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
The productive contribution by older adults to the lives of others through altruism and helping is the focus of this book, which provides a useful antidote to the view that the elderly are recipients rather than givers of help. Following a brief historical survey of ageing treatments, the authors present their own theoretical model of successful ageing. Based on a carefully applied methodological review of research focusing on altruism and the elderly, the results reveal the relative frequency, nature, correlates and ramifications of the contributions they make.
This useful guide demystifies the conference process. The author, a professional meetings planner with 25 years experience, addresses all aspects of conference planning including: programme planning; budgeting; finding a location; advertising; and finding speakers and entertainment.
How important is family structure? Does the perception that children of divorced parents suffer hold true under the scrutiny of research? Is the traditional two parent/two child family ideal in terms of well-being? In this volume, two leading family researchers analyze these crucial questions. Using the United States National Survey of Families and Households, they examine the four most common family types - two parent families, divorced mothers with children, remarried families and unmarried mothers - to analyze the impact of family structure versus other factors.
The Impact of Interpersonal Communication and Mass Media
Recent research in the area of public opinion has focused most of its attention on the effect of the mass media, television in particular, as an influencing agent. The author argues that media effects are only half of the equation; the mass media cannot be seen as the exclusive source of political information. In a model of `total information flow', the media must share the political information environment with interpersonal communication. This volume bridges the gap between media and interpersonal communication and their combined effect on political attitudes and cognition.
Using a developmental approach, this volume integrates the career counselling process into the life span, ranging from early childhood through to older adulthood. The stages explored include: years of identification and differentiation; years of growth and searching; and years of compromise and commitment to a lifestyle.
Adolescent and young adult male victims and perpetrators of sexual abuse are focused upon in this clinically sophisticated volume, which examines three intervention approaches to working with these client populations. Drawing upon adaptations of self-psychology, Gonsiorek describes assessment, treatment planning and individual psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioural techniques. For working with perpetrators, Bera explores a type of family systems therapy and a victim-sensitive therapy. Finally, a model for working with an ignored population sometimes viewed as untreatable in therapy - young male street prostitutes - is presented by LeTourneau.
Innovative approaches to dementia care in the nursing home are the subject of this volume. The contributors combine specific applied research findings and programmes in examining such topics as: addressing needs; developing multidisciplinary care teams; finding alternatives to restraints; and integrating the family into the care team. Special programmes designed to accommodate patients, including special care units, in-house day care, nursing unit-based services and social day care, are described. Also explored are: legal and ethical issues related to dementia; reimbursement; staff training; and increasing costs.
