The Sage Handbook of Social Gerontology - Softcover

This SAGE Handbook integrates basic research on social dimensions of aging. It presents programmatic applications of research in areas not often seen in Handbooks including imprisonment, technology and aging, urban society aged, and elderly migration. The authors constitute a Who's Who of international gerontology, and the focus on globalization and aging is unique among Handbooks today. This Handbook should be in the library of every social gerontologist. (Vern L. Bengtson)

This handbook is an impressive testimony to the vibrancy of social gerontology today. It documents the growing range of themes and disciplinary approaches in the study of societal aging. The two editors – one American, one European – have used their experience and reputation to assemble an outstanding cast of contributors who address the issues of aging societies in a truly global perspective. (Martin Kohli)

Not only are the topics in this volume multidisciplinary but also the authors of the chapters come from all over the world and are acknowledged experts... All in all this is a very useful new contribution to the literature, and the editors are to be congratulated on bringing together a distinguished group of authors on such an interesting number of relevant topics. (Anthea Tinker)

The subject matter of this Handbook deals with one of the most challenging issues for societies in the 21st Century, namely, the social, economic and cultural changes associated with individual ageing and the rapidly growing reality of the ageing of human populations. The Sage Handbook of Social Gerontology provides a comprehensive overview of key trends and issues in the field of ageing, drawing upon the full range of social science disciplines. The volume reflects the emergence of ageing as a global concern, drawing upon international scholars from Asia, Australasia, Europe and North America.

The book is organized into five parts, each exploring different aspects of research into social aspects of ageing:

· Disciplinary overviews: summaries of findings from key disciplinary areas within social gerontology

· Social relationships and social differences: topics include social inequality, gender, religion, inter-generational ties, social networks, and friendships in later life.

· Individual characteristics and change in later life: examining different aspects of individual aging, including self and identity, cognitive processes, and biosocial interactions and their impact on physical and psychological aging

· Comparative perspectives and cultural innovations: topics include ageing and development, ageing in a global context, migration, and cross-cultural perspectives on grandparenthood

· Policy issues: topics include: developments in social policy, long-term care, technology and older people, end of life issues, work and retirement, crime and older people, and the politics of old age.

It will be essential reading for all students, researchers and policy-makers concerned with the major issues influencing the lives of older people across the globe.