Handbook of theories of aging /

This Handbook is a comprehensive update of Emergent Theories of Aging, ed. by J.E. Birren and V.L. Bengston (CH, Sep'88). Decrying much current research in gerontology as "data-rich but theory-poor," its thrust is to reorient gerontology toward the advancement of theory and the pursuit of explanations that go beyond and attempt to account for a host of specific empirical findings. Its 25 previously unpublished chapters are written by authoritative scholars. Although covering most of the same topics as its 1988 predecessor, the volume's contents make clear that the disciplines engaged in gerontological research have experienced significant theoretical development during the past decade. The work provides critical reviews of concepts and theories about aging in biology, biomedicine, psychology, and the social sciences. Several authors examine the history of theories in aging and the prospects of multidisciplinary theories; others explore applications of theories of aging to public policy and gerontological practice. References follow each chapter. The Handbook offers much to gerontology, policy making, the social sciences, and psychology. Upper-division undergraduates and above. E. Wellin; University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee