Continuity theory

The continuity theory of normal aging states that older adults will usually maintain the same activities, behaviors, relationships as they did in their earlier years of life.

[1] According to this theory, older adults try to maintain this continuity of lifestyle by adapting strategies that are connected to their past experiences.

[4] In 1968, George L. Maddox gave an empirical description of the theory in a chapter of the book Middle Age and Aging: A Reader in Social Psychology called "Persistence of life style among the elderly: A longitudinal study of patterns of social activity in relation to life satisfaction".

The external structure of an individual such as relationships and social roles provides a support for maintaining a stable self-concept and lifestyle.

[6] Another weakness of the theory is that it fails to demonstrate how social institutions impact the individuals and the way they age.

An elderly Tibetan woman holding a prayer wheel demonstrates the continuity theory. Despite their age, older adults generally maintain the same traditions and beliefs.