This volume brings together leading researchers on quality of life in old age to focus on one of the most important issues in both gerontology and quality of life studies. Quality of life is a holistic construct and assessed from many different perspectives and by many disciplines. Moreover, the concept of quality of life can be applied to practically all important domains of life. Thus, quality of life research has to include social, environmental, structural, and health related aspects and be approached from an interdisciplinary perspective. Recently research in gerontology has begun to systematically study quality of life - following the WHO dictum 'years have been added to life and now the challenge is to add life to years' - however there are very few texts available on this topic and none of an international and multi-disciplinary nature. Quality of life studies have neglected older people and, given the size and growth of this population, it is time to publish a volume on this topic that systematically pursues a comprehensive perspective and includes theoretical approaches and empirical findings with respect to the most important components of quality of life in old age. For these reasons and the high quality of the authors we have assembled, this will be a seminal text for both gerontology and quality of life researchers.

For centuries people have puzzled over the inevitability of human aging. At the end of the 20th century a remarkable scientific discovery emerged, based on a series of important interconnected insights over quite a long period of time. The aim of this book is to dispel ignorance by explaining in non-technical language what are the reasons for aging and the myth of excessive prolongation of life.

Aging is an almost universal process within biological systems, one which leads to a decline in functional capacity, disease onset, and eventually death. There has been much interest in recent years to elucidate the molecular mec- nisms that underlie the aging process. Many theories have been proposed since the last century that aim to explain the causes of aging. There is no one theory that completely satisfies the phenotype of aging, but genetics and environm- tal factors play an important role in the etiology of age-related pathologies and the aging process. However, there is still much to be learned about the aging process which has been termed one of the last great frontiers in biology. De- graphic changes worldwide are leading to increased average life expectancies within our populations. These changes in population characteristics will impact upon the economies of the supporting society, with increasing healthcare and infrastructural costs arising from the prevalence of age-related pathologies and other physical disabilities associated with advancing years. Many researchers worldwide are working in the attempt to identify key cellular processes through which it might one day be possible to slow down the aging process and thus increase the health span of humans. Numerous research projects-from the cellular through to tissue, organ, and whole organism studies-are currently underway to investigate the mul- factorial aging process.

Social differences in health and mortality constitute a persistent finding in epidemiological, demographic, and sociological research. It is a topic that is much discussed in the current political debate and it is among the most urgent public health issues. However, we still do not know whether socioeconomic mortality differences increase or decrease with age.

This book provides a comprehensive, critical discussion of all aspects involved in the relationship between socioeconomic status, health and mortality. It synthesizes the sociological theory of social inequality and an empirical study of mortality differences that has been conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (Rostock, Germany). This study is the most comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic mortality differences in the literature, both in terms of quantity and quality of data, and in terms of the statistical method used: that of event-history modeling.

In this volume the authors examine some of the medical social and psychological conditions which affect the way we die. Important topics covered include attitudes toward death; suicide, assisted suicide and euthanasia; hospice and pain management. This volume will be of interest to all who work with terminally ill patients.

Whereas chronic stress has well known harmful effects, recent research shows that intermittent exposure of cells and organisms to mild stress can improve various biological parameters. This book brings together some of the world leaders in this area of research who present a critical analysis of the ongoing research with respect to the effects and mechanisms of action of various types of mild stress. Novel approaches to improving health and longevity are introduced.

This book offers a broad-ranging assessment of current efforts of the molecular, cellular, hormonal, nutritional and lifestyle strategies being tested and applied by biogerontologists in the search for effective means of intervention, prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, and for achieving healthy old age. Employing a semi-academic style, the book presents data from experimental systems, while focusing primarily on their applications to humans in the prevention and treatment of age-related impairments.

Presents both current and future aspects of diagnosis and treatment.

Presents evidence-based knowledge of pressure ulcer aetiology.

Contains over 90 illustrations.

Explores the possiblities of tissue repair using new tissue engineering strategies.

This book analyzes the challenges, benefits, coping strategies, problems, and accomplishments associated with the midlife experience of women. Ten chapters present the state of research (and correct longstanding myths) regarding significant aspects of middle-aged women's lives. The book bridges a major knowledge gap in the feminist-psychology literature. It balances optimism and realism about older women 's lives and younger women 's futures.

This excellent new work confronts two important oral health policy concerns in the United States: the disparities in the oral disease burden and the inability of certain segments of the population to access oral health care. The book examines in depth this crucial yet frequently overlooked indicator of seniors' quality of life. It provides an invaluable set of recommendations to the clinical, research, and administrative communities that will serve the elderly population.

This textbook addresses the best way of evaluating patients with rectal prolapse, the underlying pathophysiology, the different surgical approaches, the expected functional results after surgery and the management of complex clinical conditions associated with this condition. It is an essential book that attempts to draw together material that could be of vital importance to surgeons around the world. The pathophysiology of rectal prolapse is still uncertain and its clinical and instrumental diagnostic assessment needs to be clarified.

It is with great pride that the Psychologists in Long Term Care (PLTC) have sponsored The Professional Educational Long-Term Care Training Manual, and now its second iteration, Geropsychology and Long Term Care: A Practitioner's Guide. Education of psychologists working in long-term care settings is consistent with PLTC's mission to assure the provision of high-quality psychological services for a neglected sector of the population, i.e., residents in nursing homes and assisted-living communities. To this end, direct training of generalist psychologists in the nuances of psychological care delivery in long-term care settings has been a major priority. It is a tribute to the accelerating nature of research in long-term care settings that a revision is now necessary. After all, the Professional Educational Training Manual's initial publication date was only in 2001. However, in the intervening years, much progress has been made in addressing assessment and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of this frail but quite diverse population. It is so gratifying to be able to say that there is now a corpus of scientific knowledge to guide long-term care service delivery in long-term care settings.

It 's a core issue at the heart of elder care: while best-practice data exist for long-term care, quality of life as a concept, measure and standard for care outcomes remains elusive. The result of an ambitious European research initiative, the Care Keys Project addresses quality of life issues among frail, care-dependent seniors, taking their social as well as health needs into account. This resulting volume explains the theory behind Care Keys, its methodology, empirical findings, and practical considerations in promoting effective, efficient elder care aimed at social and emotional well-being and including disabled and cognitively impaired patients.

The molecular and cellular approaches to the relationship of joint and bone problems distinguish this from other books on the topic. Advances in bone and joint biology enable practitioners to approach clinical problems more comprehensively. Emphasis on genetics and on newer viewpoints and approaches, exemplified by the possible effect of subchondral bone on osteoarthritis, gives a wider viewpoint to the reader and may enable novel approaches to solving a clinical problem.

Geriatric anesthesia is a rapidly growing and evolving field. The last few years have seen significant advancements in and important new modalities for addressing the needs of an aging population. The editors of Geriatric Anesthesiology's second edition are uniquely situated to put together a text highlighting both essential knowledge and recent breakthroughs of importance to any who work with the elderly. For the second edition, the editors have introduced a streamlined chapter format and have assembled a selection of chapters intended to deepen the understanding of anesthesic management of the geriatric patient.

Covers the whole range of potential complications of PCI

Only book exclusively dedicated to the risks of PCI

Complements available texts that detail interventional cardiology

Supports physicians in improving care by anticipating or recognizing problems

Appeals to cardiologists or interventional radiologists

Addresses cardiac arrest, legal matters and adverse event reporting

Essential information is easily accessible in useful tables

Text is logically organized and richly illustrated with 184 illustrations on 210 pages

Medication use is the predominant form of health intervention in our society. And as we age, the likelihood of medication use increases dramatically, with more than 80 percent of those over age 65 using one or more medications. Along with that, the potential for medication errors also increases. Indeed adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant problem in older adults. Written in a practical format by contributors from Australia and the United States, Medication Management in Older Adults: A Concise Guide for Clinicians presents the available evidence on research interventions designed to reduce the incidence of medication errors in older adults, with a focus on acute, subacute, and residential (long-term) care settings. Because medication errors can occur at all stages in the medication process, from prescription by physicians to delivery of medication to the patient by nurses, and in any site in the health system, it is essential that interventions be targeted at all aspects of medication delivery. Chapters cover the principles of medical ethics in relation to medication management; common medication errors in the acute care sector; medication management in long-term care settings; nutrition and medications; the outcomes of a systematic review; dose form alterations; Electronic Health Records (EHR), Computerized Order Entry (COE), Beers criteria; and pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. For those clinicians especially concerned with providing the best possible outcomes for their older adult patients, Medication Management in Older Adults: A Concise Guide for Clinicians is an invaluable resource and a significant contribution to the burgeoning literature on medication errors.

Building upon the strengths of the popular reference, Cancer in the Elderly, this guide outlines novel approaches in the identification and management of cancer in geriatric populations by world-renowned experts on the topic. Presenting new trends and strategies in surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, this source presents a multidisciplinary and best-practices approach to the optimization of cancer care for the elderly and collects the most recent findings gleaned from prevention, adjuvant, neo-adjuvant, and treatment research.

Because aging is accompanied by a steady decline in resistance to infectious diseases, the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases in the elderly is not only much more complex, but also often quite different from that for younger patients.

In the second edition of Infectious Disease in the Aging: A Clinical Handbook, a panel of well known and highly experienced geriatric physicians and infectious disease experts review the most important common infections affecting the elderly and delineate their well-proven diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive techniques. Among the illnesses discussed are urinary tract infections, pneumonia, ocular infections, tuberculosis, and fungal and viral infections. In addition, there are detailed discussions of sepsis, infective endocarditis, intraabdominal infections, bacterial meningitis, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis, and prosthetic device infections.

Disaster Public Health and Older People introduces professionals, students and fieldworkers to the science and art of promoting health and well-being among older people in the context of humanitarian emergencies, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income country settings. Older people face specific vulnerabilities in physical, mental and social well-being during disasters. They are likely to experience socio-economic marginalisation, isolation, inaccessible information and a lack of relevant post-emergency support services. Meanwhile, although older people can also significantly contribute to disaster preparedness, response and recovery, their capacities are often under-utilised. Drawing on a range of global case studies, this book provides readers with a theoretical underpinning, while suggesting actions at the individual, community and national levels to reduce the health risks to older people posed by the increasing frequency and intensity of disaster, in particular those resulting from natural hazards. Topics covered range from the health impact of disasters on older people and response to their post-disaster health needs, to disaster preparedness, disease prevention, healthy ageing, global policy developments and the contributions of older people in disaster contexts. This book draws on lessons learnt from previous disasters and targets students and professionals working in disaster medicine, disaster public health, humanitarian studies, gerontology and geriatrics.

The book summarizes recent advances in the elucidation of the mechanisms involved in senile osteoporosis as well as its potential treatment, bringing an integrated approach from the bench to the clinical practice. A unique aspect of this book is its emphasis on the application of translational research in the field of osteoporosis and falls. The book provides a complete review on the prevention as well as current and future treatments of osteoporosis.

Written by leading American practitioners, the Oxford American Handbooks of Medicine each offer a pocket-sized overview of an entire specialty, featuring instant access to guidance on the conditions that are most likely to be encountered. Precise and prescriptive, the handbooks offer up-to-date advice on examination, investigations, common procedures, and in-patient care. These books will be invaluable resources for residents and students, as well as a useful reference for practitioners.
The Oxford American Handbook of Geriatric Medicine is the essential ready-reference to effective geriatric practice. Written in a concise, accessible style, the Handbook covers the entire range of diseases and disorders commonly encountered in the care of older adults and offers easily accessible 'how to' information to facilitate basic geriatric care decisions. Guidance is offered concerning both ethical and clinical decision-making along with evidence-based information on key topics as well as insight into balancing competing priorities in the older patient. Tables and algorithms provide step-wise instruction for evaluation and management. This is a must have resource for all clinical settings.
Why choose the Oxford American Handbook of Geriatric Medicine?
The design....
The Handbook uses a unique flexicover design that's durable and practical. Compact, light, and fits in your pocket Also has quick reference tabs, four-color presentation, and bookmark ribbons to help provide fast answers.
The interior layout....
The Handbook is a quick reference in a small, innovative package. With one to two topics per page, it provides easy access and the emergency sections are in red to stand out. Icons throughout aid quick reference.
The information....
The Handbook succinctly covers all the essential topics in a one or two-page spread format with colored headings that break up the text and provide a logical structure for readers of all levels. Common clinical questions are answered clearly and extensively.
The history....
Oxford University Press is known around the world for excellence, tradition, and innovation. These handbooks are among the best selling in the world.
The price....
You get an extremely useful tool at a great value

Already established in its first edition as a key text in elderly care, this comprehensively revised second edition of Essential Facts in Geriatric Medicine is a vital reference for health professionals involved in providing comprehensive care to the older population. The book thoroughly explores clinical aspects, as well as demographic, statistical, legal and ethical areas relating to health and social services used by older people. There are entirely new chapters on elder abuse, alcohol and drug abuse and HIV, infection control and other essential topics. With two thirds of its content either completely new or thoroughly updated, this book remains an invaluable ready reference for doctors, nurses and all health professionals involved in geriatrics and general medicine in hospital and community settings. It is also a vital revision text for general practitioners and clinical assistants, as it reflects the syllabus framework of the Diploma in Geriatric Medicine. 'Geriatric medicine is complex, like our patients. The authors, three highly respected London clinicians, have a wealth of experience in teaching and examining, and it shows. Their book successfully strikes the balance between fascinating detail and core information.' - from the Foreword by Finbarr Martin From reviews of the first edition 'This book will be of particular use to doctors but also to all those involved in the care of older people.' BOOKNEWS 'Teeming with an impressive amount of knowledge, principles and practice relating to this challenging and complex specialty.' HOSPITAL DOCTOR

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 7th International Conference On Smart Homes and and Health Telematics, ICOST 2009, held in Tours, France, in July 2009. The 27 revised full papers and 20 short papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from numerous submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on cognitive assistance and chronic diseases management; ambient living systems; service continuity and context awareness; user modeling and human-machine interaction; ambient intelligence modeling and privacy issues, human behavior and activities monitoring.

A book for nurses, doctors and all who provide end of life care, this essential volume guides readers through the ethical complexities of such care, including current policy initiatives, and encourages debate and discussion on their controversial aspects. Divided into two parts, it introduces and explains clinical decision-making processes about which there is broad consensus, in line with guidance documents issued by WHO, BMA, GMC, and similar bodies. The changing political and social context where 'patient choice' has become a central idea, and the broadened scope of patients' best interests, have added to the complexity of decision-making in end of life care. The authors discuss issues widely encountered by GPs, nurses, and hospital clinicians. These include patient choice, consent, life prolonging treatment, and symptom relief including sedation. Part two explores the more controversial current end of life care initiatives, such as advance care planning, preferred place of care and death, euthanasia and assisted suicide, extended ideas of 'best interests', and the view that there are therapeutic duties to the relatives of patients. Throughout their discussion the authors draw attention to loose ends and contradictions in some of the proposals. Examining the current policy of consumerist choice, they reject its place in the health service, proposing a realistic, fair, humane, and widely adoptable system of end of life care.
As knowledge of ethical theories is required in training courses, and the vocabulary of ethical theory is widespread in current discussions, a substantial appendix on ethical theories and terms is available online.
Written by the same authors as The Philosophy of Palliative Care: Critique and Reconstruction, which won the Medical Journalists' Association Specialist Book Award 2007, this new book for non-specialists is essential reading for all health care professionals involved in providing end of life care.