be sure to discuss this in terms of the demographic transition theory.
How do you expect the current worldwide economic downturn that was discussed in Chapter 2 of your textbook to impact those living in this era? Be sure to explain how this event is expected to influence the life course of the young old, the middle old, and the oldest old.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.
WEEK 2
DQ 1: After reading about the physical impairments related to age in Chapter 4 of the textbook and watching “Aging,” visit “Sociology of Aging: Age Related Impairments: A Simulation Exercise” and select at least two of the impairments that are listed in the exercise. After selecting the impairments that you will be simulating, use the household items that are listed and proceed with carrying out your normal tasks around your home. Then, describe which impairments you simulated and what you experienced. Answer the following questions:
What was it like to complete your tasks with the selected impairments?
What were the difficulties that you encountered while completing your tasks? Were any of those difficulties unexpected?
Have your thoughts or attitudes about older adults who have the impairments that you selected changed as a result of this exercise? Why or why not?
After having reviewed the required resources for this discussion, which of the major biological theories on aging do you think best explains the impairments that you simulated? Be sure to support your answer.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.
DQ 2: Self-Concept in Old Age
In Chapter 5 of your textbook, you learned about the self-concept, which is how an individual thinks of herself or himself. Although the self-concept is something that is established early in life, it changes as one grows older through life experiences. After reading the chapter, address the following :
Discuss the experiences that an individual may have in her or his later years that may alter that person’s self-concept. Be sure to discuss experiences that would both positively and negatively impact her or his self-esteem.
Discuss how your own self-concept may change as your physical capabilities are decreased. Be sure to explain what positive and negative aspects you expect to encounter as part of your aging experience.
Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7.