Theory of aging, proposed by Cumming and Henry, which holds that successful aging is characterized by mutual withdrawal between the older person and society. Compare activity theory.
an outdated theory, which, like activity theory, emphasises the discontinuity between older age and earlier stages of the life cycle. It postulates that withdrawal from interactions and activities is an inevitable accompaniment of older age as people become more self-preoccupied, and in order to minimise disruption to society (e.g. when death takes place). There is little evidence to support this theory and it legitimises the social redundancy of older people.
The proposition that older persons make a normal and healthy adjustment to aging when they detach themselves from their social roles and prepare for their eventual death.
views aging as a process of mutual withdrawal in which older adults voluntarily slow down by retiring, as expected by society.
aging involves mutual withdrawal (disengagement) between the older person and others in the elderly person’s environment
Disengagement theory delinates how relationships between people and other members of society are severed or altered in quality; each of these events constitute a form of disengagement. The theory was formulated by Cumming and Henry in the 1960s. Its specific focus on American society circa 1960s has been a target of criticism.