Ageing: A Very Short IntroductionAgeing is an activity we are familiar with from an early age. In our younger years upcoming birthdays are anticipated with an excitement that somewhat diminishes as the years progress. As we grow older we are bombarded with advice on ways to overcome, thwart, resist, and, on the rare occasion, embrace, one's ageing. Have all human beings from the various historical epochs and cultures viewed aging with this same ambivalence? In this Very Short Introduction Nancy A. Pachana discusses the lifelong dynamic changes in biological, psychological, and social functioning involved in ageing. Increased lifespans in the developed and the developing world have created an urgent need to find ways to enhance our functioning and well-being in the later decades of life, and this need is reflected in policies and action plans addressing our ageing populations from the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Looking to the future, Pachana considers advancements in the provision for our ageing populations, including revolutionary models of nursing home care such as Green House nursing homes in the USA and Small Group Living homes in the Netherlands. She shows that understanding the process of ageing is not only important for individuals, but also for societies and nations, if the full potential of those entering later life is to be realised. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Contents
Ageing a brief history | 1 |
Physical and biological
aspects of ageing | 22 |
The psychology of ageing | 45 |
Social and interpersonal
aspects of ageing | 66 |
Positive and successful ageing | 87 |
Reflections on ageing
and future directions | 102 |
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Common terms and phrases
ability age-related ageing process Alzheimer’s disease ancient areas aspects of ageing associated Baby Boomer behaviours benefits biological brain caregiving cells cent centenarians chronic cognitive functioning cognitive reserve Cohen’s cohort contribute cope countries creativity cultures David death declines decreased depression developing world disability effects emotional engagement environment epigenetics example expectancy experience Facebook factors Frank Close genes genetic globally grandparents greater health and well-being health literacy healthcare HelpAge International illness impact important increasing age individual’s interventions Klaus Dodds levels lifespan living longevity Malise Ruthven memory mental health Michael modern negative neurotransmitters Nick Middleton numbers of older old age older adults older individuals older persons one’s organism particularly persons with dementia Peter Atkins population positive potential primary ageing primary and secondary Procedural memory psychological resilience risk Roger Scruton role secondary ageing social support society studies successful ageing supercentenarians symptoms theories of ageing women younger