Gerontology An Interdisciplinary Perspective

by Cavanaugh, John C.; Whitbourne, Susan Krauss

• ISBN13: 9780195115468
• ISBN10: 0195115465
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-02-25
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

As the baby boom generation ages, the number of older adults continues to increase at a dramatic rate. This trend has created a need for well-educated professionals in the rapidly expanding fields of psychology, social work, health care, education, public administration and policy, and human services. Because of this, the growth of courses in gerontology has created a demand for appropriate textbooks, particularly at the graduate level. Gerontology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective provides a thorough and broad-based survey of the current knowledge base and is the first gerontology text aimed at the graduate level. The authors of each chapter are leading experts in their respective fields. Topics covered include: theory; methodology; physiological processes; health; culture and ethnicity; dying and bereavement; basic cognitive processes; intellectual abilities; personality; assessment; mental health and intervention; caregiving; work, retirement and leisure; competency and nursing homes; and public policy issues. Each chapter reflects current trends and emerging issues, as well as a firm grounding in previous research and theory, and includes review questions and a list of additional references. The interdisciplinary nature of the text clearly reflects the state of the field and emphasizes the need to take a broader view of age-related phenomena. Ideal for master's level students in gerontology, psychology, sociology, nursing, geriatrics, and related disciplines, Gerontology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective can also serve as a core text in appropriate advanced undergraduate courses.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Contributors	xi
Theories of Aging in the Biological, Behavioral, and Social Sciences	1	(32)
John C. Cavanaugh
Research Methods	33	(32)
John C. Cavanaugh
Susan Krauss Whitbourne
Culture and Aging	65	(26)
Mark R. Luborsky
Carmit Kurn McMullen
Physical Changes	91	(32)
Susan Krauss Whitbourne
Immunity, Disease Processes, and Optimal Aging	123	(32)
Carolyn M. Aldwin
Diane F. Gilmer
Dying and Bereavement	155	(31)
Robert Kastenbaum
Basic Cognitive Processes	186	(27)
Elizabeth A.L. Stine-Morrow
Lisa M. Soederberg Miller
Intelligence and Cognitive Potential in Late Life	213	(25)
Roger A. Dixon
David F. Hultsch
Self and Personality Development	238	(31)
Gisela Labouvie-Vief
Manfred Diehl
Clinical Assessment of Older Adults	269	(36)
Barry Edelstein
Kimberly Kalish
Mental Health and Mental Disorders in Older Adults	305	(24)
Sara Honn Qualls
Intergenerational Relationships in Later-Life Families: Adult Daughters and Sons as Caregivers to Aging Parents	329	(26)
Marry Ann Parris Stephens
Melissa M. Franks
Work, Leisure, and Retirement	355	(36)
Harvey L. Sterns
Jennifer Hurd Gray
Older Adults' Decision-Making Capacity: Institutional Settings and Individual Choices	391	(23)
Michael A. Smyer
Rebecca Allen-Burge
Public Policy Issues	414	(35)
Robert H. Binstock
Index	449