Handbook of Theories of Aging

Vern L. Bengtson PhD, K. Warner Schaie PhD082611234X, 9780826112347, 9780826197962

The long awaited sequel to Birren and Bengtson’s landmark text, EMERGENT THEORIES OF AGING has arrived. Dedicated to James E. Birren, this volume continues to explore and expand upon the bases of theory-building and research design in aging. Renowned researchers examine biological, biomedical, psychological, and social science concepts and theories. In addition, this volume contains a new section that explores the potentials for successful interventions by applying theories to gerontological practice, public policy, and mental health and aging. This text is a valuable resource for gerontologists, academics, psychologists, and graduate-level students.

Contributors include: James Birren, Gary Kenyon, Caleb Finch, Diana Woodruff-Pak, Paul B. Baltes, Margret Baltes, Laura Carstensen, Timothy Salthouse, Gisela Labouvie-Vief, Christine Fry, Dale Dannefer, Margaret Gatz, among others.

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Table of contents :
Contents……Page 6
Preface……Page 10
Acknowledgments……Page 14
Contributors……Page 16
Section I: Bases of Theory-Building in Aging……Page 20
1 Are Theories of Aging Important? Models and Explanations in Gerontology at the Turn of the Century……Page 22
2 Historical Development of Theories of Aging……Page 40
3 Elements of a Narrative Gerontology……Page 59
4 On Reestablishing the Phenomenon and Specifying Ignorance: Theory Development and Research Design in Aging……Page 78
Section II: Biological and Biomedical Concepts and Theories of Aging……Page 98
5 Stress Theories of Aging……Page 100
6 Biological Theories of Senescence……Page 117
7 Theories of Neuropsychology and Aging……Page 132
8 The Role of Aging Processes in Aging-Dependent Diseases……Page 152
Section III: Psychological Concepts and Theories of Aging……Page 170
9 Multilevel and Systemic Analyses of Old Age: Theoretical and Empirical Evidence for a Fourth Age……Page 172
10 Theories of Everyday Competence and Aging……Page 193
11 Theories of Cognition……Page 215
12 Social-Psychological Theories and Their Applications to Aging: From Individual to Collective……Page 228
13 The Self-Concept in Life Span and Aging Research……Page 246
14 Emotions in Adulthood……Page 272
Section IV: Social Science Concepts and Theories of Aging……Page 288
15 Anthropological Theories of Age and Aging……Page 290
16 Constructionist Perspectives on Aging……Page 306
17 Paths of the Life Course: A Typology……Page 325
18 The Aging and Society Paradigm……Page 346
19 The Political Economy Perspective in Aging……Page 363
Section V: Applications and Potentials for Theories of Aging……Page 378
20 Public Policy and Theories of Aging: Constructing and Reconstructing Old Age……Page 380
21 Applying Theories of Aging to Gerontological Practice Through Teaching and Research……Page 398
22 A Good Old Age: Paradox or Possibility……Page 415
23 On the Dynamics of Development and Aging……Page 436
24 Analyzing Social Theories of Aging……Page 453
Afterword……Page 476
25 Theories of Aging: A Personal Perspective……Page 478
Dedication……Page 492
B……Page 500
C……Page 502
E……Page 503
G……Page 504
H……Page 505
K……Page 507
L……Page 508
M……Page 509
N……Page 510
P……Page 511
R……Page 512
S……Page 513
W……Page 515
Z……Page 516
A……Page 518
C……Page 520
D……Page 522
F……Page 523
G……Page 524
L……Page 525
M……Page 526
N……Page 527
P……Page 528
S……Page 530
W……Page 534