In its brief but vigorous history, gerontology has spawned a broadening range of specializations. One of the newest of such specializations is narrative gerontology, so named for its emphasis on the biographical, or inside, dimensions of the experience of aging.
Telling stories about our world, our relationships, and ourselves is fundamental to how we make meaning. Everything from our history to our religion and our memories to our emotions is linked to the tales we tell ourselves, and others, about where we have come from and where we are going. They are central to who we are.
The biographical side of human life is every bit as critical to fathom as the biological side, if we seek a more balanced, positive, and optimistic perspective on what aging is about; if we would honor the dignity and complexity, the humanity and uniqueness of the lives of older persons, no matter what their health or economic standing. In this respect, a narrative approach is particularly suited to the exploration of such topics as meaning, spirituality, and wisdom, and the connections they share.
This volume reflects a selection of new directions and insights, and constitutes a general broadening and deepening of narrative gerontology, exploring its implications for theory and research in the field of aging, and for the quality of life of older adults themselves. Such deepening indicates a greater refinement of thought, method, and intervention. The evolution of narrative gerontology is also evidenced by a significant increase in the number of faculty and graduate students engaged in research in this area, as well as by increasing collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and administrators in applying narrative insights to contexts such as long term care - indeed, healthcare in general. These initiatives have given rise to the phrase, "narrative care as core care."

We are all looking to flourish, to experience joy, feel engaged with the world, and experience meaningful lives. But the stresses and strains of our daily lives makes this a challenge. Using Positive Psychology Every Day: Learning How to Flourish is about (re)finding the art of living, enabling you to flourish. Bringing together the best of positive psychology, this book introduces eight evidence-based resources of well-being and flourishing: positive emotions, the discovering and use of strengths, optimism, compassion, post-traumatic growth, positive relationships and spirituality. Each chapter has a concise, simple theoretical introduction and several evidence-based, easy-to-apply exercises. This book is for anyone experiencing stress, distress or lower well-being, as well as coaches and therapists who can use the book for clients in the context of guided self-help.

""While the concept of living in the moment seems simple, the reality is often entirely different as our minds chatter and fret and rarely stand still. Fortunately, Ernst Bohlmeijer and Monique Hulsbergen have written a clear and reassuring guide to mindfulness and ACT, with illuminating exercises and a wealth of information about how our minds work. But more than this, it's also a guide to living a more contented life, as the reader is encouraged to search out and live a life guided by their most deeply-held values. It's an uplifting read."
Rebecca Alexander, executive coach, "The Coaching Studio" and Contributing Editor, "Psychologies"

"Ernst and Monique have written a wonderful self-help guide. Full of interesting anecdotes, helpful case studies and useful techniques, this is a book which teaches us how to lead a more fulfilled life."
Dr Rick Norris, Consultant Psychologist and author of" Think Yourself Happy: the simple 6-stage programme to change your life from within"

Life is not easy. There are times when we are full of gloom, doubt, fear, bitter disappointment or insecurity. This practical book will help you to experience greater freedom and quality in your life and teach you how to cope with stressful situations.

" Combining mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercises in an accessible 9-week programme, Bohlmeijer and Hulsbergen show you how to observe your thoughts without judgement and connect with the 'here and now' in your life. By spending a few minutes a day, you will discover what really matters to you in life and learn to base your day-to-day actions on your values.

Learn how to live in the moment with this step-by-step guide to mindfulness and walk away from fighting difficult emotions. You will find peace and greater joy, as well as reduced anxiety and stress.

"With illustrations by Helen van Vliet."

""Mindfulness is a form of meditation that originated in Buddhist practice. A recent development is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction or MBSR which is now being used successfully in treating a range of clinical conditions, including the relief of stress and anxiety in cancer. The new book "A Beginner's Guide to Mindfulness "by Ernst Bohlmeijer and Monique Hulsbergen is a most valuable addition to the literature. It is written with authority by two distinguished and experienced psychologists and contains a wealth of information written in easily understood English. The book also contains useful exercises for people to work through. I recommend this book highly especially to anyone trying to help themselves deal with physical or psychological illness."
Professor Jane Plant, Imperial College London, UK, and author of international bestseller "Your Life in Your Hands"

"Being a human being includes difficulties. The authors take this simple fact of life; blend their personal experiences, a model of mindfulness, scientific evidence, and a bit of humour. From this they create a book of wisdom, inspiration, and practical steps for living."
Lance M. McCracken, Professor of Behavioural Medicine, King's College London, UK

"This is clearly one of the best mindfulness books for beginners. You can put it directly into the hands of your clients with no explanations. Clearly, a very user-friendly book to have in your clinic."
JoAnne Dahl, Professor of Psychology, Uppsala University, Sweden

"This is a very useful book for anyone wanting to find more meaning and satisfaction in life. It blends exercises and metaphors from several mindfulness-based therapies in a user-friendly self-help format."
Ruth Baer, Professor of Psychology, University of Kentucky, USA

"Bohlmeijer and Hulsbergen's "A Beginner's Guide to Mindfulness" provides an accessible and practical route to create more well-being. They have convinced me with their research and this volume that they are serious about helping more people flourish in life. Anybody interested in flourishing should read this book and, more importantly, practice what they preach."
Corey Keyes, Professor of Sociology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA"

We are all looking to flourish, to experience joy, feel engaged with the world, and experience meaningful lives. But the stresses and strains of our daily lives makes this a challenge. Using Positive Psychology Every Day: Learning How to Flourish is about (re)finding the art of living, enabling you to flourish.

Bringing together the best of positive psychology, this book introduces eight evidence-based resources of well-being and flourishing: positive emotions, the discovering and use of strengths, optimism, compassion, post-traumatic growth, positive relationships and spirituality. Each chapter has a concise, simple theoretical introduction and several evidence-based, easy-to-apply exercises.

This book is for anyone experiencing stress, distress or lower well-being, as well as coaches and therapists who can use the book for clients in the context of guided self-help.