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Copyright, ii
Preface, vii
I. Introduction, 1
1. Emergence and Scope of Gerontology, 1
The Advent of Gerontology, 1
Demographic Trends, 3
Conclusion, 17
Key Terms, 18
Notes, 19
References, 19
2. Problems, Public Perception, and Stereotypes of Older Americans, 22
The Problems of Aging, 22
Public Perceptions of Older Persons, 27
Misconceptions, 31
Conclusion, 34
Key Terms, 35
Notes, 35
References, 36
3. Theoretical Perspectives on Aging, 38
Theory and Research, 38
Disengagement Theory, 41
Activity Theory, 44
Human Development Theories, 46
Continuity Theory, 50
Age Stratification Theory, 52
Older Americans as a Minority Group, 53
Aging as an Exchange, 54
The Symbolic Interaction Perspective, 57
Labeling Theory, 58
Evaluating Theories of Aging, 60
Conclusion, 61
Key Terms, 62
Notes, 62
References, 63
4. Historical and Cross-Cultural Comparisons of Aging, 67
Introduction, 67
Demographic Transition and the Aging of the World’s Population, 70
Modernization and Aging, 73
Criticism of the Modernization Theory, 74
Critical Variables Determining the Status of the Aged, 76
Theoretical Views on the Changing Status of the Elderly, 79
Roles and Status of the Aged in Three Cultures, 81
Conclusion, 89
Key Terms, 90
Notes, 90
References, 90
II. The Individual and the Social System, 91
5. Biological and Health Correlates of Aging, 93
Introduction, 93
Age-Related Changes in Human Physiology, 97
Major Causes of Illness and Death in Old Age, 98
Biological Theories of Aging, 102
Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Illness, 107
Holistic Health Care, 113
Exercise and Aging, 115
Conclusion, 118
Key Terms, 123
Notes, 123
References, 124
6. Psychological Changes in Later Life, 127
Introduction, 127
Psychological and Performance Changes, 128
Personality, 132
Stability and Change in Personality, 134
Self-Esteem, 138
Adjustment to Aging, 140
Stress, 142
Conclusion, 149
Key Terms, 150
Notes, 150
References, 151
7. Age Norms, Age Constraints, and Adult Socialization, 155
Life Space, 157
Role, 158
Age Synchronization, 161
Normative Constraints, 164
Attitudes toward Old Age, 165
Social Class and Adjustment to Old Age, 166
Age, Gender, and Longevity, 168
Conclusion, 171
Key Terms, 172
Notes, 172
References, 173
8. Aging Minority Group Members, 175
Demographic Characteristics, 177
Social Aspects of Aging, 186
Service Needs, 187
Subcultural and Value Disparities between the Dominant Group and Minority Groups, 188
The Asian American, 190
Native Americans, 192
Conclusion, 193
Key Terms, 194
Notes, 195
References, 196
III. Adjustment Patterns and Changing Lifestyles in Old Age, 198
9. Family Patterns in Later Life, 198
Marital Status of Older Americans, 199
Changing Roles and the Aging Family, 200
Husband–Wife Relations, 201
Intergenerational Relations, 209
Grandparenthood, 211
Widowhood, 214
Alternative Lifestyles, 217
Second Marriages, 219
Conclusion, 221
Key Terms, 223
Notes, 223
References, 223
10. Work, Leisure, and Retirement Patterns, 228
Introduction, 228
Work, 229
Free Time, 234
Leisure, 235
Retirement, 239
Conclusion, 248
Key Terms, 249
Notes, 249
References, 250
11. Living Environments in Later Life, 253
Residential Segregation of the Aged, 255
Design and Environmental Factors in Senior Housing, 260
Housing and Community Choices of Older Americans, 263
Housing Costs, 266
Sociability, 268
Institutionalization, 269
The Eden Alternative, 272
Conclusion, 273
Key Terms, 275
Notes, 275
References, 276
12. Death and Dying, 280
The Impact of Death on Society, 281
Attitudes toward Death, 285
The Meaning of Death, 287
Critical Questions about Death, 289
Adjustments to Dying, 296
Grief, 299
Conclusion, 301
Key Terms, 301
Notes, 301
References, 302
IV. Societal Issues Confronting Older Americans, 305
13. The Economics of Aging, 305
Economic Needs of Older Americans, 305
Income, 306
Poverty, 309
Effects of Inflation, 316
Conclusion, 318
Key Terms, 319
Notes, 319
References, 319
14. Exploitation of the Aged: Crimes, Confidence Games, and Frauds, 321
Fear of Crime, 321
Victimization by Crime, 322
The Older Person’s Response to Victimization, 326
Confidence Games and Frauds, 327
Abuse of the Elderly, 330
Conclusion, 332
Key Terms, 334
Notes, 334
References, 335
15. Politics of Aging, 337
Political Participation, 338
Intergenerational Conflict or Consensus, 344
Status Inconsistency, 347
Age and Political Conservatism, 348
Conclusion, 348
Key Terms, 349
Notes, 350
References, 350
16. Social Services for Older Americans, 352
Social Services for Older Americans, 352
Future Directions of Service Programs for the Aged, 367
Conclusion, 370
Key Terms, 371
Notes, 371
References, 372
17. Religion and Aging, 373
Introduction, 373
Church Attendance, 374
Belief in God, 376
Belief in Immortality, 377
Orthodox Religion, 378
Religious Ritualism and Private Devotionalism, 379
Religiosity and Life Satisfaction, 381
The Role of the Aged in the Church, 383
Conclusion, 384
Key Terms, 386
Notes, 386
References, 387
18. Aging and the Aged: Future Prospects and Issues, 390
Gerontology: The Future of the Discipline, 391
Theories of Aging, 392
Health, 394
Retirement Income, 395
Family, 397
Residential Location, 399
Postindustrial Society, 399
Values, 400
Work and Leisure, 401
Power, 401
Death, 402
Government Services, 403
Conclusion, 403
Key Terms, 403
Notes, 404
References, 404
Index, I-1-1

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