Unit 1 Human Lifespan Development C – Effects of Ageing

C2 – The psychological changes of ageing Effects on confidence and self-esteem Effects of social changes Role changes Loss of a partner Loss of friends Increase in leisure time Financial concerns Effects of culture religion and beliefs Social disengagement theory Activity theory

Psychological effects of ageing on confidence and self-esteem Confidence and self-esteem may increase as you get older as you feel more settled and have achieved many life goals – job, house, family, enjoying retirement It may also decrease as the physical effects of ageing make daily tasks difficult or impossible, they can feel marginalised by society, they may feel less worthy as the don’t have a job anymore, so may lose purpose. They may struggle for money if they only have a state pension.

Psychological effects of ageing - social changes How Role changes Retirement provides opportunity for more contact with children / grandchildren Retirement provides opportunity to participate in / take up new hobbies They have more time to go on holidays (if they can afford it) Many may become isolated as they can’t get out as much Some may find it difficult to adjust to the idea that their children are taking over the ‘head of the family’ role

Psychological effects of ageing - social changes Loss of a partner - Death of a partner can result in a change of status (widower) which can lead to anxiety and depression - It can make them feel less safe an secure - A loss of intimacy can cause deep pain and despair - Change of self-concept – as you’ve seen yourself as a couple for so long - Lower self-image or self-esteem and feelings of loneliness

Psychological effects of ageing - social changes Loss of friends - Can cause grief and stress as lose their social support - feel lonely / isolated - It can bring about feelings of their own mortality which can lead to depression

Psychological effects of ageing - social changes Increase in leisure time - Retirement = more free time for hobbies, leisure, holidays, seeing family, take up new hobbies e.g. gardening, learn new skills – go on courses e.g. painting - however – retirement usually means less money, loss of social networks through work, los of purpose in life

Psychological effects of ageing - Financial concerns Some people have their own property, have paid off their mortgage and have good pensions to live comfortably Some people rent properties still, and may only get a state pension that doesn’t cover all their bills, especially rising costs of heating and electricity if you are at home more – which could lead to stress ? How much do you get for a state pension? ? What kinds of private pensions are there – how much can you get for some of these?

Psychological effects of ageing on - Effects of culture religion and beliefs Research different religions and cultures to see their views on how older people should be cared for How are old people viewed in different cultures? Does every country have a state pension? Which cultures expect family members to look after their parents in old age? Does every country provide sheltered housing or free medical care for older people? How do different cultures and religions view death?

Social disengagement theory Cumming and Henry (1961) proposed that older people naturally withdraw from social involvement as they get older. Older people have restricted opportunities to interact with others due to: ill health, geographical mobility, retirement and ill health of friends and relatives. Older people experience reduced social contact and become increasingly ‘individual’ and less concerned with others’ expectations – disengagement is a natural part of ageing. Reading https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/aging/elder-care/disengagement-theory1.htm

Activity theory Roberts Havighurst (1960s) His ill health study of older people showed that, rather than an inevitable decline in interest in life and isolation, older people tend to adjust to the ageing process. He believed that people’s needs can be satisfied by taking on new roles following retirement (charity work, joining social groups, learning a new skill) He found that when people remain physically and socially active, their overall satisfaction and wellbeing is increased, which is important for reducing the risk of illness and increasing longevity. Reading https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/aging/retirement/activity-theory-of-aging.htm