Introduction to Aging: A Positive, Interdisciplinary Approach

This new textbook creates a paradigm shift with a very practical approach to problem solving. Aging is an asset. Its focus on well care rather than just sick care by understanding physical fitness, sexual fitness, consumer fitness, nutritional fitness and social fitness among others, all point to aging as an asset leading to civic fitness and the potential for intergenerational support. This text may help springboard Gerontology into the 21st Century as the field creating excitement and hope for students and teachers alike.

Cullen T. Hayashida, Ph.D.
Director, Kupuna (Elder) Education Center
Kapi'olani Community College
University of Hawaii

This research-based yet highly engaging textbook for undergraduate and masters-level college students ushers in a new paradigm of aging-that of aging as a positive stage of life. It offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the broad range of topics that comprise gerontology, using theoretical and research-based information while providing engrossing narratives and real examples of new trends, surprising findings, and controversial topics.

The volume dispels many of the myths about aging through careful reporting of facts, issues, and trends. It sheds a positive light on getting older by viewing the elderly and near old as a diverse, capable subset of our population. A discussion of roles in the family, workplace, and greater society along with physical changes, health, sexuality, living environment, work, retirement, and cultural considerations reveal the challenges and opportunities faced by our rapidly aging population.

This text comes with access to PowerPoint slides and an instructor's manual including learning objectives, key terms, test questions, suggested topics for essays and discussion, and suggested classroom activities and homework assignments.

Key Features:

• Conceptualizes aging in America as a positive social revolution with far-reaching consequences
• Dispels negative myths about aging
• Engages the reader with vivid narratives
• Includes practical applications of knowledge throughout the text
• Includes instructor's manual, PowerPoint slides, and resources for additional learning opportunities
• Targeted to the needs of undergraduate and masters-level gerontology students

Judith A. Sugar, PhD, is Associate Professor, School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno.

Robert J. Riekse, EdD, is the founder of the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and the Calvin College-Grand Rapids Community College Consortium on Aging.

Henry Holstege, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Sociology/Gerontology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Michael Faber, MA, is Director of the Older Learner Center at Grand Rapids Community College.