Health, Illness, and Optimal Aging: Biological and Psychosocial Perspectives

Abstract

1. Introduction & Basic Concepts Basic Definitions Organization of the Book 2. Demography of Aging Aging in the World Population in the United States Demographic Factors and Rate of Aging 3. Theories of Aging Biological Theories of Aging Psychosocial Theories and Aging Psychosocial Factors and Aging 4. Understanding Change in Aging Research Basic Definitions Age-Related Designs Statistics for Assessing Change Statistics That Predict Change 5. Aging of the Skin and Musculoskeletal System The Skin Musculoskeletal System 6. Aging of the Internal Organ Systems Cardiovascular System Respiratory System Gastrointestinal System Renal/Urinary System 7. Aging and the Regulatory Systems Sensory Systems Nervous System Endocrine System Immune System 8. Functional Health, Health Promotion, and Quality of Life Functional Health Health Promotion in Older Adults Quality of Life 9. Interface Between Physical and Mental Health Personality Processes and Disease Alcohol and Aging Differentiating Mental and Physical Health Problems 10. Stress, Coping, and Health Stress Coping with Stress 11. Social Support, Health, and Aging Characteristics of the Social Support Network Social Support, Morbidity, and Mortality Caregiving 12. What is Optimal Aging Models of Optimal Aging Wisdom and Optimal Aging Religiosity, Spirituality, and Optimal Aging Ars Moriendi - The Art of Dying References Author Index Subject Index