Social theories of aging are expected progressions from midlife to older life based on social factors. Relationships are far too complex to be reduced to simple equations. Social exchange theory is a concept based on the notion that a relationship between two people is created through a process of cost-benefit analysis. It is more properly understood as an organically based theory of society. This theory has been largely discounted by gerontologists. Because power resources decline with increased age, older … Indeed, one of the most famous and centrally influential theories of aging—disengagement theory—is not a social theory of aging at all.

A core principle to these perspectives on social . Successful aging equals active aging.

a. posits that aging is defined as a problem more by culture and society than by biology and bodily changes. In this theory it is the binding of glucose (simple sugars) to protein, (a process that occurs under the presence of oxygen) that causes various problems. Conflict theory: Older people experience age-based prejudice and discrimination. Social exchange theory is a model for interpreting society as a series of interactions between people that are based on estimates of rewards and punishments. Learning Objectives. It is actually derived from a larger theoretical base known as social exchange theory.

The exchange theory of aging, proposed by James Dowd in 1975, is a social theory that addresses a perceived loss of status and power associated with aging. The article discusses the counseling implications and applications of a number of social theories of aging.

Some important problems are identified with each of the theories when the criteria of intersubjectivity of meaning, testability, and empirical adequacy are utilized in the evaluation process. Healthy aging has repeatedly been associated with people’s engagement in some type of regular social activity where skills and capabilities are used and where interpersonal exchange is experienced (Bath & Deeg, 2005; Mendes de Leon, 2005).Studies so far mainly focused on the relevance of frequency and type of social engagement for healthy aging. A theory that social interaction between individuals is based on rational calculations and that people seek to maximize their rewards from these exchanges and minimize their costs; exchange theorists argue that interaction between the old and the young decreases, because older people have fewer resources to bring to the exchange. The earliest gerontological theory in the functionalist perspective is disengagement theory, which suggests that withdrawing from society and social relationships is a natural part of growing old.There are several main points to the theory. b. shares some of the characteristics of political economy theory. what are social theories of aging. This mentality is diametrically opposed to the Disengagement Theory.

Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior and interactions among individuals are a result of an exchange process. The social theories attempt to explain how certain people age well. The social construction of aging entails the creation of social norms and symbols that encapsulates the aging process. Start studying Aging Lecture 2 - Social, Psychological Theories. Introduction. The Social Exchange Theory does a great job of explaining relationships as cost-benefit equations. Drawing upon the previous work of Blau and Emerson, problems of aging are seen as problems of decreasing power resources. Of the alternative theories, social exchange is the only one to address the influence of culture on the experience of aging. The Cross-Linking Theory of Aging is also referred to as the Glycosylation Theory of Aging. Social exchange theory proposes that social behavior and interactions among individuals are a result of an exchange process. Aging as exchange: a preface to theory. After a brief review of the major concepts and propositions of the social-psychological theory of exchange, a view of aging as exchange is developed. However, not all theories of aging espoused by social scientists could properly be considered ‘‘social’’ theories.