Gerontology Arena - New Titles

Biblical Perspectives on Aging

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 25:25:25 GMT

Biblical Perspectives on Aging

God and the Elderly, Second Edition

No Author/Editor data available

A reinvigorated biblical argument against ageism

As the population of older Americans grows, meaningful perspectives on aging are needed by both the young and the old. Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly takes a detailed look at the views of aging presented in the Old and New Testaments. This wide ranging and insightful survey encompasses not only the entire Bible but also interpretations of sacred Middle Eastern and Judaic documents. This new expanded edition of the original classic text adds thorough discussions of the wisdom of the Bible and Jewish literature with ways to interpret these readings and what they teach about spirituality and growing older.

Approaches to aging issues have changed in recent years. With the average American lifespan increasing, the view of old age as a solitary time of waiting has been pushed aside. So too has the assumption that the elderly simply want to remember “the good old days.” This updated edition of Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly has expanded its scope to incorporate and address the effects of these changing views. This sweeping study of the Bible’s positive treatment of aging and elderly figures sheds new light on contemporary society’s negative view of the elderly and what can be done about it. Clear examples from both Scripture and literature provide a wealth of understanding, comfort, and wisdom to everyone interested in aging and the Bible. In addition, this new edition explores the changing relationships that exist among aging, hermeneutics, mentoring, and spirituality. The new insights revealed here reinvigorate the challenge against ageism and traditional pictures of old age as a time of withdrawal and living in the past.

Among the issues explored in Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly are:

the nature of God and aging issues
aging experiences and the Bible
attitudes toward the elderly in the ancient Near East and in Israel
threats to the common theology of aging
aging stereotypes and the aging process
biblical theology and its role in social support for the elderly
challenges faced by the elderly
hermeneutics and old age
creation, eschatology, and aging
models for utilizing the old age paradigm
spirituality and its relationship to aging
methods for discovering Biblical spirituality
cross-generational relationships and mentoring
the importance of social support
a detailed index of Old and New Testament Scripture references

Accessible and concise with compelling arguments and numerous examples, Biblical Perspectives on Aging: God and the Elderly is an ideal resource for pastors, seminary students, professionals, and leaders of programs for the elderly. It shows both young and old that while aging may not be easy, Biblical theology can ease some of its mystery.

ISBN: 9780789035370

Published March 25 2008 by Routledge.

The Handbook of Aging and Cognition

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:09:09 GMT

The Handbook of Aging and Cognition

3rd Edition

Edited by Fergus I. M. Craik, Timothy A. Salthouse

Cognitive aging is a flourishing area of research. A significant amount of new data, a number of new theoretical notions, and many new research issues have been generated in the past ten years. This new edition reviews new findings and theories, enables the reader to assess where the field is today, and evaluates its points of growth. The chapters are organized to run from reviews of current work on neuroimaging, neuropsychology, genetics and the concept of brain reserve, through the 'mainstream' topics of attention, memory, knowledge and language, to a consideration of individual differences and of cognitive aging in a lifespan context. This edition continues to feature the broad range of its predecessors, while also providing critical assessments of current theories and findings.

ISBN: 9780805859904

Published October 09 2007 by Psychology Press (formerly published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates).

Existential and Spiritual Issues in Death Attitudes

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 31:31:31 GMT

Existential and Spiritual Issues in Death Attitudes

Edited by Adrian Tomer, Grafton T. Eliason, Paul T.P. Wong

Existential and Spiritual Issues in Death Attitudes provides: an in-depth examination of death attitudes, existentialism, and spirituality and their relationships; a review of the major theoretical models; clinical applications of these models to issues such as infertility, bereavement, anxiety, and suicide; and an introduction to Meaning Management Theory and how it can be applied to grief counseling.

In this new volume, death is treated both as a threat to meaning and as an opportunity to create meaning. The first section introduces theory and methodology to connect the latest empirical research on death attitudes to the philosophical/psychological existential and spirituality literature. Part II presents the latest empirical research on subjects such as end-of-life decisions and living with HIV. The final section considers therapeutic applications to issues including suicide, infertility, bereavement, and anxiety. The concluding chapter highlights the book�s common themes and provides questions to encourage further investigation of the most critical topics.

Psychologists, counselors, social workers, physicians, nurses, and religious leaders, as well as academics in the fields of psychology, gerontology, philosophy, religion, counseling, social work, sociology, and medicine will value this new resource. Main points summarize important ideas of each chapter, making it an appropriate text in courses on death and dying and/or and spirituality. Its clinical applications will appeal to practicing professionals.

ISBN: 9780805852714

Published July 31 2007 by Psychology Press (formerly published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates).

Mental Health Issues of Older Women

Fri, 18 May 2007 18:18:18 GMT

Mental Health Issues of Older Women

A Comprehensive Review for Health Care Professionals

No Author/Editor data available

Discover the latest research on the mental health concerns of older women

Women are the primary consumers of mental health services, however, there is a paucity of research on their specific needs. Mental Health Issues of Older Women: A Comprehensive Review for Health Care Professionals presents a comprehensive overview for health care professionals, educators, and students on the study of mental health problems of aging women. This resource provides the latest research and informed perspectives by seasoned mental health clinicians. A wide range of mental health problems are explored, including dementia, cognitive impairment, alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, depression and anxiety disorders, traumatic and dissociative disorders, sexual and eating disorders, and personality disorders.

Mental Health Issues of Older Women provides practicing therapists and counselors with a much-needed research update and a broad clinical perspective from respected experts. This book uses current psychiatric diagnoses as a framework to gain greater depth of understanding to address the mental health issues of older women. Students and health professionals will discover valuable information, inspiration, and encouragement in their work with middle-aged and older women who are facing mental health challenges. This volume provides extensive references.

Topics in Mental Health Issues of Older Women include:

the role of cognitive impairment in older persons
assessment tools and treatment options for older women who display alcohol use problems
schizophrenia in older women
major depressive disorder among older women
therapeutic options for anxiety disorders
under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed incidents of PTSD
a provocative look at dissociative identity disorder
sexual problems with treatment options
eating disorders with treatment approaches
effective treatment options for borderline personality disorder

Mental Health Issues of Older Women provides practitioners, educators, students, researchers, and administrators with an essential review of the latest research and current issues on the mental health problems of older women.

ISBN: 9780789035974

Published May 18 2007 by Routledge.

Aging and Work in the 21st Century

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 23:23:23 GMT

Aging and Work in the 21st Century

By Kenneth S. Shultz, Gary A. Adams

The aging of baby boomers, along with the predicted decrease of the available labor pool, will place increased scrutiny and emphasis on issues relating to an aging workforce. Furthermore, future economic downturns will place strong pressure on older workers to remain in the workforce, and on retirees to seek employment again. Aging and Work in the 21st Century reviews, summarizes, and integrates existing literature from various disciplines with regard to aging and work. Chapter authors, all leading experts within their respective areas, provide recommendations for future research, practice, and/or public policy.

This definitive source comprehensively reviews:

trends and implications regarding the demography, income, and diversity of the aging workforce;
the issue of age bias in the workplace;
job performance, work-related attitudes, training and development, and career issues of older workers; and
topics of age and occupational health, technology, work and family issues, and retirement.

The intended audience is advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers in the disciplines of industrial and organizational psychology; developmental psychology; gerontology; sociology; economics; and social work. Older worker advocate organizations, like AARP, will also take interest in this edited book.

ISBN: 9780805857269

Published February 23 2007 by Psychology Press (formerly published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates).

Care-Giving in Dementia

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 21:21:21 GMT

Care-Giving in Dementia

Research and Applications Volume 4

Edited by Bere M. L. Miesen, Gemma M. M. Jones

Volume 4 of Care-Giving in Dementia builds on previous volumes to continue to make a significant contribution to establishing a knowledge base for the developing field of care-giving in dementia.

The editors bring together contributions from leading practitioners and researchers to bring the reader up to date with new developments in diagnosis, treatment and care. Subjects covered include: visuo-perceptual changes in Alzheimer�s disease, the Alzheimer Caf� concept, attachment in dementia, the role of humour in dementia, the awareness context of persons with dementia, couples group (psycho) therapy in dementia, spirituality, and improving end-of-life care for people with dementia.

Care Giving in Dementia makes state of the art research accessible and relevant for professional care-givers. It will help all health and mental health professionals caring for people with dementia to enhance their practice, educate others and investigate possibilities for further developments in this fast-growing field.

ISBN: 9781583911907

Published September 21 2006 by Routledge.

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:14:14 GMT

Mild Cognitive Impairment

International Perspectives

Edited by Holly A. Tuokko, David F. Hultsch

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) has been identified as an important clinical transition between normal aging and the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Since treatments for AD are most likely to be most effective early in the course of the disease, MCI has become a topic of great importance and has been investigated in different populations of interest in many countries. This book brings together these differing perspectives on MCI for the first time.

This volume provides a comprehensive resource for clinicians, researchers, and students involved in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people with MCI. Clinical investigators initially defined mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as a transitional condition between normal aging and the early stages of Alzheimer�s disease (AD). Because the prevalence of AD increases with age and very large numbers of older adults are affected worldwide, these clinicians saw a pressing need to identify AD as early as possible. It is at this very early stage in the disease course that treatments to slow the progress and control symptoms are likely to be most effective.

Since the first introduction of MCI, research interest has grown exponentially, and the utility of the concept has been investigated from a variety of perspectives in different populations of interest (e.g., clinical samples, volunteers, population-based screening) in many different countries. Much variability in findings has resulted. Although it has been acknowledged that the differences observed between samples may be �legitimate variations�, there has been no attempt to understand what it is we have learned about MCI (i.e., common features and differences) from each of these perspectives.

This book brings together information about MCI in different populations from around the world. Mild Cognitive Impairment will be an important resource for any clinician, researcher, or student involved in the study, detection, treatment, and rehabilitation of people with MCI.

ISBN: 9781841694665

Published September 14 2006 by Psychology Press.

The Baby Boomers Grow Up

Fri, 14 Jul 2006 14:14:14 GMT

The Baby Boomers Grow Up

Contemporary Perspectives on Midlife

Edited by Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Sherry L. Willis

The goal of this volume is to examine development in middle age from the perspective of baby boomers -- a unique cohort in the United States defined as those individuals born from 1946 to 1962. This is the largest cohort ever to enter middle age in Western society, and they currently represent approximately one-third of the total U.S. population. The Baby Boomers Grow Up provides contemporary and comprehensive perspectives of development of the baby boomer cohort as they proceed through midlife.

Baby boomers continue to exert a powerful impact on the media, fiction, movies, and even popular music, just as they were an imposing force in society from the time of their entry into youth. As these individuals enter the years normally considered to represent midlife, they are redefining how we as a society regard adults in their middle and later years.

This volume features several unique aspects. First, the literature reviewed focuses specifically on research relevant to baby boomers and their development as adults, rather than a global perspective on middle age. Second, the volume takes into account the diversity within the boomer cohort, such as social class, race, and education. In addition, quantitative and qualitative developmental changes occurring from the forties to the fifties and the sixties are considered. Differences in leading and trailing edge boomers are likewise addressed.

Ideal for researchers in adult development and graduate seminars on adult development, The Baby Boomers Grow Up will also appeal to adult educators, human resource personnel, health professionals and service providers, and clinical psychologists and counselors.

ISBN: 9780805848755

Published July 14 2006 by Psychology Press (formerly published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates).

Ethnicity and the Dementias

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:12:12 GMT

Ethnicity and the Dementias

Edited by Gwen Yeo, Dolores Gallager-Thompson

In recent years, the literature on the topic of ethnic and racial issues in Alzheimer�s disease and other dementias has increased dramatically. At the same time, the need for cultural competence in all of geriatric care, including dementia care, is increasingly being acknowledged. Researchers and providers are beginning to recognize the impending "ethnogeriatric imperative," as the number of elders from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds continues to rise.

Ethnicity and the Dementias offers invaluable background information in this area, while also examining how those suffering from dementia and their family members respond or adapt to the challenges that follow. Thoroughly updated and revised from the first edition, the book features contributions from leading clinicians and researchers on the epidemiology of dementias by ethnic population, new information on the assessment of diverse populations, and updates and inclusions of new populations in the management of dementia and working with families. The book is ideal for practitioners, researchers, and policy makers in search of the most current ethnogeriatric findings.

ISBN: 9780415954044

Published July 12 2006 by Routledge.

The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior

Tue, 25 Apr 2006 25:25:25 GMT

The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior

By John F. Dovidio, Jane Allyn Piliavin, David A. Schroeder, Louis A. Penner

Written by four leading researchers in the study of prosocial behavior, this book introduces a new perspective on prosocial behavior for the 21st century. Building on the bystander intervention work that has defined this area since the 1960s, The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior examines prosocial behavior from a multilevel perspective that explores the diverse influences that promote actions for the benefit of others and the myriad ways that prosocial actions can be manifested. The authors expand the breadth of the field, incorporating analyses of biological and genetic factors that predispose individuals to be concerned for the well being of others, as well as planned helping such as volunteering and organizational citizenship behavior and cooperative behavior within and between groups. They identify both the common and the unique processes that underlie the broad spectrum of prosocial behavior.

Each chapter begins with a question about prosocial behavior and ends with a summary that answers the question. The final chapter summarizes the questions and the answers that research provides. Conceptual models that elaborate on and extend the multilevel approach to prosocial behavior are used to tie these findings together. The book concludes with suggestions for future research. The Social Psychology of Prosocial Behavior addresses the following:
*the evolution of altruistic tendencies and other biological explanations of why humans are predisposed to be prosocial;
*how the situation and motives that are elicited by these situations affect when and how people help;
*the causes and maintenance of long-term helping, such as volunteering;
*how prosocial behavior changes over time and the developmental processes responsible for these changes;
*the consequences of helping for both the people who provide it and those who receive it;
*helping and cooperation within and between groups and the implications of these actions.
This accessible text is ideal for advanced courses on helping and altruism or prosocial behavior, taught in psychology, sociology, management, political science, and communication, or for anyone interested in learning more about prosocial behavior in general.

ISBN: 9780805849356

Published April 25 2006 by Psychology Press (formerly published by Lawrence Erlbaum Associates).