Handbook of Theories of Aging, Second Edition

The field of gerontology has often been criticized for being "data-rich but theory-poor." The editors of this book address this issue by stressing the importance of theory in gerontology. While the previous edition focused on multidisciplinary approaches to aging theory, this new edition provides cross-disciplinary, integrative explanations of aging theory: The contributors of this text have reached beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to partner with researchers in adjacent fields in studying aging and age-related phenomena.

This edition of the Handbook consists of 39 chapters written by 67 internationally recognized experts in the field of aging. It is organized in seven sections, reflecting the major theoretical developments in gerontology over the past 10 years.
Special Features:

• Comprehensive coverage of aging theory, focusing on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging
• A section dedicated to discussing how aging theory informs public policy
• A concluding chapter summarizing the major themes of aging, and offering predictions about the future of theory development

Required reading for graduate students and post doctoral fellows, this textbook represents the current status of theoretical development in the study of aging."

Vern L. Bengtson, PhD, is AARP/university professor of gerontology emeritus and research professor, Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.

Daphna Gans, PhD is a postdoctoral fellow in the study of aging at the Department of Labor and Population at RAND. She is a part-time lecturer at the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.

Norella M. Putney, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Southern California.

Merril Silverstein, PhD is a professor in the Davis School of Gerontology and the Department of Sociology at the University of Southern California.