Which aging theory posits that aging involves maintaining routines to preserve self-identity?

Which aging theory posits that aging involves maintaining routines to preserve self-identity?

• A. Endocrine
• B. Wear and tear
• C. Activity
• D. Continuity

Answer: (D)

Maintaining self-identity through familiar routines is the idea behind continuity theory of aging. This view holds that aging individuals strive to preserve ongoing patterns of life—habits, activities, roles, and relationships—to keep a stable sense of self. By continuing routines that have been part of their life, they experience psychological continuity and a smoother adjustment to aging. For example, an older adult who always cooked with a familiar routine keeps doing so, or someone who has played a long-standing social role remains engaged in that role. This emphasis on consistency helps protect self-identity amid change. In contrast, the endocrine theory points to hormonal shifts, wear-and-tear to cumulative physical damage, and activity theory to staying active for well-being; the scenario described aligns best with continuity theory because it centers on preserving self-identity through routines.

Maintaining self-identity through familiar routines is the idea behind continuity theory of aging. This view holds that aging individuals strive to preserve ongoing patterns of life—habits, activities, roles, and relationships—to keep a stable sense of self. By continuing routines that have been part of their life, they experience psychological continuity and a smoother adjustment to aging. For example, an older adult who always cooked with a familiar routine keeps doing so, or someone who has played a long-standing social role remains engaged in that role. This emphasis on consistency helps protect self-identity amid change. In contrast, the endocrine theory points to hormonal shifts, wear-and-tear to cumulative physical damage, and activity theory to staying active for well-being; the scenario described aligns best with continuity theory because it centers on preserving self-identity through routines.