Health, illness, and optimal aging : biological and psychosocial perspectives / Carolyn M. Aldwin, PhD, and Diane Fox Gilmer, PhD.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction and basic concepts in aging -- Demography of aging -- Theories of aging -- Understanding change in aging research -- Aging of the skin and musculoskeletal system -- Aging of the internal organ systems -- Aging of the sensory and nervous systems -- Aging of the endocrine and immune systems -- Functional health, health promotion, and quality of life -- The interface between physical and mental health -- Stress, coping, and health -- Social support, health, and aging -- Aging in the sociostructural context -- What is optimal aging?

"Spanning the biological and psychosocial aspects of aging, this upper-level undergraduate and graduate text integrates current findings in biology, psychology, and the social sciences to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary coverage of the aging process. This new edition incorporates the tremendous amount of research that has come to light since the first edition was published. From a physical perspective, the text examines age-related changes and disease-related processes, the demography of the aging population, aging theories, and how to promote optimal aging. Coverage of the psychosocial aspects of aging encompasses mental health, stress and coping, spirituality, and caregiving in later years."--Back cover.