Encyclopedia of Gerontology, Two-Volume Set

The research literature on aging continues to expand rapidly, reflecting both the rising interest of the scientific community and also the needs of a growing older population. In the year 1900, persons over 65 years of age were the smallest portion of developed societies. Today they are emerging as the largest. With that shift in the greying of the population come changes in behavior, physiology, social infrastructure, etc. The articles in the Encyclopedia touch upon the many and varied aspects of research in gerontology, from the genetics and biology of aging, to issues of daily life: the workplace, family life, retirement, health care, social security and pensions. Aging is a complex process of change involving influences of a biological, behavioral, social, and environmental nature, all of which are explored in the context of this encyclopedia. Readers will find all new articles and wholly new coverage of topics that have seen research advances. Very few articles are unchanged from the First Edition.

The rise in aging related research has increased the amount and diversity of research material available, making the need for integration of information important. The Encyclopedia provides a single entry point for a wealth of information, consolidating and summarizing pertinent findings while providing information for additional readings. Organized alphabetically by article title, the Encyclopedia also provides a comprehensive subject index for better reader access to topics that may go by several different naming conventions. Articles are additionally cross-referenced to each other as relevant to better guide readers to additional related information.

With new and updated topics reflecting the dramatic research advancements and growth of interest in issues relating to all areas of gerontology, this second edition contains the most current and comprehensive information available on the subject. Birren (gerontology & psychology, emeritus, Univ. of California), a leading researcher in the field, returns as editor in chief. The 181 signed articles he includes—approximately 40 more than in the 1996 edition—are by noted scholars and researchers and address five broad areas of study: biology, psychology, the social sciences, the health sciences, and the humanities. Each of the articles, which average eight to ten pages in length, includes a glossary, a comprehensive overview of the topic, and suggestions for further reading. The entries are fully cross-referenced and cover myriad issues, e.g., abuse and neglect, bioenergetics, creativity, dementia, driving behavior, globalization, pharmacology, and wisdom. Intended for use by both students and research professionals, this work is nonetheless highly accessible for interested general readers. As an aging baby boomer with elderly parents, this reviewer found the entries to be especially readable, informative, and useful. Bottom Line While MacMillan's Encyclopedia of Aging (2002) is a frequently recommended gerontology resource, its concise and short articles don't begin to provide the level of information and research offered here. Highly recommended for all academic, public, and medical libraries; those owning the previous edition will also want to purchase. [Available online via ScienceDirect (www.info.sciencedirect.com ).—Ed.]—Elizabeth M. Wavle, Elmira Coll. Lib., NY

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