Final answer:
Continuity theory is a variation of activity theory that asserts individuals strive to maintain self-esteem and lifelong principles by adjusting to the aging process while preserving their established self-concept and lifestyle choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to a variation of activity theory which theorizes that individuals continually strive to preserve their self-esteem and personal principles throughout their lives. This concept, known as continuity theory, suggests that people adjust their roles and activities in response to aging, aiming to maintain their established self-concept and lifestyle.
This theory fits within the broader domain of the symbolic interaction perspective in social studies, emphasizing the ongoing social process within individuals, particularly as they age.
According to continuity theory, older adults endeavor to preserve internal structures, such as beliefs and personality, while also maintaining external structures like social relationships. Individuals seek to achieve this balance through making choices consistent with their previously developed roles, thereby upholding social equilibrium.
It aligns with the fundamental human motivation to achieve competence, as highlighted in Erikson's developmental stages, and the drive for congruence between the ideal self and the real self, as posited by Carl Rogers.
It's important to note that continuity theory has received criticism for emphasizing so-called "normal" aging and potentially marginalizing those with chronic diseases. Critics also suggest that aging differently affects individuals, and access to activity and social opportunities may vary greatly depending on a range of factors.