Relevant and appropriate theories elating to elderly people’s way of life, pattern of living, information needs, seeking behavior and use of technology were reviewed. These theories are Disengagement Theory, Need Fulfillment Theory and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) respectively.
The Disengagement Theory was propounded by Cummings and Henry in 1961. The theory opined that withdrawing from society and social relationships is a natural part of growing old. The theory premised on the fact that because everyone expects to die one day, and because we experience physical and mental decline as we approach death, it is natural to withdraw from individuals and society. As the elderly withdraw, they receive less reinforcement to conform to social norms and societal changes (Cummings & Henry 1961). However, critics of this theory opined that the theory does not allow for a wide variation in the way people experience aging having focused on the idea that the elderly universally naturally withdraw from society as they age. (Hothschild 1975).