Gerotranscendence Theory Vs Activity Theory Essay

There some of similarities between gerotranscendence theory and activity theory. Firstly, both of this theories bringing up positive value of older people in development of aging. Gerotrancendence theory emphasis on the sign of transcendence is a common and a normal process towards wisdom and maturity in late life, while the activity theory stress on maintaining such activity and role in middle age is important for the successful aging. Gerotrasncendence theory is the general positivist one, in which the person is consider as an object directed by internal and external forces, and the researcher is primarily concerned in the behaviour of the individual (Wadensten, 2007). The activity theory stated that when the older people more active, the more stable and positive concept develop which lead to life satisfaction and higher morale (Loue, 2008). Those positive values affect perception of older person and society towards old age from negative perception to positive perception.
The activity theory proposes that the older person should continue their middle-age role or replace the lost role, while the gerotrancendence theory develop new understanding about the necessity of roles and difference between oneself and role. The “Dimension of Self” and the “Dimension of Social and Personal relationship” are the examples of self and social roles in gerotranscendence theory. Adjusting to decreasing strength and health; adjusting to death of spouse; meeting social and civic obligations; and establishing relations with one's own age group are the examples of self and social roles in activity theory. Playing roles for one self, family and community is not just a necessity for older people but more than a feeling of appreciation during late