Introduction to Aging: A Positive, Interdisciplinary Approach

by Judith A. Sugar PhD

Overview

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

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826162946
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/08/2019
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	328
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Judith A. Sugar, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno. She is a nationally recognized teacher and scholar in gerontology, and has served in leadership roles in prominent professional gerontological organizations, including AGHE, GSA, and APA's Division of Adult Development and Aging. She has chaired the Gerontology program at Colorado State University, and was associate director of the Borun Center for Gerontological Research at UCLA, and the director of Graham and Jean Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada. Dr. Sugar was appointed to the Nevada State Commission on Aging, and chosen as a facilitator for the 1995 White House Conference on Aging. She has been honored with numerous awards including Fellow of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education, Woman of Achievement by the University of Nevada, and the inaugural award for Distinguished Faculty Scholar by the Sanford Center for Aging. Dr. Sugar has published widely in the fields of psychology, gerontology, and education.

Table of Contents

PART I: WE ARE ALL AGING

1. The Longevity Dividend

PART II: PHYSICAL AND MENTAL WELL-BEING

2. Physical Changes and the Aging Process

3. Health and Wellness for Older Adults

4. Mental Health and Cognitive Abilities, and Aging

5. Sexuality and Aging

6. Death, Dying, and Bereavement

PART III: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF AGING

7. Economics, Work, and Retirement

8. Age-Friendly Communities, Living Arrangements, and Housing Options

9. Family, Friends, and Social Networks of Older Adults

PART IV: FORMAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

10. Older Adults Giving and Receiving Support

11. Medical Conditions, Assisted Living, and Long-Term Care

12. Medicare, Medicaid, and Medications

PART V: OLDER PEOPLE AT RISK

13. Older Women and Older Minority Group Members

14. Elder Abuse and Neglect: Crimes, Scams, and Cons

15. Careers in Aging

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Tho K Nguyen, DNP, MSN, RN (University of Missouri-Kansas City)
Description: This is the second edition of a well-developed introduction to aging with in-depth discussions of physical/mental wellbeing, economic and social aspects, formal support systems, and the at-risk population. The book is easy to follow because of the structural elements such as numbering and multilevel lists in each chapter.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a positive approach to aging for an introductory course. The presentation and the materials are clear to guide the readers. Overall, this book is very helpful for a variety of courses aimed at undergraduate and master's students.
Audience: The book meets the needs of its intended audience of students in courses such as public health, psychology, social work, and sociology. In addition, it is a good resource for people who are interested in the aging process and elder care.
Features: The book is well organized into six parts and 15 chapters, which are of an appropriate length for student reading assignments. Each chapter includes learning objectives, practical applications, and student activities, and all are well referenced. Part VI, which discusses careers in aging, is helpful in reducing the stereotyping of ageism. It would be helpful to have some simple case studies as part of the activities for student practice. The bar charts and histograms used to present data and statistics in chapters 5, 7, and 9 are clear, concise, up to date, and easy to understand.
Assessment: This is a great resource for students in a variety of courses. I highly value this introductory book and I appreciate the organization of the topics.

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