Social Gerontology
INSTRUCTIONS:
Question: As a starting point, read the following news article, “PA Wellness Programme on track to meet target” 9 September 2011, available at http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1152050/1/.html Discuss the continuity theory in the context of an individual`s ageing process in the physical, social and psychological dimensions. Give relevant examples to support your answer. (250-300 words) The activity theory perspective is said to be central to Singapore`s national initiatives in promoting active ageing. Discuss the activity theory and its relation to three (80 marks) examples of such national policies and programmes. What are the drawbacks of having national policies and programmes driven by the activity theory perspective? Your analysis should take into consideration cultural, gender, social class and lifestyle factors. (800 words) In answering the first part of the question, you may also want to consider where continuity theory may or may not apply successfully. For the second question, you should understand the relationship between activity theory and the concept of active ageing as promoted nationally. You should review some of the national policies and programmes on active ageing (basic information can also be found on government websites and in news articles) and critically evaluate these approaches. Please note that the answers/reserach should centered around Singapore social/ cultural context, thus all references should come from Singapore websites, Singapore National policies Please remember to provide the word count, and a list of references at the end of the essay. You may visit below websites: 1) http://www.mcys.gov.sg 2) http://c3a.org.sg 3) http://www.moh.gov.sg 4) http://www.cpf.gov.sg 5) http://www.inpea.net Journals/magazines: 1) Mehta, K. Journal of aging and social policy vol. 18 2) Singapore Straits Times Textbook (REQUIRED) 1) Social gerontology : A Multidisciplinary Perspective by : Hooyman, N.R & Kiyak, H.A , 2011 2) Understanding and Counselling older persons by: Koo, Helen, Mehta. Kalyani., Ko, Soo Meng , 2006
CONTENT:
Student Name Professor`s Name Social Gerontology 2 February 2012 Social Gerontology THE CONTINUITY THEORY It is a psychosocial theory of ageing which is based on the work of Atchley. The theory makes a basic assumption that though ageing is a changing process, those undergoing it react and respond to ageing based on their past life experiences. The decisions they made when they were a little younger and the day to day experiences they encountered strongly influence how they adapt when ageing knocks at their door. The theory also asserts that they are “predisposed and motivated towards inner psychological continuity as well as outward continuity of social behaviour and circumstances.†This theory allows room for change. Their current and future decisions and behaviours are based on their past actions. This is because peoples` personality, values, beliefs and reasoning remain the same throughout life as a constant identifier of the inner self. (Hooyman & Kiyak 14) It has many applications with regard to social, physical and psychological aspects of life. A nurse taking care of the old in seniors` home will cope better if she understands the past of those she is entrusted with. She will give better services if he knows what decisions they made in the past as they are likely to follow the same path in coping with the normal ageing process. It can be applied across many cultural divides and is not limited to one country like Singapore. It also ...
