Melinda Sordino is the main character and narrator of Laurie Halse Anderson 's 1999 novel Speak.Her last name, Sordino, is an Italian word that can be translated as mute..oing into ninth grade at Merryweather High School, Melinda Mel Sordino goes to a party with three other friends and is raped by a senior, Andy Evans.
The Wear and Tear Theory of Aging. The wear and tear theory of aging believes that the effects of aging are caused by damage done to cells and body systems over time. Essentially, these systems wear out due to use. Once they wear out, they can no longer function correctly.
The disengagement theory of aging states that aging is an inevitable, mutual withdrawal or disengagement, resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to. The theory claims that it is natural and acceptable for older adults to withdraw from society. The theory was formulated by Cumming and Henry in 1961 in the book Growing Old, and it was the first theory of aging that social scientists developed. Thus, this theory has historical significance in gerontology.