This volume evaluates a range of assessment measures with regard to older adults. The expert contributors address topics such as assessment of health, functional disability (ADLs), mental agility, aging and personality, depression, and pain. While the instruments themselves are readily available from other sources, this book discusses the suitability, strengths, and weaknesses of various measures and offers current information on the rapidly changing, state-of-the-art assessment technology.

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Sixteen chapters by scholars of social work relate the well-being of older adults to social work practice and the current model of service delivery. Chapters concentrate on issues affecting the health of older adults (depression, dementia, abuse), services to specific populations (African American women, grandparents raising grandchildren, the developmentally disabled), and professional issues (home care, case management, standardized assessment). The implications for training, research, and policy are highlighted. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Presenting the latest research in the biology of aging, this volume addresses important theoretical issues focusing on the basis for why humans live as long as they do. Expert authors combine three general paradigms of aging research: demographic studies, evolutionary studies, and studies of biological mechanisms. Topics explored include: Why does aging occur? Cellular aging Models in aging research Modern approaches to the mechanisms of aging The genetics of behavioral aging

In this collection of fifteen papers, leading researchers analyze the middle years of the lifespan, paying close attention to the many different facets of adult development. They study the various changes involving the self and others that middle-aged adults experience in the realms of work, family, and health. This book explains how the different experiences interrelate and how a better understanding of them can foster successful midlife development.

Increasingly there will be a demand from clinicians for a better understanding of how to translate research from basic science and clinical trials into meaningful treatment recommendations for late life metal disorders. In this volume the editors have compiled the most cutting-edge research findings on common mental disorders in the elderly. Section 1 addresses methodological issues and raises critical concerns for researchers in the field, such as how best to design and implement large clinical studies as well as how to translate their finding into practice for mental health providers. Section II focuses on treatment for specific diseases such as late life depression, substance abuse, and psychosis. Of particular note are chapters behavioral treatments for persons with Alzheimerís Disease. For clinicians and researchers in the field of gerontology and geriatrics.

This volume reviews widely used methods for measuring the health status of older adults and addresses the assets and limitations of the most useful instruments and procedures. The text summarizes and critiques the seminal literature on health assessment for older adults and provides suggestions for choosing among competing instruments for a variety of settings and uses.