ABSTRACT

Human aging is a complex, multi-faceted experience that unfolds over an entire lifetime. While human aging is universal, it is also wildly variable, shaped by individual, social, cultural, political, geographic and historical contexts. Gerontology: The basics explores the field of research, education and practice which takes on the complex and multi-faceted questions, issues and problems of adult aging and old age.

Intended for anyone interested in understanding the origins of gerontology and its unique purview, we invite the reader to join us in a critical examination of what we think we know about becoming and being old and, perhaps, be inspired to engage more deeply in their own travels through the life-course.

chapter 1|37 pages

Introduction to the field of Gerontology

chapter 2|22 pages

The aging body

chapter 3|17 pages

The aging mind

chapter 4|13 pages

Aging in society

chapter 5|21 pages

The political economy of aging

chapter 6|11 pages

The meaning of old age

chapter 7|5 pages

Epilogue