In Old Age in Late Medieval England, Joel T. Rosenthal explores the life spans, sustained activities, behaviors, and mentalites of the individuals who approached and who passed the biblically stipulated span of three score and ten in late medieval England. Drawing on a wide variety of documentary and court records (which were, however, more likely to specify with precision an individual's age on reaching majority or inheriting property than on the occasion of his or her death) as well as literary and didactic texts, he examines "old age" as a social construct and web of behavioral patterns woven around a biological phenomenon. Focusing on "lived experience" in late medieval England, Rosenthal uses demographic and quantitative records, family histories, and biographical information to demonstrate that many people lived into their sixth, seventh, and occasionally eighth decades. Those who survived might well live to know their grandchildren. This view of a society composed of the aged as well as of the young and the middle aged is reinforced by an examination of peers, bishops, and members of parliament and urban office holders, for whom demographic and career-length information exists. Many individuals had active careers until near the end of their lives; the aged were neither rarities nor outcasts within their world. Late medieval society recognized the concept of retirement, of old age pensions, and of the welcome release from duty for those who had served over the decades.

Margret Baltes, a major researcher in gerontology, challenges the deterministic view that dependence is a natural consequence of aging. In this important volume, she presents her theory of learned dependency based upon 20 years of research, which holds that dependency plays an important role in successful aging and is a resourceful adaptation to aging losses.The Many Faces of Dependency in Old Age, first published in 1997, provides insights into the social foundation of dependency. Its theoretical foundation and its broad empirical base distinguish it from others in its field. This book attempts to correct the bias towards the virtues of independence over the vicissitudes of dependence, a predominantly North American view. It stresses that dependencies are not always dysfunctional, representing only loss. Baltes also incorporates European, Japanese and feminist ideas about juxtaposing individuality and connectedness in the mature adult.

Feminist women bequeath to us a powerful critique of our society's obsession with beauty and impossible body ideals. Having refused makeup, high heels, and short skirts in their youth, these women are now entering the most stigmatized stage in a woman's life--old age. As she becomes the "older woman," the feminist's rejection of beauty standards and her ability to locate self-worth is being challenged.How will feminists respond to the issues raised in this phase of their lives? By confronting the issues unique to older women in our culture and society, these authors redress the neglect and isolation experienced within contemporary feminism and gerontology.Ultimately, the goal of the book is to inspire the aging woman to more easily embrace the "older other" within her.

Psychodynamic Approaches to the Experience of Dementia: Perspectives from Observation, Theory and Practice demonstrates the impact of healthcare approaches that take into account not only the practical needs but also the emotional experience of the patient, their partners, families and friends, lay carers and professional staff. Currently there is no cure for dementia, but the psychosocial and therapeutic approaches described in this volume have appeared to help people, both patients and carers, feel more contained and less lonely and isolated. Psychoanalytic theory provides a disciplined way of thinking about the internal world of an individual and their relationships. Each author provides their own commentary on the personal and interpersonal effects of dementia, endeavouring to understand behaviours and emotions which may otherwise seem incomprehensible. The subject is approached from a psychodynamic perspective, considering the unconscious, previous and current experiences and relationships, including those between patients and staff. Psychodynamic Approaches to the Experience of Dementia illustrates the practical and theoretical thinking of clinicians from a wide range of disciplines who are engaged in the care of people in late life with a diagnosis of dementia. It will be essential reading for mental health and health professionals in practice and training in the field of dementia.

Old age is part of the life cycle about which there are numberous myths and stereotypes. The appropriateness or otherwise of these myths is evaluated by Christina Victor using detailed statistical material from a biographical and anthropological perspective.;This edition of this review of the present and future needs of the elderly provides an up-to-date overview of the position of older people in late-20th century Britain. It examines their social and economic circumstances and the main policy issues including pensions, housing, health and social care. Data from Britain and other countries completes the revision of this standard work for social and health workers, sociologists and social policy analysts at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.;This book should serve as a useful introduction to the characteristics of older people in a modern industrial society. It should be of interest to Project 2000 (adult branch) and MSc students of social gerontology and social policy.

In this compelling tour of the classical world, Peter Jones reveals how it is the power, scope and fascination of their ideas that makes the Ancient Greeks and Romans so important and influential today. For over 2,000 years these ideas have gripped Western imagination and been instrumental in the way we think about the world. Covering everything from philosophy, history and architecture to language and grammar, Jones uncovers their astonishing intellectual, political and literary achievements. First published twenty years ago, this fully updated and revised edition is a must-read for anyone who wishes to know more about the classics - and where they came from.

Age Concern always seeks to be at the forefront in raising issues of importance as part of our continuing fight to improve the quality of life of older people. To this end we are privi leged in being able to draw on the skills of people with the commitment, expertise and enthusiasm to press for much needed change. When, some years ago, we published a book by Mervyn Eastman on old age abuse, the subject was largely unrecognized. He played a pioneering role in drawing atten tion to this difficult and sensitive topic, classifying the various types of abuse, analysing their causes, their tragic effects and the different contexts in which they were likely to occur. Earlier, when I joined Age Concern, I had been struck by the paucity of knowledge of old age abuse. My previous work with children and young people provided me with stark reminders of how much more developed both policy and prac tice were in dealing with the abuse of children. Even in that field there was still much to learn, and subsequent legislation, policy guidelines and codes of practice have taken us further down the road by constructing clear lines of accountability and by protecting and representing children at risk, by helping potential abusers and developing practice that avoids punish ing victims through removing them from their homes."

As our global demographic shifts towards an increasingly aging population, we have an opportunity to transform how we experience and think about getting older and embrace the diversity and contribution that this population can bring to society. The International Handbook of Positive Aging showcases the latest research and theory into aging, examining the various challenges faced by older adults and the ways in which we can bring a much-needed positive focus towards dealing with these. The handbook brings together disparate research from medical, academic, economic and social community fields, with contributions from NHS partners, service users, universities across the United Kingdom and collaborations with international research leaders in the field of aging. Divided into sections, the first part of the book focuses on introducing the concept of positive aging before going on to cover the body over the life course, well-being and care delivery. All contributors recognise the fact that we are living longer, which is providing us with a tremendous opportunity to enjoy and flourish in healthy and fulfilling later lives, and this focus on the importance of patient empowerment is integral to the book. This is a valuable reference source for those working in developmental psychology, clinical psychology, mental health, health sciences, medicine, neuropsychological rehabilitation, sociology, anthropology, social policy and social work. It will help encourage researchers, professionals and policymakers to make the most of opportunities and innovations to promote a person's sense of independence, dignity, well-being, good health and participation in society as they get older.

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 issue of elderly care is becoming increasingly important in both "developed" and "developing" countries alike as population structures change, and the trend towards ageing populations gathers momentum. This text presents a diverse range of progressive programmes from all parts of the world for the care of elderly people, ranging from community care schemes to fitness and income generation.;This book should be of interest to students of gerontology, as well as government planners and international agencies/charities concerned with ageing, and health care providers and planners.

"Great Myths of Aging "looks at the generalizations and stereotypes associated with older people and, with a blend of humor and cutting-edge research, dispels those common myths.

Reader-friendly structure breaks myths down into categories such as Body, Mind, and Living Contexts; and looks at myths from "Older people lose interest in sex" to "Older people are stingy"Explains the origins of myths and misconceptions about agingLooks at the unfortunate consequences of anti-aging stereotypes for both the reader and older adults in society

This book advances a new understanding of acculturation processes for older migrants, drawing on empirical data from migrants of Chinese heritage in Australia. It challenges the traditional models of acculturation, questions the conventional notion of integration and analyses the fluid nature of cultural identities. Drawing on insights from environmental gerontology, intercultural communication and acculturation theories, it conceptualises ageing in a foreign land as a home-building process, highlighting the collective contributions of individual, community, social, cultural, technological and environmental factors to older migrants' well-being. A consideration of what it means to age 'in place' for those whose home is not necessarily attached to one place and one culture, this volume will appeal to social scientists with interests in ageing, gerontology, migration and diaspora, as well as those working in the fields of aged care policy.

Enhancing the Wellbeing and Wisdom of Older Learners: A Co-research Paradigm examines how lifelong learning, becoming wise, and sharing wisdom are integrally linked to older people's wellbeing. The book highlights appropriate learning styles and pedagogies for older people, including research models emphasising participation, and offers recommendations for research in lifelong learning with the potential to effect change. Focusing upon a collaborative action research project, 'Sagaciation', chapters explore the involvement of older learners in the design and delivery of the scheme, which enabled them to expand their knowledge and skills, and to fully engage as critical and creative voices in a supportive and welcoming environment. The book offers an account of the process of the action research, as well as its findings. The project is set into the context of leading academic thinking on fields such as the growth of an ageing population, the rise of literature on ageing, negative and positive constructions of ageing, social gerontology, the wellbeing and health of older people, and educational gerontology. This book challenges negative representations of older people as a burden by offering a paradigm of hope, resilience, and sagacity within education and beyond. It will appeal to researchers, academics and postgraduate students in the fields of adult education, lifelong learning, gerontology, mental health and wellbeing, and the sociology of education, as well as to policymakers and those working with older people

What does it mean to be able to move? The Aging Body in Dance brings together leading scholars and artists from a range of backgrounds to investigate cultural ideas of movement and beauty, expressiveness and agility. Contributors focus on Euro-American and Japanese attitudes towards aging and performance, including studies of choreographers, dancers and directors from Yvonne Rainer, Martha Graham, Anna Halprin and Roemeo Castellucci to Kazuo Ohno and Kikuo Tomoeda. They draw a fascinating comparison between youth-oriented Western cultures and dance cultures like Japan's, where aging performers are celebrated as part of the country's living heritage. The first cross-cultural study of its kind, The Aging Body in Dance offers a vital resource for scholars and practitioners interested in global dance cultures and their differing responses to the world's aging population.

Aging and Ethics explores the many ethical issues involving the elderly, their care, and their role in society-urgent concerns that have only recently come to the forefront.
There are now eight times more Americans over the age of sixty-five than at the turn of this century; their proportion to the rest of the population has almost tripled. And this trend is expected to accelerate into the next century!
This aging of society has raised an increasing number of deep and troubling questions: a [ What are our responsibilities toward aging family members? a [ What can we reasonably expect in our own old age? a [ What special role (if any) do older persons play in our society? a [ How can medical resources be distributed justly between generations? a [ How can institutions that serve the elderly preserve values such as autonomy, self-respect, and dignity?
Nancy Jecker's timely new volume deals with these and other issues on four levels: the aging individual; aging and filial responsibility; distributive justice in an aging society; and philosophical reflections on aging and death.
Aging and Ethics is must reading for professionals in a variety of health-related and counseling fields, as well as for the growing number of concerned laypeople who need to better understand the often compelling issues associated with aging today.

Health care professionals are now more frequently consulted about emotional and sexual matters by older patients. There is a wealth of information available about the psychological, medical and sociological processes of ageing that has become available in recent years. Demographic studies demonstrate a world-wide tendency, most pronounced in the West, towards more people living into later decades of life.;Dr Gibson has brought all this information together with the object of increasing the quality of care available. In so doing, he explodes many myths, addresses both emotional and sexual life in the context of health and illness, the problems associated with ageist discrimination and the needs of those with different sexual preferences.;Drawing from a wide body of knowledge, the author writes with insight in the first major work of its kind. The book seeks to surprise and equip doctors, clinical psychologists, counsellors, nurses, social workers and clergy, in their respective professions, as they consider their own role in an ageing society which has greater expectations for health and quality of relationships.

In this Isabella Gardner Award-winning collection of poems, Bruce Weigl meditates on the ghosts and the grace one encounters in life's second act. A celebrated poet and veteran of the Vietnam War, Weigl offers a nuanced sense of aging as a departure and death as a returning home. With a sage's eye for mindfulness and a soldier's longing for the country where he served, Weigl's poems reveal the long scars left by Vietnam and the new possibilities one encounters in the wake of life-altering experiences.

In the World Library of Psychologists series, international experts present career-long collections of what they judge to be their finest pieces - extracts from books, key articles, salient research findings, and their major practical theoretical contributions. Elaine Funnell has played an important role in the study of neuropsychology over the past 25 years. She has been at the forefront of groundbreaking research on individuals suffering with acquired disorders of written and/or spoken language resulting from brain damage. With commentary by Nicola Pitchford and Andrew Ellis, this volume presents Elaine's most significant contributions in her two main specialist areas: adult neuropsychology of semantic disorders, with a focus on disorders of naming in dementia, and acquired language and literacy disorders in childhood. The publications included in this volume date back to 1988, where Elaine co-authored a major review of theories regarding the representation of meanings in the mind and brain. They then bring us right up-to-date with a previously unpublished paper from 2010, which has been recently edited by the co-author, Mike Kopelman, for this edition. Through her exceptional work, Elaine has greatly advanced our understanding of the brain processes behind written and spoken language, and this book represents an original and timely contribution to the field. Acquired Language Disorders in Adulthood and Childhood will be of great interest to researchers and postgraduate students in adult and child neuropsychology, specifically for those specialising in semantic and language disorders.

In the context of global ageing societies, there are few challenges to the underlying assumption that policies should promote functional health and independence in older people and contain the costs of care. This important book offers such a challenge. It provides a critical analysis of the limitations of contemporary policies and calls for a fuller understanding of the relationship between health and care throughout the life-course. Located within the tradition of the feminist ethic of care, the book provides a fresh insight into global policy debates and the impact that these have on people's experiences of ageing. Including international evidence on health inequalities, health promotion and health care, this book will be of interest to a range of social scientists, particularly specialists in gerontology and social policy.

In 2009 jahrt sich die Wiedergrundung der Heidelberger Akademie der Wissenschaften zum hundertsten Mal. Aus diesem Anlass veranstaltet die Landesakademie jeweils gemeinsam mit den acht Universitaten des Landes Baden-Wurttemberg Tagungen oder Vortragsreihen. Das Symposium "Altern gestalten - Medizin, Technik, Umwelt", dessen systematisch geordnete Beitrage diesen Band fullen, wird so gemeinsam mit der Universitat Stuttgart und der Robert Bosch Stiftung geplant und durchgefuhrt. Themenfelder sind: Biologische Plastizitat des Alternsprozesses, moegliche molekulare, zellulare und biochemische Regenerationsprozesse. Auf der mikro- und makrotechnologischen Ebene werden verfugbare Assistenz- und Ersatzsysteme demonstriert, einschliesslich der vielfaltigen Methoden von Gelenkrekonstruktion oder -ersatz, und die Unterstutzungs- und Ersatzsysteme fur defekte Sinnesorgane. Die damit eroeffneten Moeglichkeiten, ungleiches Altern von wichtigen Funktionstragern des Koerpers auszugleichen, werden von fuhrenden Wissenschaftlern der jeweiligen Disziplinen demonstriert. Auch das aktuelle Wissen um die altersgerechte Gestaltung der Umwelt und der Wissensstand uber Assistenzsysteme im Automobil, die auch bei altersbedingten Einschrankungen von Beweglichkeit, Kraft, Sicht und Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit mehr Bedienungskomfort und Fahrsicherheit gewahren, wird vermittelt.

This volume presents a clear, concise overview of the current state of knowledge about the biology of aging - serving as both an invaluable graduate-level text and a key reference for practicing professionals. Over a dozen distinguished contributors probe the latest developments in our knowledge of why people age and how the process works. These authoritative chapters are not just written for biologists - but for gerontologists in general. Marks the tenth anniversary of the Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

The study of "the end of life" has become a major focus on medicine, the social sciences, ethics, and religion. This volume brings together the latest research on issues around death and dying, life's attributes as it nears death, planning and preparation for death, and care and intervetion-related issues. This evidence-based finding of this volume will help shape how we approach the topic for years to come.

In recent years, the literature on the topic of ethnic and racial issues in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias has increased dramatically. At the same time, the need for cultural competence in all of geriatric care, including dementia care, is increasingly being acknowledged. Dementia is a large societal problem affecting all communities, regardless of race or ethnicity, and understanding dementia for specific groups is tremendously important for both clinical knowledge and for health planning as a nation. This third edition of Ethnicity and the Dementias offers invaluable background information in this area, while also examining how those suffering from dementia and their family members respond or adapt to the challenges that follow. Thoroughly updated and revised throughout, the book features contributions from leading clinicians and researchers in the field, with particular attention given to genetic and cultural factors related to dementia, effective prevention and treatment strategies, and issues in caregiving and family support. Chapters offer specific recommendations for dementia care in eleven ethnic/racial groups, as well as suggestions for working effectively with LGBTQ families. Providing a truly comprehensive resource on ethnicity and dementia, and including reflections on emerging trends and the future of caregiving, this new edition is ideal reading for clinicians, educators, researchers, policy makers, and families, in search of the most current ethnogeriatric findings.

Can ageing really be a positive experience? Yes. You can make a difference to your own ageing process. Research shows that how we think about ageing can have a significant impact on our health and wellbeing in later life. The Ten Steps of Positive Ageing challenges and debunks the inaccurate and negative attitudes that may be contaminating your outlook on getting older, and provides a clear, practical road map for exerting more choice and control over the ageing process. Concentrating on the psychological and emotional aspects of getting older, and deploying a range of personal development techniques, The Ten Steps of Positive Ageing provides you with the keys to a happier and more fulfilled later life. This is the book for those of us who want to do ageing differently.

New Dimensions in Spirituality, Religion, and Aging expands the traditional focus of religiosity to include and evaluate recent research and discoveries on the role of secular spirituality in the aging process. Contributors examine the ways conventional religion and other forms of spirituality affect human development, health and longevity, and they demonstrate how myth-creation enables humans to make meaning in their lives. Taken together, the book points to further research to enhance current knowledge, approaches to care, and social policies.