Disengagement theory and continuity theory example. One similarity between the disengagement theory of ageing and the continuity theory of ageing when looking at Joan case study is that both theories emphasise the idea that elderly people through ageing, go through a psychological process which leads them to withdrawal from activities she might have engaged in, in the past. In the case of Joan, this can be further explained due to her previous prescription of medication for her Alzheimer's possibly affecting her cognitive ability, as well as her placement into a residential care unit due to her old age away from family. However, one of the key difference is that the continuity theory argues that access to wide range of activities will prevent withdrawal in the case of Joan access to a garden, whereas disengagement theorists would stress that this can be affected by physical ability in old age regardless of access such as poor vision and low mobility.