Main description:

Uniquely bridging a gap in the gerontology literature between the biological and psychosocial aspects of aging, the second edition of this interdisciplinary text provides key updates on an abundance of cutting edge research, expands information on diversity issues in aging, and examines in greater depth the physiology of aging, theories of biological aging, and methodological issues. Instructors will also welcome the addition 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 text 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, aging theories, and how 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 aging research, promising new trends in gerotechnology, 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
Expands information on diversity issues
Updated theories of biological aging: microRNA, proteasomes, and gut microsomes
Psychology of aging: how variability in responses to stress affect health and mortality, Blue Zones
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
Includes the research of new authors
Instructor's Manual and PowerPoint slides

Key Features:

Integrates cutting-edge information on biological and psychosocial aspects of aging
Examines age-related changes, disease-related processes, aging theories, and how 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

Contents:

Foreword xi
Preface to the Third Edition
Preface to the Second Edition xiii
Acknowledgments xvii<
1. Introduction and Basic Concepts in Aging
SECTION I. DEMOGRAPHIC, THEORETICAL, AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
2. Demography of Aging
3. Theories of Aging
4. Understanding Change in Aging Research
SECTION II. AGING OF BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS
5. Aging of the Skin and Musculoskeletal System
6. Aging of the Internal Organ Systems
7. Aging of the Sensory and Nervous Systems
8. Aging of the Endocrine and Immune Systems
9. Functional Health, Health Promotion, and Quality of Life
SECTION III. PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AFFECTING PHYSICAL HEALTH
10. The Interface Between Physical and Mental Health
11. Stress, Coping, and Health
12. Social Support, Health, and Aging
SECTION IV. PRACTICAL AND CLINICAL ASPECTS OF AGING
13. Aging in the Sociostructural Context
14. What Is Optimal Aging?
Index