Introduction to Aging: A Positive, Interdisciplinary Approach

by Judith A. Sugar PhD, Robert Riekse EdD, Henry Holstege PhD, Michael Faber MA

Overview

"This new textbook creates a paradigm shift with a very practical approach to problem solving. Aging is an asset. Its focus on well care rather than just sick care by understanding physical fitness, sexual fitness, consumer fitness, nutritional fitness and social fitness among others, all point to aging as an asset leading to civic fitness and the potential for intergenerational support. This text may help springboard Gerontology into the 21st Century as the field creating excitement and hope for students and teachers alike."

Cullen T. Hayashida, Ph.D.
Director, Kupuna (Elder) Education Center
Kapi'olani Community College
University of Hawaii

This research-based yet highly engaging textbook for undergraduate and masters-level college students ushers in a new paradigm of aging-that of aging as a positive stage of life. It offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the broad range of topics that comprise gerontology, using theoretical and research-based information while providing engrossing narratives and real examples of new trends, surprising findings, and controversial topics.

The volume dispels many of the myths about aging through careful reporting of facts, issues, and trends. It sheds a positive light on getting older by viewing the elderly and near old as a diverse, capable subset of our population. A discussion of roles in the family, workplace, and greater society along with physical changes, health, sexuality, living environment, work, retirement, and cultural considerations reveal the challenges and opportunities faced by our rapidly aging population.

This text comes with access to PowerPoint slides and an instructor's manual including learning objectives, key terms, test questions, suggested topics for essays and discussion, and suggested classroom activities and homework assignments.

Key Features:

• Conceptualizes aging in America as a positive social revolution with far-reaching consequences
• Dispels negative myths about aging
• Engages the reader with vivid narratives
• Includes practical applications of knowledge throughout the text
• Includes instructor's manual, PowerPoint slides, and resources for additional learning opportunities
• Targeted to the needs of undergraduate and masters-level gerontology students

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826108845
Publisher:	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date:	12/03/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	336
File size:	3 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

"

About the Authors
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Preface

PART I: GROWING OLDER IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Chapter 1: We Are Growing Older
Chapter 2: The Evolution of Aging

PART 2: THE REALITIES OF GROWING OLDER

Chapter 3: Physical Changes and the Aging Process
Chapter 4: Health, Wellness, and Normal Aging
Chapter 5: Mental Abilities and Mental Health
Chapter 6: Sexuality and Aging
Chapter 7: Death, Dying, and Bereavement
Chapter 8: Living Environments of Older People

PART 3: THE DIVERSE LIVING CONDITIONS OF OLDER PEOPLE

Chapter 9: Housing Options for Older People
Chapter 10: Economics of Aging: Work and Older Persons
Chapter 11: Retirement: A Changing American Institution

PART 4: SOCIAL SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Chapter 12: Primary Support Systems
Chapter 13: Formal Support Systems
Chapter 14: Medical Care, Medicare, and Medications
Chapter 15: Assisted Living/Long-Term Care

PART 5: OLDER PEOPLE AT RISK

Chapter 16: Older Women and Older Minorities
Chapter 17: Elder Abuse: Crimes/Scams/Cons

PART 6: PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES

Chapter 18: The Policies and Politics of Aging: A New Paradigm

"

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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