Implicit in disengagement theory is the view that accustomed social roles. Since it was first outlined more than three decades ago disengagement theory has generated considerable controversy. Some gerontologists have objected to the implication that older people want to be ignored and ‘’put away’’-and even more to the idea that they should be encouraged to withdraw from meaningful social roles. Critics of disengagement theory insist that society forces the elderly into an involuntary and painful withdrawal from the paid labor force and from meaningful social relationships. Rather than voluntarily seeking to disengage older employees find themselves pushed out of their jobs-in many instances even before they are entitled to maximum retirement benefits benefits (Boaz 1987).