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The article provides information on the effects of civic engagement on the engaged older adults in the U.S. It discusses disengagement theory, a theory which emerged as the leading perspective on activity in the lives of older individuals. After the proposal of disengagement theory, various studies have revealed that many older individuals prefer to be engaged and that they benefit from engagement. These results have led to the formation of another theories, including continuity theory, activity theory, and the views of successful and productive aging which postulate that engagement is beneficial to the individual and that the loss of valued roles and responsibilities lessen the well-being of older adults.