Psychologists will have to play a leading role in dealing with the societal and personal implications of an aging population. This outstanding volume by leading experts shows how, by means of a comprehensive overview of the latest research into aging, its effects, and its implications for science, training, and profession.
Leading experts from throughout Europe provide a fascinating overview of the most important psychological research into aging, with special emphasis on training and professional issues as well as science.In terms of its population, Europe is the oldest continent in the world, thus placing European research into the effects and implications of an aging population in a unique position. As this book shows, the aging of the population should be considered a positive phenomenon that reflects sociopolitical, educational, biomedical, and psychological development.
The real threat for our population is not aging but disability, and the challenge for the 21st century is to reduce dependency and disability and thus improve well-being and quality of life, rather than increasing life expectancy. The recent United Nations’ 2nd International Plan of Action on Ageing and its Research Agenda on Ageing for the 21st Century, as well as policies of the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations, tell us that psychology and psychologists will play an essential part in meeting this challenge. This book shows how.
From the reviews
“The editor has presented a thoughtful introduction to the variety of gerontological studies taking place in Europe. She has brought together some of the best authors and research in the effort to provide American psychologists an important overview.This book is a delight to read. It humanizes the objective data resulting from research. None of the authors lose sight of the fact that the discussion is about life and the quality of life. The emphasis on quality of life during old age gives openings for improving the personal and environmental settings for all. Maintaining life satisfaction during old age erases the dark cloud of imminent death that hovers over life itself.”
Viola Mecke in PsycCritiques, Volume 53, Issue 9
"The volume provides a useful review of the state of the art in various fields of research in the psychology of ageing, giving an indication in each of the distinctive contribution of European research."
Peter G. Coleman in Ageing & Society, Vol. 29, 2009
“A ground-breaking textbook of fundamental importance and practical use for all those concerned with the impact of population aging, not only to European societies, but also throughout the world. The concepts and results outlined here have profound implications for practice, research, and policy.”
Alexandre Kalache, MD, PhD, Programme Head Ageing and Life Course (ALC) WHO
“R. Fernández-Ballesteros...has brought together an outstanding group of contributors and produced a superb book on geropsychology.“..all of us need to know about cognitive plasticity, quality of life, wisdom and theories of successful aging. This book covers all of these domains...“It is my hope that this book will encourage the growth of post-graduate training and specialization in aging not only in Europe but all over the world...“I recommend this book with much enthusiasm.”
Norman Abeles, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Michigan State University, and Past President, American Psychological Association
“An important book for all social scientists – a must for nonpsychologists working on aging in particular.”
Bernd Marin, PhD, Professor, Executive Director of the UN-European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research
