A Continuity Theory of Normal Aging

Abstract

Continuity Theory holds that, in making adaptive choices, middle-aged and older adults attempt to preserve and maintain existing internal and external structures; and they prefer to accomplish this objective by using strategies tied to their past experiences of themselves and their social world. Change is linked to the person's perceived past, producing continuity in inner psychological characteristics as well as in social behavior and in social circumstances. Continuity is thus a grand adaptive strategy that is promoted by both individual preference and social approval.

“To be, or not to be”: experiencing deterioration among people with young-onset dementia living alone

“…An experience of continuity with their former self is essential, and the continuity theory of ageing of Atchley (1989) underlines the importance of outer continuity and inner continuity . These concepts refer to subjective experiences of the outer world and the inner self, and a feeling of continuity can be preserved also when the circumstances of life change.…”

Antecedents of subjective age biases among senior women

“…Exposed by the theory of continuity (Atchley, 1993(Atchley, , 1996, this can be defined for seniors as the feeling of conserving the same aptitudes and physical, mental or social capacities as when the person was younger. The discrepancy between chronological age and subjective age will be bigger when this feeling is stronger.…”

Private Black colleges’ encouragement of student giving and volunteerism: An examination of prosocial behavior development

“…It is this socialization process that, in part, frames my study. According to Atchley's (1989) continuity theory, established patterns are likely to be followed in the future. Building upon Atchley ' s observations others have used continuity theory to explain continual giving within a philanthropic context ( Piliavin and Charng, 1990 ;Okunade and Justice, 1991 ;Lindahl and Winship, 1992 ).…”

“…Understanding that NPAC encourages students to contribute fi nancially to the UNCF and their alma mater and through service to their community, when applying the continuity theory ( Atchley, 1989 ), we can expect to observe that postgraduation those involved in NPAC are continually engaged. In speaking with students, alumni and advisors there was a clear belief that NPAC does have a positive effect on future participation with the UNCF and the individual institutions.…”

“…Building upon Atchley's (1989) continuity theory, Lindahl and Winship (1992) and Okunade and Justice (1991) have found that past giving behaviors are correlated with current and future giving practices. These theories suggest that by enhancing students ' prosocial behavior through instilling a culture of philanthropy, colleges can establish relationships that will continue well after graduation.…”