Question

________ explains aging as a process of mutual withdrawal of individual and society, whereas _______ assumes positive correlation between activity and successful aging.

• A. Decay theory, Engagement theory
• B. Balance theory, Engagement theory
• C. Disengagement theory, Activity theory
• D. Withdrawal theory, Activity theory

Hint:

Remember the contrast: \textbf{Disengagement} = natural reduction in roles/contacts; \textbf{Activity} = stay engaged to age successfully. (A third, {Continuity theory}, stresses maintaining patterns over time.)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Map key phrases to theories.
- “{Mutual withdrawal of individual and society}” is the hallmark of Disengagement theory (Cumming \& Henry, 1961). It posits that reduced social interaction is a natural, adaptive part of aging for both the person and society.
- “{Positive correlation between activity and successful aging}” captures Activity theory (Havighurst), which argues that maintaining roles and social/physical activities leads to higher life satisfaction and better adjustment in old age.

Step 2: Eliminate distractors.
(A) and (B): “Decay/Balance/Engagement theory” are not the standard gerontological pairs explaining these statements.
(D) “Withdrawal theory” is not the canonical name; the accepted term is {Disengagement theory}. Though “withdrawal” sounds similar, the established label used in aging literature is {disengagement}.
\[ \boxed{\text{Disengagement theory, Activity theory}} \]