Aging & Older Adulthood 3rd

The third edition of this essential text has been updated and expanded with new material that reflects the most recent developments in the field, and explores our current understanding of a broad range of topics related to aging and older adulthood. "This text provides a dynamic historical narrative of aging research and theory, along with very insightful contemporary case studies that enrich the reader's understanding of the fi eld of gerontology and individual processes of aging. It is recognized that as we age, health issues become more intertwined with personal realities, and Dr Erber provides a nuanced discussion of various changes in health and life concerns that is both informative and optimistic with regard to illness prevention and positive health outcomes… she provides a very systematic and well-structured presentation of the key areas and concerns of human aging." Dr Dean D. VonDras, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay As improvements in the provision of healthcare result in an aging population in many countries around the world, we must broaden and deepen our understanding of the numerous issues relating to this growing demographic. This key text provides students in a range of related disciplines with an accessible core text that covers a wide range of topics. Beginning with a presentation of the demographic characteristics of older people, the book details the theoretical approaches that apply to the study of adult development and aging, before proceeding to a thematic treatment of core issues such as health, sensation perception, memory, intellect, social interactions, employment and retirement, and mental health. As in previous editions, chapter-opening vignettes provide real-world illustrations of older adults, which have been updated and tied in with the concepts in each chapter. Special feature boxes point toward current understanding and research applications, while key points and issues are separately highlighted as a basis for class discussion. This authoritative volume provides the latest insights into, and theoretical interpretation of, our understanding of the human aging process.