C2 Psychological changes GapFill

Getting older can have both positive and negative psychological effects. 

 RedundancyEmploymentMarriageRetirement can be a happy time when people can be healthy and active and have more time for the things they want to do. On the other hand, some older people may experience poor health, poverty and  diseasewealthhappinessisolation from no longer working. If an older person feels they have achieved in life, they may find retirement a fulfilling experience and have high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem. On the other hand, a more negative experience can be caused by loss of health or mobility, the death of a partner or friends, financial concerns and feeling   unhealthymarginalisedhappyold. According to psychologists Cummings and Henry (1961) it is natural for older people to withdraw from   achievementinvolvementopportunitybeing with society as they continue to age. This is known as disengagement and it occurs because older people have restricted opportunities to interact with others. Cummings (1963) believed that disengagement and the  reductiondiscouragementincreaseenhancement of social contact is a natural part of ageing.

Later, Bromley (1974) noted that some individuals try to fight this process, but that it is inevitable as older people will eventually lack the physical or mental   languageresourcesfinancesability to engage with society. Bromley also argued that older people should be shown how to prevent disengagement from going too far. This could be achieved by encouraging them to remain physically and mentally   activehappyrelaxedbored and avoid negative attitudes or fixed habits. A criticism of disengagement theory is that it is somewhat outdated. Many older people now have access to cars, mobile phones and the Internet, all of which can help older people to stay   divorcedmarriedretiredengaged and maintain contact with family and wider society.