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Uniquely bridging a gap in the gerontology literature between the biological and psychosocial aspects of aging, this interdisciplinary text provides key updates on an abundance of cutting-edge research; expands information on diversity issues in aging; and examines in great depth the physiology of aging, theories of biological aging, and methodological issues. Instructors will also welcome the availability of an Instructor’s Manual and PowerPoint slides.
Written for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, and invigorated by the addition of new coauthors, the third edition integrates findings in biology, psychology, and the social sciences to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary coverage of the aging process. Included is key information on age-related changes and disease-related processes, the demography of the aging population worldwide, theories of aging, and ways to promote optimal aging. From a psychosocial perspective, the book examines mental health, stress and coping, spirituality, and caregiving in later years. Also included is crucial information on longitudinal design and statistics as they relate to research on aging, promising new trends in gerontechnology and Green Houses, and information on health promotion programs. Real-life examples throughout the text help students to understand practical applications of the material.
New to the Third Edition:
- Abundant new cutting-edge research on biological and psychosocial aspects of aging
- Expands information on diversity issues
- Updated theories of biological aging: microRNA, proteasomes, and gut microsomes
- Psychology of aging: How variability in responses to stress affects health and mortality
- Aging and public policy: How the recent recession has affected poverty rates resulting in increases in mortality among poor, middle-aged Whites
- Gerontechnology: The “Internet of things,” assistive devices, and the potential of robots
- Instructor’s Manual and PowerPoint slides
Key Features:
- Examines age-related changes, disease-related processes, theories of aging, and ways to promote optimal aging
- Encompasses mental health, stress and coping, spirituality, and caregiving in later years
- Provides information on aging-related longitudinal design and statistics
- Covers promising new trends such as gerontechnology and Green Houses
Foreword by Robert M. Kaplan
Preface to the Third Edition
SECTION I. DEMOGRAPHIC, THEORETICAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
1. Introduction and Basic Concepts in Aging
Basic Definitions
Organization of the Book
2. Demography of Aging
Aging in the World
Demographic Factors and the Rate of Aging
Summary
3. Theories of Aging
Biological Theories of Aging
Psychosocial Theories of Aging
Summary
4. Understanding Change in Aging Research
Research Designs
Basic Statistical Terms
Summary of Common Statistical Techniques
Age-Related Designs
Statistics for Assessing Change
Statistics That Predict Change
Special Design Issues in Health and Aging Research
Summary
SECTION II. AGING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
5. Aging of the Skin and Musculoskeletal System
Skin
Musculoskeletal System
Summary
6. Aging of the Internal Organ Systems
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Gastrointestinal System
Renal/Urinary System
Summary
7. Aging of the Sensory and Nervous Systems
Sensory System
Nervous System
Summary
8. Aging of the Endocrine and Immune Systems
Endocrine System
Immune System
Summary
9. Functional Health, Health Promotion, and Quality of Life
Functional Health
Health Promotion in Older Adults
Quality of Life
Summary
SECTION III. PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING PHYSICAL HEALTH
10. The Interface Between Physical and Mental Health
Personality Processes and Disease
Differentiating Between Mental and Physical Health Problems in Late Life
Summary
11. Stress, Coping, and Health
Stress
Coping With Stress
Summary
12. Social Support, Health, and Aging
Characteristics of Social Support Networks
Social Support, Morbidity, and Mortality
Caregiving
Summary
SECTION IV. PRACTICAL AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF AGING
13. Aging in the Sociostructural Context
Retirement: Variations on a Theme
Poverty in Late Life
Health Care Economics in Late Life
Living Arrangements
Gerontechnology
Summary
14. What Is Optimal Aging?
Models of Optimal Aging
Wisdom and Optimal Aging
Religiousness, Spirituality, and Optimal Aging
Ars Moriendi—The Art of Dying
Summary
Index