ABSTRACT

The Handbook of Gerontology Research Methods offers a clear understanding of the most important research challenges and issues in the burgeoning field of the psychology of aging. As people in developed countries live longer, so a range of research methods has evolved that allows a more nuanced understanding of how we develop psychological and neurologically. Allied to this is an increasing concern with the idea of well-being, a concept which places cognitive performance and development within a more socially grounded context. 

With contributions from a range of top international scholars, the book addresses both typical and atypical aging, highlighting key areas such as physical and cognitive exercise, nutrition, stress, diabetes and issues related to death, dying and bereavement. Successful ageing is emphasised throughout the text. Each chapter concludes with a series of practical tips on how to undertake successful research in this area. This unique collection is the first book to provide both a concise overview of the major themes, findings and current controversies in this growing field, as well as an understanding of the practical issues when researching older adults which may impact on research outcomes, intervention, policy and future directions.

Designed for both students and researchers interested in the psychology of aging, but also highly relevant for students or researchers in related fields such as health psychology and social care, the Handbook of Gerontology Research Methods is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand more about the psychology of aging.

part |2 pages

SECTION I Introduction

chapter 1|12 pages

Understanding successful ageing, key challenges and research methods

ByRiby, Leigh, Greer, Joanna, Martinon, Léa M. and Reay, Jonathon L.

part |2 pages

SECTION II Lifestyle factors and psychological functioning

chapter 2|26 pages

Physical and cognitive exercise in ageing

ByRabipour, Sheida, Miller, Delyana, Taler, Vanessa, Messier, Claude and Davidson, Patrick

chapter 3|17 pages

Nutrition, health and the ageing process

ByPeters, Riccarda, White, David and Scholey, Andrew

chapter 4|19 pages

Stress, coping and resilience in an ageing population

ByPhillips, Anna C. and Vitlic, Ana

chapter 6|23 pages

Successful ageing in the workplace: a resources-oriented intervention perspective

ByStamov Roßnagel, Christian and Jeske, Debora

chapter 7|19 pages

Ageing and retirement behaviour

ByShultz, Kenneth and Fisher, Gwenith

part |2 pages

SECTION III Less successful ageing

chapter 9|21 pages

Examining cognitive function in type 2 diabetes: the importance of an inclusive research approach

ByJones, Nicola, Greer, Joanna, Riby, Leigh and Smith, Michael

chapter 10|23 pages

Alzheimer’s disease: interaction of lifestyle factors and traumatic head injury

ByScholes-Balog, Kirsty, Albrecht, Matthew and Foster, Jonathan

part |2 pages

SECTION IV Novel interventions for dementia

part |2 pages

SECTION V End of life