King Lear and the Theory of Disengagement

Do the findings of modern gerontological research corroborate Shakespeare's concept of an old man? The present study investigates the retirement behavior of King Lear in the framework of the activity-disengagement theory. Although the Cumming and Henry report constitutes the main point of reference, the base has been broadened to include the difFerential disengagement theory proposed by Streib and Schneider. In the final analysis, Lear emerges as a credible old man whose life cycle traces a modal pattern: activity—differential disengagement—total disengagement—death.