Havighurst - activity theory

• those who remain physically and socially active reduce their risk of illness and increase longevity and wellbeing
• many older people look forward to retirement as they see it as an opportunity to learn new things or make new friends
• older people may need to adjust to changes in health/mobility but many people's needs can be satisfied by taking on new roles following retiremt such as charity work or learning a new skill
• • rather than inevitable decline in interest in life and isolation, older people tend to adjust to the ageing process - based on the assumption that social and psychological needs of older people remain the same