Cumming and Henry

• social disengagement theory
• older people naturally withdraw from social involvement as they get older. Disengagement is a natural part of the ageing process
• older people have restricted social contact and interaction and become increasingly 'individual' and less concerned with other's expectations
• Bromley supports this theory- old people no longer have the physical nor mental resources they had when they were young. He argued they needed to disengage but remain active including mentally active, maintaining an interest in life and enjoying the company of others
• criticism- little statistical evidence to support this view. Majority of older people remain socially active and involved with family and friends