Gerontology: The Basics

Human aging is a complex, multi-faceted experience that unfolds over an entire lifetime. While human aging is universal, it is also wildly variable, shaped by individual, social, cultural, political, geographic and historical contexts. Gerontology: The basics explores the field of research, education and practice which takes on the complex and multi-faceted questions, issues and problems of adult aging and old age. Intended for anyone interested in understanding the origins of gerontology and its unique purview, we invite the reader to join us in a critical examination of what we think we know about becoming and being old and, perhaps, be inspired to engage more deeply in their own travels through the life-course.

Jennifer R. Sasser, Ph.D. is an educational gerontologist, transdisciplinary scholar, and community activist. Jenny served as Chair of the Department of Human Sciences and Founding Director of Gerontology at Marylhurst University, in Portland, Oregon, from 1999 to 2015. In 2016, Jenny joined the part-time faculty in the Gerontology program at Portland Community College. Harry R. Moody, Ph.D., is retired Vice President for of Academic Affairs for AARP. DC. He is currently Visiting Professor at Tohoku University in Japan, and Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Fielding Graduate University. He previously served as Executive Director of the Brookdale Centre on Aging at Hunter College and Chairman of the Board of Elderhostel (now Road Scholar).

Preface  1. Introduction to the Field of Gerontology  2. The Aging Body  3. The Aging Mind  4. Aging in Society  5. The Political Economy of Aging  6. The Meaning of Old Age  7. Epilogue  Glossary