La vivencia del envejecimiento

Abstract

Demographical statistics shows a generalized progressive ageing in advanced economies populations. Main theoretical frameworks about ageing are reviewed, and results of a re-analysis of a transversal survey among 49 and more y-o males at Madrid City are described. Two theoretical approaches–disengagement and activity- are specifically contrasted, suggesting opposite ageing normative models. Results suggests that disengagement do have descriptive value, but is not a normative model and could depend to the same degree or more on factors different than age, specially on socio-economic status. Ageing is described as a “bereavement process” on own life’s time, with rejection-avoiding of anything remembering own age. This rejecting is interpreted as “age-ism”. Assessment and social interventions on aged groups are warranted, specially on “disengaged elders”, and some generic suggestions on their design are advanced.