How does the disengagement theory affect a person's development?

This theory assumes that as you grow older you will begin to withdraw yourself from society and only keep contact with close friends and family. The theory states that if this happens then it will benefit both older people and the social system. By gradually withdrawing themselves from society will mean that society can keep its balance and allows the person to reflect on themselves without having to think about what their role in society is. As well as this this theory states that if older people withdraw themselves from society then it means that they can pass on their knowledge to the younger generation so that when they die society is able to carry on functioning.