Many theories of aging have been developed to enable not only the understanding of the aging process but also improve gerontological nursing. The theories have played a crucial role in bringing new approaches to how to handle senior citizens and also helped many health organizations modify their perspective, structures, and regulations when it comes to managing the aged within their institutions. Some of the theories include; Continuity theory, modernization theory, exchange theory and age stratification theory. Through this paper we are going to carry out a critical analysis of one theory; the continuity theory, highlighting its tenets, strengths, weakness plus any controversy that could be surrounding the theory.
Continuity theory is an aging theory which holds that older people will mostly maintain their personality traits, behaviors, social activities and relationships that they had during their earlier life. The theory is generated on the tenet or belief that despite the fact that the great length the older generations regularly goes through to fit in the contemporary society, little change regarding their social life or lifestyle choices (Kolb, 2008). The older generation usually maintains their social activities, personality, and relationship despite their changing environment, mental and social status. The older generations manage their existing internal and external structures to continuity which informs how they adapt to situations and set their goals in life. Most of their adaptive goals and strategies are usually attached to their past perception of life, their past social activities, and relationship. As such all of their future decisions are usually the private foundation of the past supported by external structures. Internal structures such as personality, beliefs, and ideas remain constant, and they are well supported by external structures such as social roles, established relationships, and lifestyle.
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Continuity theory originated from the unique observation where older members of the society most often than not maintained their social activities, relationships and beliefs held during their earlier or younger lives (Schlz, Noelker, Rockwood & Sprott, 2006). Several scholars briefly described the theory in their works however the approach was formally proposed in 1977, Robert C Atchley. Atchley further substantiated the theory in 1989 in his article ‘A Continuity Theory of Normal Aging’ that talks about the developing of external and internal structures of continuity. In 1999, Richard Atchley, through his book Continuity and Adaptation in Aging: Creating Positive Experiences further expanded and strengthened this theory. Richard Atchley and his colleagues carried out the research in Ohio to learn about how people go through the retirement transition. This study on the diversity of experience of the older generation in the society was carried out between 1975 and 1995 (Kolb, 2008).
The need to have a proper framework for the scientific study of aging or old age is what influenced Atchley to develop the continuity theory (Atchely, 1999). Contrary to what people believe that old people usually regress instead of progressing, Atchley believes that continuity regarding adaptation and development exists even in old age. As people age, so are their experiences of life and their decision-making processes. These past experiences of the older members of the society go a long way to forming the perception, beliefs, and values in the old people. The experiences further constitute the foundation for old people’s present and future decision-making process since they are the values and beliefs gathered in the past have been embedded into their personality which they cannot change (Wadensten, 2006). It is a quest to understand correctly why and how the older generations adapt and survives within the modern generation while at the same time maintaining most of their past social activities and relationships is what informed Atchley to developed the theory of continuity.
Continuity theory plays a crucial role in highlighting the values which influence society to understand the process of aging. It makes it easier for medical practitioners especially those in gerontological care to properly understand and appreciate their patients; why the old behave the way they do (Wadensten, 2006). Apart from that strength, this theory has some flaws. First, it does not provide any guideline or measure which can be used to help take care of the old people or even support the aging process. Also, continuity theory has not explained the role which social institutions play in people’s aging process. The theory is also quite controversial in its definition of the word healthy aging. In its definition, the theory has differentiated between normal and pathological aging neglecting the older adults who suffer from chronic diseases and at the same time aging. From other quarters, feminists have also criticized this theory for portraying aging as a male process rather than a universal process.
One cannot avoid aging thus described as an inevitable process. There is a need to ensure that proper guidelines are put in place so that hospital staff members taking care of the old using appropriate tools and practice guidelines. As such, criticism of various theories of aging will holistically provide the necessary pointers which can be used to develop these guidelines. The criticism of the continuity theory is important as it helps us understand why and how the older people behave the way they do today. It is a significant step in taking care of the old since it can help us promote care which is custom made for these senior citizens separate from other patients.
Though this theory provides crucial pointers in how to tailor care system for the old, there is a need also to critique other theories and appropriately come up with a way to translate these theories into guiding principles to enhance the provision of care for the old in the society.
References
Atchley, R. (1999). Continuity and adaptation in aging: Creating positive experiences .
Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Kolb, B (2008). Theories of Aging and Social Work Practice with Sensitivity to Diversity: Are There Useful Theories? Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 9(4) 2-24
Schulz, R., Noelker, L., Rockwood, K., & Sprott R. (2006 ). "Continuity Theory". Encyclopedia of Aging 1 (4th ed.). USA: Springer Publishing Company
Wadesten, B (2006). An analysis of psychosocial theories of ageing and their relevance to practical gerontological nursing in Sweden Retrieved from http://www.soc.uu.se/digitalAssets/235/235770_1psychosocial_theories.pdf
