Aging

This post was originally posted at: http://www.customwritingservice.org/blog/aging/

Introduction
The lifes journey of an individual is a remarkable thing and it ought to be enjoyed. Nevertheless,
as an individual grows old, he/she creates opportunities on the way and sometimes he/she loses
them. In the Western countries, there are increasing numbers of the old people due to nutritional
health changes and proper infrastructure in the health sector. Remaining healthy as grows old
does not occur without a proper plan.
The aging persons experience is based on several social factors that include economic position,
health status, public policies and social support. There are several theories that help in explaining
the process of aging such as activity theory and disengagement theory. The aim of this study is to
expound on the aging process and its negative and positive effects on the society.

Aging in Sociology
In sociological studies, old age has always been a vital issue and it led to the gerontology study
(Saxena, 2006. P.3).This is a study that covers psychological, economic and biological aspects of
the aging process. Aging forms a foundation for planned inequality in the society. There are
things that ought not to be rushed. Aging is among them. Several issues about aging as well as
how to take care of the aged have been raised due to a longer life span in most developed
countries. For some time, the working population has been stagnant and this has created a
dilemma when it comes to satisfying the dependent individuals. Increased life expectancy for the
seniors causes a dilemma in the contemporary societies because they must find ways of
providing for them.
Among the identifiable aging aspects is loss. Losing memory is one of the aspects that are used
to identify old persons. According to scientists, the brains volume of a person starts to shrink
when he/she reaches thirty years. Prefrontal cortex is affected the most. This is the section found
behind a humans forehead and it accomplishes several functions that include forethought,

intelligence and reasoning (Begley, 2010, Para. 5). For persons who feel like they have not
achieved much in their lives, aging is a serious problem. Usually, old individuals suffer from
different chronic illnesses yet most of them are unable to afford health care. This isolates them
and they can even be depressed.
Nevertheless, old age is not always as bad as individuals tend to perceive it to be. Begley (2010)
notes that, some abilities of the mind like wisdom improve as one ages (para. 3). As such, old
people are considered wise and they are therefore assigned duties that include counseling the
young as well as mediating issues that prevent the society from developing such as peace
missions and boundary issues.
Social skills and emotional intelligence also improve with age. Old age may also be full of fun
because parents are not required to perform the duties of taking care of the children. They get
time to concentrate on voluntary work and reuniting with old friends. People get better with age
because they become open to new activities, relationships and activities (Marie et al., 2009).
There are couples that rediscover the real meaning of their relationship as they age. They learn
the importance of having one another in their lives.
Old people who manage to stay happy have the best experience in their old age. The major
aspect of successful aging is learning how to re-evaluate where a person is heading. One should
also be motivated and ready to risk the change (Whitbourne, 2009).

Sociological Theories of Aging

According to disengagement theory, the aged persons ought to be ousted from different roles for
the society to function properly (Powell, 2020, p. 48). Disengagement occurs when an elderly
person opt to withdraw from participating in public duties. The reason that the old people give
for their disengagement is that they are old enough to execute any worthwhile duty.
Withdrawing from their active role is a gradual process which cannot be avoided. The
withdrawal happens as per the expectations and it is mutual. It also enhances the transfer of
duties to the next generation.
Activity theory asserts that aging successfully depends on the ability of a person to remain
active. This theory highlights the need for establishing social activities and roles that will replace
the ones that are lost. Old people ought to remain physically and psychologically active to
remain happy. Old people who remain active through social interaction do not face the problems
of fast aging even when they retire (Saxena, 2006, p. 4). The assertion of the activity theory is
that old people should interact mentally and physically with the others in the society. This
increases self-worth because it enables them to feel that they form a part of their society.
Conclusion

Aging causes a decline in health and this can be sluggish or rapid on the basis of the physical and
social health of a person. Disengagement theory asserts that seniors disengage from their active

roles on realizing that they can no longer perform them. Functionalists perceive aging as a social
problem because the society cannot satisfy the needs of the increasing elderly population.
Aging people suffer from chronic diseases and they cannot meet their medical bills. Considering
the denial of the old people, they are likely to become depressed. Nevertheless, seniors should
engage in various activities in order to enhance their happiness and survival. To ensure that the
aged people are considered properly, the system that provide social security services should be
reviewed.

References

Begley, S. (2010).The Science of Aging Brains. Newsweek, June 17, 2010. Retrieved on 30 Nov.
2013 from http://www.newsweek.com/science-aging-brains-73219
Marie, K., Thomas, C., Abbey, K., & Mahony, A. (2009). Fast living, slow ageing: How to age
less, look great, live longer, get more. Newtown, N.S.W: Mileage Media.
Powell, J. L. (2006). Social theory and aging. Lanham, Md: Rowman & Littlefield Publ.
Saxena, D. P. (2006). Sociology of aging. New Delhi: Concept Pub. Co.
Whitbourne, S.K. (2009). Finding the Pathway to Successful Aging. Psychology Today,
Fulfillment at Any Age, November 17, 2009. Retrieved on 30 Nov. 2013 from
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/200911/finding-the-pathwaysuccessful-aging
- See original at: http://www.customwritingservice.org/blog/aging/