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.
The work provides an introduction to both social gerontology and sociology of aging studies. It offers a coherent narrative that is organized around broad sociological themes. What integrates this text overall is the discussion of how we socially construct aging, how different societies at different times construct aging, and what those changes say about our society. It contains lively, specualtive essays covering non-traditional topics and demonstrates the social process of aging from a completely different perspective.
After an overview of family, adoption and tw in studies of genetic and environmental influences, Bergeman examines such topics as longevity and health research, cogn itive functioning, personality and psychopathology, and soci al support. '
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
AmericaAEs rapidly expanding population of older citizens is becoming the dominant political and policy issue of the new century. Thorny issues are driving decisions made in Washington, D.C. and state capitols, in corporations, and around the family dining table, such as: '''' The future of Social Security '' The cost of Medicare and drugs '' Elderrcare '' Retirement and pensions ''''Aging in America A to Z is an encyclopedic roadmap to the challenging questions and potential answers facing todayAEs seniors and their children. Important to both seniors and younger Americans who must care directly for parents or share indirectly in the economic and social costs of an aging population, Aging in America A to Z is a fundamental resource for all academic, public, and high school libraries.''''''
Our population is aging. What will we do about it? Due to population explosion and a global increase in average life expectancies, an unprecedentedly high percentage of the world's population is aging. By the middle of this century there will be up to 2 billion individuals over the age of 65, a demographic shift never before experienced in our human history. In addition, declining birth rates in industrialized countries means a decrease in the number of adults under 64. In Aging Social Policies: An International Perspective the authors consider how policy - domestic and international - affects and will continue to affect the lives of our aging population.
Fred C Pampel describes how age combines with other components of inequality by comparing the influence of group membership on social inequality before and after the life course transition to old age. He looks at the differences in public policy and how age inequality - more than the other sources of inequality - relates closely to government policies and studies other societies in which both age group differences and overall inequality differ from those in the United States. Pampel makes comparison of the United States with other nations a central component of the book, providing greater understanding of the larger forces that shape old age.
