Human aging is a complex, multi-faceted experience that unfolds over an entire lifetime. While human aging is universal, it is also wildly variable, shaped by individual, social, cultural, political, geographic and historical contexts. Gerontology: The basics explores the field of research, education and practice which takes on the complex and multi-faceted questions, issues and problems of adult aging and old age. Intended for anyone interested in understanding the origins of gerontology and its unique purview, we invite the reader to join us in a critical examination of what we think we know about becoming and being old and, perhaps, be inspired to engage more deeply in their own travels through the life-course.

Human aging is a complex, multi-faceted experience that unfolds over an entire lifetime. While human aging is universal, it is also wildly variable, shaped by individual, social, cultural, political, geographic and historical contexts. Gerontology: The basics explores the field of research, education and practice which takes on the complex and multi-faceted questions, issues and problems of adult aging and old age.

Intended for anyone interested in understanding the origins of gerontology and its unique purview, we invite the reader to join us in a critical examination of what we think we know about becoming and being old and, perhaps, be inspired to engage more deeply in their own travels through the life-course.

Table of Contents

Preface

1. Introduction to the Field of Gerontology

2. The Aging Body

3. The Aging Mind

4. Aging in Society

5. The Political Economy of Aging

6. The Meaning of Old Age

7. Epilogue

Glossary

'A new life, a new chance, now awaits you. You only have to reach out and take it. But remember: you yourself must do the reaching.' Everyone who has ever asked themselves 'Is this all there is?' will draw inspiration from The Five Stages of the Soul. In midlife many of us, regardless of our worldly success, feel that life is not giving uswhat we want. But when we come to analyse what it is that we do want, we are not sure. The confidence and idealism that carried us through the first half of our lives often gives way to emptiness and confusion as we get older. This is the first book to explore the specific stages of spiritual awakening that we go through as we age - from midlife crisis and the search for inner purpose - to the true happiness and fulfilment that can be achieved once we find the path to spiritual wholeness. Based on extensive research from a leading teacher in the field of aging, this thought provoking book relates the spiritual experiences and lessons of numerous individuals and draws on psychology and religion to offer guidance and inspiration to those searching to regain a sense of meaning in their lives. 'The gifts we can receive from people who have tasted spiritual possibility are maps which we then use to guide our own journey....