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. 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.

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The second edition of this engaging text reflects a welcome new paradigm for aging—that of aging as a positive stage of life. Written for undergraduate and masters-level students, it provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the wide variety of subject areas within gerontology, and combines research with engrossing narratives, new trends, and controversial topics. Substantially updated, the second edition features integrated content on the diversity of the aging population. State-of-the-art information includes new science on the biology of aging; chronic conditions; integrated care; changing roles for older adults; new demographics; and critical policy issues. The second edition examines career opportunities in gerontology and includes Practical Applications and Student Activities, new scenarios, and many more charts and graphs. Qualified instructors have access to supplementary material, including PowerPoint slides, a test bank, and an instructor’s manual. Key Features: Conceptualizes a positive approach to aging, with an emphasis on the advantages and opportunities presented by the large and growing number of older Americans Delivers comprehensive, interdisciplinary coverage of aging topics Dispels negative myths about aging Engages the reader with vivid narratives and thought-provoking activities Offers a broad range of subject areas in the field, from biological aging processes, to economics and living arrangements Provides instructor’s manual, PowerPoint slides, and test bank for additional learning Includes access to student activities answer key New to the Second Edition: Presents a new chapter on careers in aging, which explores expanding opportunities Explores new and updated demographics Includes new information on personality, palliative care, age-friendly communities, homelessness, social networks, Medicaid, and more Presents a new approach to elder abuse focusing on solutions to social isolation, a major cause of abuse

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The power of the gerontological imagination -- Causality -- Life course analysis -- Multifaceted change -- Heterogeneity -- Accumulation process -- Ageism -- The gerontological imagination at work in scientific communities

What can social science, and demography in particular, reasonably expect to learn from biological information? There is increasing pressure for multipurpose household surveys to collect biological data along with the more familiar interviewer-respondent information. Given that recent technical developments have made it more feasible to collect biological information in non-clinical settings, those who fund, design, and analyze survey data need to think through the rationale and potential consequences. This is a concern that transcends national boundaries. Cells and Surveys addresses issues such as which biologic/genetic data should be collected in order to be most useful to a range of social scientists and whether amassing biological data has unintended side effects. The book also takes a look at the various ethical and legal concerns that such data collection entails.