Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences

Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, Ninth Edition, provides a comprehensive synthesis of the latest research findings in the science of aging. The complexities of population dynamics, cohort succession and policy changes modify the world and its inhabitants in ways that must be vigilantly monitored. Completely revised, this edition not only includes the foundational, classic themes of aging research, but also a rich array of emerging topics and perspectives that advance the field in exciting ways. New topics include families, immigration, social factors and cognition, caregiving, neighborhoods and built environments, natural disasters, religion and health, and sexual behavior, among others. This book will serve as a useful resource and an inspiration to those searching for ways to contribute to the aging enterprise.
- Includes aging topics at both the micro- and macro-level
- Addresses the intersection of individual and aggregate factors
- Covers a spectrum of disciplines, including demography, economics, epidemiology, gerontology, political science, psychology, social work, sociology and statistics
- Brings together the work of almost fifty leading scholars to provide a deeper understanding of aging

Section I: Scientific Approaches and Methods1. Frontiers of Social Science Research on AgingKenneth F. Ferraro2. Ethnographic Methods for Research on Aging: Making Use of a Fundamental Toolkit for Understanding Everyday LifeCorey M. Abramson3. Measuring Life Course Events and Life HistoriesJacqui Smith, Mengyao Hu and Haena Lee4. Genomic Data Measures and Methods: A Primer for Social ScientistsErin B. Ware and Jessica D. Faul Section II: Structural Constraints and Adaptation5. Growing Old in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in AsiaJinkook Lee, Urvashi Jain, Dipti Govil, T. V. Sekher and Alyssa Lubet6. Educational Attainment and Adult HealthJennifer Karas Montez and Jennifer D. Brooks7. Social Exclusion and Social Isolation in Later LifeMartijn Huisman and Theo G. Van Tilburg8. The Role of the Built Environment for Healthy Aging: Barriers and EnablersPhilippa Clarke and Erica Twardzik9. Early Origins of Racial Health Disparities: Human Capital Policy is Health PolicyRucker C. Johnson10. Sexuality in Later LifeLinda J. Waite and James Iveniuk11. The Interplay of Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Obesity and Metabolic Diseases in Later LifeJessica A. Kelley and Roland J. Thorpe Jr. Section III: Social Institutions12. The Role of the Military in Women's LivesJanet M. Wilmoth and Andrew S. London13. Intergenerational Transfers of Time and Money over the Life CourseEmily E. Wiemers and Sung S. Park14. Family CaregivingSara Honn Qualls15. Bereavement in Later LifeDeborah Carr and Heather Mooney16. Religion and Aging in the Global Context of Secularization: Patterns, Processes, ConsequencesEllen Idler17. The Changing World of Work and RetirementKene Henkens and Hanna Van Solinge18. Aging and Politics: Age Differences in Political Behavior in Comparative PerspectiveKaat Smets Section IV: Aging and Social Intervention19. Volunteering and Health in Later LifeJeffrey A. Burr, Jan E. Mutchler and Sae Hwang Han20. Housing Older Americans: The Challenges of Accessibility, Affordability, and QualityJudith G. Gonyea21. Innovations for Aging in PlaceSarah E. LaFave, Sarah L. Szanton and Laura N. Gitlin22. Trends in Aging and Long-Term CareMolly M. Perkins23. Technologies and Aging: Understanding Use, Impacts, and Future NeedsShelia R. Cotten24. End-of-Life Medical ExpensesEric French, John Bailey Jones, Elaine Kelly and Jeremy McCauley