Aging and Older Adulthood

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, the chapters are anchored to individual case studies, which have been updated for this edition. 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.

Contents ix

Credits and Sources xix

Integrated Themes in Aging and Older Adulthood xxiii

Preface and Acknowledgments xxxiii

1 Introduction to Aging and Older Adulthood 1

2 Theory and Method in Studying Aging and Older Adulthood 33

3 Biological Aging and Health 61

4 Sensation, Perception, and Attention 100

5 Memory 132

6 Intellectual Functioning 165

7 Cognition and Problem Solving in the Everyday World 199

8 Personality and Coping 234

9 Social Interaction and Social Ties 265

10 Employment, Retirement, and Living Arrangements 298

11 Mental Health, Psychopathology, and Therapy 329

12 Coping with Death, Dying, and Bereavement 361

13 Looking Ahead: Aging in the Future 383

Glossary 394

References 408

Index 442

Joan T. Erber is Emeritus Professor of Psychology atFlorida International University, where she was a recipient of aState University System Professorial Excellence Program (PEP)Award. She has extensive experience teaching undergraduate andgraduate courses in adult development and aging. Her researchfocuses on aging and memory and how stereotypes influence ourperceptions of older adults. Her research has been published injournals such as Psychology and Aging, Journal ofGerontology: Psychological Sciences, and Experimental AgingResearch. Dr. Erber is a Fellow of the Gerontological Societyof America (GSA), the Association for Psychological Science (APS),and the American Psychological Association (APA).  She is apast president of the APA s Division 20 (Adult Developmentand Aging). Her books include Aging and Older Adulthood, SecondEdition, (Wiley–Blackwell, 2010) and Aging and Older Adulthood(Wadsworth/Cengage, 2005).

"Aging and Older Adulthood also includes a helpful glossary andbibliography. For anyone working with the older population thistitle contains a wealth of information and factors to take accountof and I would recommend it as a resource.  (Inclusion News, 1 January 2013)