Why do people age differently? Gerontological research has indicated that there are large individual differences in personality, cognitive functioning, physical health, psychological well-being and quality of life in old age. This book explores this variability. Following an overview of family, adoption and twin studies of genetic and environmental influences on ageing, the author examines such topics as: longevity and health research; cognitive functioning, personality and psychopathology; and social support, life events and family environment measures. The book concludes with a summary of finding from gerontological behavioural genetics.
The aging process is a complex, sometimes mysterious evolution we will all experience: In this interdisciplinary text, author Lewis R. Aiken acquaints you with the elements and effects influencing people in the later stages of life. Beginning with an historical overview of gerontology, Aiken discusses both pragmatic and philosophical concerns within the field. Factors impacting the process and results of aging are carefully outlined and explicated; these address such areas as biology, psychology, sociology, economics, and politics. The interpersonal variability of the older population is stressed throughout the book, recognizing gender, ethnic, racial, and cultural differences. Each chapter concludes with a thorough review of the material covered, a series of questions and activities designed to enhance the learning experience, and a list of suggested readings that expand on the topics being discussed. Clearly written, authoritative, rich in information and integration of research material in a wide range of disciplines, Aging: An Introduction to Gerontology is valuable for undergraduate, certificate, and community college programs in gerontology as well as graduate courses in applied professional disciplines. "The book makes a contribution to the field, it is a praiseworthy effort and it has substantive merit. . . . It reveals competence, good grasp of the subject matter, and a very good integration of research material in a wide range of disciplines. The information is generally very much up to date and relevant. It constitutes the right introduction for people interested to learn about the field of gerontology. The text is lucid, clearly written, and easy to read. It is definitely well attuned to its targeted audience. It introduces technical terminology with all the proper caveats and facilitates its comprehension with a glossary." --Abraham Monk, School of Social Work, Columbia University "This is a basic textbook of human gerontology that comprehensively covers aging and the aged, with a special emphasis on the psychology of aging. The purpose is to review what is known about aging and older adulthood, the methods by which this information is obtained, and to provide practical guidelines for dealing with the problems of an aged population. The author meets these goals very well. This book is written for undergraduate and graduate students. Even geriatricians in training will find this a lucid exposition of human gerontology. This book's well-organized chapters are clearly illustrated. There are boxes that highlight concepts and a list of further readings in addition to well-cited references. At the end of each chapter, there are questions and exercises. This textbook is a welcome addition to the field. It is very well written and organized. Both teachers and students will enjoy using this textbook. Rating: 98." --Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal "Aging is rich in information and integration of research material in a wide range of disciplines and valuable for undergraduate, certificate, and community college programs in gerontology and as well graduate courses in applied professional disciplines." --Turning Pages
This second edition introduces the technique of agent-based modeling; considers a range of methodological and theoretical issues; shows how to design an agent-based model, with a simple example; offers some practical advice about developing, verifying and validating agent-based models; and finally discusses how to plan an agent-based modelling project, publish the results and apply agent-based modeling to formulate and evaluate social and economic policies. An accompanying simulation using NetLogo and commentary on the program can be downloaded on the book's website: https://study.sagepub.com/researchmethods/qass/gilbert-agent-based-models-2e.
This is the era of Big Data and computational social science. It is an era that requires tools which can do more than visualise data but also model the complex relation between data and human action, and interaction. Agent-Based Models (ABM) - computational models which simulate human action and interaction - do just that. This textbook explains how to design and build ABM and how to link the models to Geographical Information Systems. It guides you from the basics through to constructing more complex models which work with data and human behaviour in a spatial context. All of the fundamental concepts are explained and related to practical examples to facilitate learning (with models developed in NetLogo with all code examples available on the accompanying website). You will be able to use these models to develop your own applications and link, where appropriate, to Geographical Information Systems. All of the key ideas and methods are explained in detail: geographical modelling; an introduction to ABM; the fundamentals of Geographical Information Science; why ABM and GIS; using QGIS; designing and building an ABM; calibration and validation; modelling human behavior. An applied primer, that provides fundamental knowledge and practical skills, it will provide you with the skills to build and run your own models, and to begin your own research projects.
This is the era of Big Data and computational social science. It is an era that requires tools which can do more than visualise data but also model the complex relation between data and human action, and interaction. Agent-Based Models (ABM) - computational models which simulate human action and interaction - do just that. This textbook explains how to design and build ABM and how to link the models to Geographical Information Systems. It guides you from the basics through to constructing more complex models which work with data and human behaviour in a spatial context. All of the fundamental concepts are explained and related to practical examples to facilitate learning (with models developed in NetLogo with all code examples available on the accompanying website). You will be able to use these models to develop your own applications and link, where appropriate, to Geographical Information Systems. All of the key ideas and methods are explained in detail: geographical modelling; an introduction to ABM; the fundamentals of Geographical Information Science; why ABM and GIS; using QGIS; designing and building an ABM; calibration and validation; modelling human behavior. An applied primer, that provides fundamental knowledge and practical skills, it will provide you with the skills to build and run your own models, and to begin your own research projects.
What is the major social problem in the news today? Who made it so important? Social issues that are widely recognized on the media agenda often demand attention on the public agenda, and in turn move quickly up the policy agenda, creating policy changes. Based on research of contemporary social issues that have hit the headlines - including ......
What is the major social problem in the news today? Who made it so important? Social issues that are widely recognized on the media agenda often demand attention on the public agenda, and in turn move quickly up the policy agenda, creating policy changes. Based on research of contemporary social issues that have hit the headlines - including ......
Agency-based Program Evaluation: Lessons from Practice, by Stephen A. Kapp and Gary R. Anderson, serves as a core textbook in the advanced undergraduate and graduate social work program evaluation courses. It combines the methodology of program evaluation with the reality of working with agencies and organizations to describe the effectiveness of their services and programs. Students will gain an understanding of the political and social context and pressures in which a program is developed, implemented and evaluated. This book offers a practice-oriented approach to evaluation. While many program evaluation methods texts often add a chapter or brief sections that describe organizational and political factors. Features and Benefits: combines the methodology of program evaluation with the reality of working with agencies an understanding of the political and social context and pressures in which a program is developed, implemented and evaluated examples of the techniques to apply in family and children services agencies
`Ageing in Society brings forth exciting new questions, fresh perspectives, and a necessary critical approach to key issues - this is indeed an authoritative introduction. The authors not only have made significant contributions to gerontology, but offer the reader considerations for what could be, not just what is, the design of old age in society. The book will inform students in ways that so many texts in the area, satisfied with comfortable bromides, do not' - Jaber Gubrium, Editor of Journal of Aging Studies, University of Missouri-Columbia `This completely revised Third Edition of Ageing in Society presents one of the most comprehensive pictures of ageing today. Emphasising the dual processes of ageing societies and the experience of ageing, the book offers the reader - student or researcher alike - cogent discussions of the most up to date perspectives and evidence available. The contributors are all leading experts in their fields - comprising a range of important disciplines as they apply to ageing. Ageing in Society is a cutting edge text on one of the most important subjects facing the modern world - a must for all students of ageing' - Mike Bury, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of London `The Third Edition of the comprehensive textbook Ageing in Society extends its scope to include continental Europe, allowing broader as well as deeper insights into recent trends in gerontology. Gerontologists and practitioners are urged not to stop reading before they have reached the insightful last chapter "Ageing into the future"!' - Professor Dorly Deeg, Editor-in-Chief European Journal of Ageing The Third Edition of this popular and widely-used text provides a comprehensive introduction to the study of ageing, exploring the key theories, concepts and methods which the behavioural and social sciences contribute to the subject. Thoroughly revised and updated, Ageing in Society reflects new trends in gerontology, incorporating recent developments in theory and research as well as major international and interdisciplinary perspectives. A new chapter on cognitive ageing has been added and key themes, such as social protection, retirement, health and illness, and cultural images of old age are also critically examined. Ageing in Society was developed by the British Society of Gerontology to fulfil the need for an authoritative introduction to social gerontology. As such, it is an ideal resource for students and lecturers in the social and behavioural sciences, as well as for students and practitioners in health and social care.
