Main description:

This text offers a readable and friendly presentation of the important methods, findings, and theories of human aging, while actively involving the reader in meaningful exercises and critical thinking. Students are repeatedly challenged to apply information in the text to the older adults in their own lives. Specifically, suggestions for enhancing the lives of their older relatives are offered and encouraged. These include guidelines for discussions they might have regarding social, emotional, and environmental changes as well encouraging intellectual and social interaction. While presenting the latest in research findings, the authors have also strived to keep research interesting for students who may not see themselves as researchers.

Contents:

1 An Introduction to Human Aging Why Study Human Aging? The Study of Aging. Who is Aging/Who is Old? Stereotypes. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources 2 Research Methods and Issues Guiding Principles and Issues. Theory. Research Methods. Ethics. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources Part I: Aging and Our Bodies 3 Physical Aspects of Aging Individual Differences. Changes in Physical Appearance. Internal Changes. Chronic Conditions. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 4 Theories of Senescence and Aging An Overview. Programmed Theories. A Middle Category. Unprogrammed Theories. All of the Above. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 5. Health and Longevity Overview. Factors Beyond Our Control. Factors Within Our Control. Other Factors. Social Factors. Quality of Life. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. Part II: Aging and Our Minds 6 Sensation, Perception, and Slowing with Age Sensation and Perception. Slowing. Falls. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 7 Memory and Cognition An Overview of Memory Processing. Memory and Aging. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 8 Intelligence, Wisdom, and Creativity Intelligence. Expertise. Wisdom. Creativity. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. Part III: Aging and Our Selves 9 Personality and Coping An Overview of Personality. Traits. Personal Concerns. Coping. Identity. Personality, Health, and Well-Being. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 10 Relationships Social Relations Across the Life Span. Social Support. Family Relationships. Friends. Religion and Spirituality. Isolation and Loneliness. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 11 Work and Retirement Work. Retirement. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. Part IV: Aging and Our Survival 12 Psychopathology Overview. Alcohol Abuse. Depression. Acute Cognitive Disorders. Dementia. Caregiving. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 13 Healthy/Helpful Environments Spaces and Places. Person Environment Congruence. Where We Live in Old Age. Community Based Long-Term Care. Retirement Communities and Assisted Living. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. 14 Death and Bereavement Death. Bereavement. Support. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. Part V: Aging and You 15 Looking to the Future Principles and Issues. Aging and Well-Being. The Future. Highlights, Questions, Readings, and Internet Resources. References Name Index Subject Index