The aging process is a complex, sometimes mysterious evolution we will all experience: In this interdisciplinary text, author Lewis R. Aiken acquaints you with the elements and effects influencing people in the later stages of life. Beginning with an historical overview of gerontology, Aiken discusses both pragmatic and philosophical concerns within the field. Factors impacting the process and results of aging are carefully outlined and explicated; these address such areas as biology, psychology, sociology, economics, and politics. The interpersonal variability of the older population is stressed throughout the book, recognizing gender, ethnic, racial, and cultural differences. Each chapter concludes with a thorough review of the material covered, a series of questions and activities designed to enhance the learning experience, and a list of suggested readings that expand on the topics being discussed. Clearly written, authoritative, rich in information and integration of research material in a wide range of disciplines, Aging: An Introduction to Gerontology is valuable for undergraduate, certificate, and community college programs in gerontology as well as graduate courses in applied professional disciplines. "The book makes a contribution to the field, it is a praiseworthy effort and it has substantive merit. . . . It reveals competence, good grasp of the subject matter, and a very good integration of research material in a wide range of disciplines. The information is generally very much up to date and relevant. It constitutes the right introduction for people interested to learn about the field of gerontology. The text is lucid, clearly written, and easy to read. It is definitely well attuned to its targeted audience. It introduces technical terminology with all the proper caveats and facilitates its comprehension with a glossary." --Abraham Monk, School of Social Work, Columbia University "This is a basic textbook of human gerontology that comprehensively covers aging and the aged, with a special emphasis on the psychology of aging. The purpose is to review what is known about aging and older adulthood, the methods by which this information is obtained, and to provide practical guidelines for dealing with the problems of an aged population. The author meets these goals very well. This book is written for undergraduate and graduate students. Even geriatricians in training will find this a lucid exposition of human gerontology. This book's well-organized chapters are clearly illustrated. There are boxes that highlight concepts and a list of further readings in addition to well-cited references. At the end of each chapter, there are questions and exercises. This textbook is a welcome addition to the field. It is very well written and organized. Both teachers and students will enjoy using this textbook. Rating: 98." --Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal "Aging is rich in information and integration of research material in a wide range of disciplines and valuable for undergraduate, certificate, and community college programs in gerontology and as well graduate courses in applied professional disciplines." --Turning Pages
The productive contribution by older adults to the lives of others through altruism and helping is the focus of this book, which provides a useful antidote to the view that the elderly are recipients rather than givers of help. Following a brief historical survey of ageing treatments, the authors present their own theoretical model of successful ageing. Based on a carefully applied methodological review of research focusing on altruism and the elderly, the results reveal the relative frequency, nature, correlates and ramifications of the contributions they make.
Ageing and Later Life reflects the diverse nature of the subject by taking a multidisciplinary approach including literary, historical, sociological, policy, psychological, philosophical and clinical perspectives. This lively and informative book features essays by major authors in the field and includes discussions of: cultural aspects of self-image and identity; current concerns relating to health and well-being; the reality of power and control in the care of older people; concepts and values which shape our understanding of ageing; issues of policy and politics; and historical perspectives on ageing and possibilities for the future. Ageing and Later Life is a set book for The Open University course K256 An Ageing Society.
Introducing a basis for dialogue across humanistic, scientific, and professional disciplines, this work addresses topics as industrial employment, retirement, life styles of older women, and biological research. It includes philosophical reflections on the ""third age"", perspectives on institutional adaptations, and an aging society.
Shows how social values impact elders in the US and how older persons, and those who advocate on their behalf, may respond to the attitudes and actions of others. This book offers a look at the challenges of ageing. It includes chapters on stereotypes, human rights, ageism, the ethics of survival, elder abuse, fear of ageing, dementia and more.
The first edition of "Family Relationships in Later Life" marked the beginning of a serious interest in the intersection of family scholarship and study of the aged. It outlined the nature of interpersonal relationships within the family of the aged, some major issues concerning families of the elderly and some policy and intervention issues. This second edition carries on the tradition of its predecessor. Each chapter synthesizes the present knowledge on the topic. Each also presents the author's most recent empirical work on the subject or suggests applications of this knowledge to policy or practice. Contributors come from a variety of disciplines. The new edition of "Family Relationships in Later Life" ia a tool for research, practice and instruction for family professionals and gerontologists.
This volume of the ARGG is devoted to the behavioral sciences, with particular attention given to topics in experimental and applied psychology. With the rapid rate of research in this field of aging, the contributors address a number of important basic and applied topics that are underrepresented in other literature..
Offers an account of the author's struggle to cope with her father when, in his last years, he changed from someone lively, charming, and independent to someone she and her family could not recognise. This book presents a woman's tale, intended for those who have taken on the care of an ageing parent or relative.
Suggesting what to look for when choosing a facility for your parent and the nursing home, this book shows how to monitor the care offered. For residents and caregivers alike, it includes appendixes that feature facts about retirement facilities and tips on how to evaluate a residential care facility.
