One of the problems that older adults face is social isolation. As they grow older, they become lonelier and more isolated from the rest of society. At old age, a person’s spouse and most of their peers are dead. The person is also likely to be in a nursing home, where their family visits every once in a while. Due to these factors, isolation among the elderly is rampant in many societies. Loneliness among the elderly can be solved by considering the issue from multiple theoretical perspectives.
Social isolation among the elderly in the US can be reduced through the application of the activity theory. This theory suggests that individuals enjoy old age by finding new activities to do to substitute the statuses they used to occupy in society (‘Theoretical perspectives on aging’, n.d.). It posits that social engagement is the key to being happy in old age. Keeping older American citizens engaged will help to prevent them from feeling lonely and isolated.
America can borrow from Japan’s theoretical approach, where members of society cater to elderly people. The younger and middle-aged generations actively involve older people in day-to-day activities. For instance, older people teach origami classes to the young (‘Aging in Japan’, n.d.). This is an example of the theoretical activity perspective where happiness in old age is derived from participating in societal activities. In America, old people are isolated because they are placed in nursing homes, where they do not get much interaction with the general public. Japan’s approach is better because it ensures the elderly are kept occupied and are not isolated.
The subculture of aging theory has been applied to the aging population. This theory suggests that since they are isolated by the larger community, the elderly form their own communities. This is witnessed in societies, such as the American one, where older people are placed in homes for the aged. Here, they interact with each other and form a separate community from the one outside. A different approach that can be recommended utilizes the age stratification theoretical approach. This theory asserts age is used as a factor to determine the number of social resources accessible to a person (‘Theoretical perspectives on aging’, n.d).
Using this perspective, the government can expand Medicare benefits to include services such as counseling. This will be beneficial for the older generation since loneliness negatively impacts mental health. According to studies, social support activities such as counseling and therapy help to alleviate loneliness in older people (Fakoya et al., 2020). Therefore, the federal government should utilize the age stratification theory to provide a solution for isolation among the elderly.
The disengagement theory will be harmful if applied to the aging population. This theory suggests that growing old is part of being human, and as human beings grow older, it is natural that they will withdraw from society (‘Theoretical perspectives on aging’, n.d). Their social relationships will crumble as they disengage from society. This theory is harmful because it is defeatist, theorizing that isolation is a natural and unavoidable part of life. It would not provide positive solutions to loneliness among the older generation.
The experiences of Anna Halprin can best be described by the continuity theory of aging. This theory holds that the elderly should make the choice to maintain consistency in internal and external structures throughout their lives (‘Theoretical perspectives on aging’, n.d). They should uphold their personality and maintain the relationships they formed. At 85 years old, Anna still performs and teaches dance (‘Reflections on aging’, n.d.). She is happy because she continues to do what she began in her earlier years. Ultimately, the continuity theory urges the older generation to maintain everything that gave them joy when they were younger.
References
‘Aging in Japan.’ Lumen Learning. Web.
Fakoya, O. A., McCorry, N. K., & Donnelly, M. (2020). Loneliness and social isolation interventions for older adults: A scoping review of reviews. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-14. Web.
‘Reflections on Aging.’ (n.d.). Lumen Learning. Web.
‘Theoretical Perspectives on Aging.’ (n.d.). Lumen Learning. Web.