Promoting Successful and Productive Aging (Primary Prevention of Psychopathology)

"Although the primary focus of the book is the intersection of aging and mental health issues, there is impressive breadth of coverage of biological and comparative variables as well. The 28 contributors represent experts from a wide range of disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, gerontology, sociology, anthropology, public health, education, and medicine. . . .This text would be of particular interest to students and teachers engaged in any of a number of gerontology courses." --Clinical Gerontology "The book will be of most interest to those of us who teach courses on aging in society and is a useful source of reference to social gerontologists." --Age and Ageing The aging process is subtle and constant, from the moment of birth to the end of life; yet many people conceptualize it as a perceptible--if distant--event. Assembling works from distinguished professionals in such disciplines as gerontology, psychology, and the health sciences, Promoting Successful and Productive Aging offers a thoughtful assessment of our expectations, experiences, and requirements as we become older. Emphasizing a proactive strategy, the contributors define primary prevention within a lifespan perspective, examine the social construction of ageism, and discuss the demographics of successful aging. A wide range of biological and psychosocial issues are explicitly addressed, from chronic disease and dementia to autonomy and diversity within the older population. Addressing the needs and concerns of the most rapidly growing segment of society, this comprehensive work will be an excellent resource for advanced students and practitioners alike.