Health, Illness, and Optimal Aging

Spanning the biological and psychosocial aspects of aging, this upper-level undergraduate and graduate text integrates current findings in biology, psychology, and the social sciences to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary coverage of the aging process. From a physical perspective, it examines age-related changes and disease-related processes, the demography of the aging population, theories of aging, and the how to promote optimal aging. Coverage of the psychosocial aspects of aging encompasses mental health, stress and coping, spirituality, and care-giving in later years.

The authors address demographic, theoretical, and methodological issues on aging including a worldwide overview of the demography of aging. The book reviews biological and psychosocial theories and offers much-needed information on longitudinal design and statistics as they relate to aging research. It discusses the aging of major organ systems, basic anatomy and physiology, normal, impaired, and optimal aging, and functional health. Psychosocial factors that affect health are addressed including the interplay between physical and mental health, stress, coping, and social support. The text also covers current issues in social gerontology including optimal aging, and provides information on health promotion programs.

• Addresses retirement, housing, and new trends such as gerontechnology and Green Houses),
• Covers economics and aging including information on social security and other retirement income and the future of Medicare and Medicaid All chapters are extensively revised and updated.

• Integrates biogerontology with social processes
• Provides comprehensive coverage of every part of the aging process from physical aging of different body systems to quality of life and social support
• Includes detailed demographics of aging and covers longitudinal statistics
• Offers valuable tips for promoting optimal aging
• Features examples of real life situations to enhance learning and promote critical thinking
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