Continuity theory of aging is the most appropriate and the healthiest way of life for the aging people. This is because the theory states that older adults will usually maintain the same behaviors, activities and pattern of life they used to live in their earlier days of life. According to Crosnoe & Elder, (2002), aging adults achieve continuity by adapting strategies that are connected to their past life. For instance, for instance, most grandparents mentor their grandchildren when they enter high school as a way of engaging in and adopting activities of their youthful years (Crosnoe & Elder, 2002).
Continuity theory of aging is advantageous over activity and disengagement theories since it uses life course perspective to explain aging. Similarly, it is based on the empirical evidence obtained from research in human psychosocial development. It is also functional since it attempts to achieve a state of equilibrium between an individual and the society. However, its only limitation is that it does not fully portray the reality among all adults in different human societies.
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Activity theory is advantageous in explaining aging because it is based on the fact that older adults engage actively in different activities that keep them healthy and active. This theory also reflects a functional perspective in aging. However, it does not sufficiently explain the course of aging from childhood to late adulthood. Activity theory also has some limitations in the manner in which it overlooks health and economic differences among older adults that limits them from engaging in such activities.
Disengagement theory states that older adults are most likely to withdraw from most activities in which they used to take part in their earlier days. This disengagement leads to withdrawal and decreased interaction of the aging person and other people in the social setting in which they live. One pro to this theory is that it is the most common hence it is more realistic in explaining the phenomenon of aging. However, it limitation is that it does not portray a psychologically and physically healthy way of living in the late adulthood.
Reference
Crosnoe, R., & Elder, G. H. (2002). Life course transitions, the generational stake, and grandparent ‐ grandchild relationships. Journal of Marriage and Family , 64 (4), 1089-1096.
