Aging: An Introduction to Gerontology

In this interdisciplinary text, Lewis R Aiken examines the elements that influence people in the later stages of life.

Beginning with an historical overview of gerontology, the author discusses both pragmatic and philosophical concerns within the field. Factors impacting the process and results of ageing are carefully outlined and address such areas as biology, psychology, sociology, economics and politics. The interpersonal variability of the older population is stressed throughout the book, recognizing gender, ethnic, racial and cultural differences. Each chapter concludes with: a thorough review of the material covered; a series of questions and activities designed to enhance the learning experience; and a list of sugges

This book contains black-and-white illustrations.

In this interdisciplinary text, Lewis R Aiken examines the elements that influence people in the later stages of life.

Beginning with an historical overview of gerontology, the author discusses both pragmatic and philosophical concerns within the field. Factors impacting the process and results of ageing are carefully outlined and address such areas as biology, psychology, sociology, economics and politics. The interpersonal variability of the older population is stressed throughout the book, recognizing gender, ethnic, racial and cultural differences. Each chapter concludes with: a thorough review of the material covered; a series of questions and activities designed to enhance the learning experience.

David O. Staats

This is a basic textbook of human gerontology that comprehensively covers aging and the aged, with a special emphasis on the psychology of aging. The purpose is to review what is known about aging and older adulthood, the methods by which this information is obtained, and to provide practical guidelines for dealing with the problems of an aged population. The author meets these goals very well. This book is written for undergraduate and graduate students. Even geriatricians in training will find this a lucid exposition of human gerontology. This book's well-organized chapters are clearly illustrated. There are boxes that highlight concepts and a list of further readings in addition to well-cited references. At the end of each chapter, there are questions and exercises. This textbook is a welcome addition to the field. It is very well written and organized. Both teachers and students will enjoy using this textbook.

Lewis R. Aiken received his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He subsequently taught at UNC-Greensboro, where he was also Director of Admissions and Placement Research. Other teaching appointments have included Guilford College (where he was Dana Professor of Psychology and Department Chair), UCLA, the University for Teacher Education in Tehran, University of the Pacific, and Pepperdine University. He has received numerous awards, including an NAS-NRC Postdoctoral Resident Research Associateship (U.S. Navy Research Laboratory and San Diego State University), a U.S.O.E. Postdoctoral Fellowship (Stanford University and the University of Georgia), and a Fulbright research /lectureship. Dr. Aiken has also served as a consultant for numerous educational, governmental, health, and industrial organizations and has worked in many different educational, clinical/counseling, research, and business situations. His research interests are in psychological assessment and social and personality psychology, and he has published books on psychological and educational assessment, personality, adult development and aging, death and dying, and general psychology. His popular textbook Psychological Testing & Assessment remains a best-seller in its field, having recently entered a tenth edition.