Later Life

For courses in Sociology of Aging or Gerontology taught primarily in departments of sociology.

Message: An interdisciplinary introduction to the aging process which uses symbolic interactionism as the main theoretical perspective. 

(Pearson)

CHAPTER ONE

Emergence and Scope of Gerontology                                                                   

The Advent of Gerontology            1

Demographic Trends         3

Conclusion          17

Key Terms           19

Notes     19

References           19

CHAPTER TWO

Problems, Public Perception, and Stereotypes of Older Americans                            

The Problems of Aging     22

Public Perceptions of Older Persons             27

Misconceptions  31

Conclusion          34

Key Terms           34

Notes     35

References           35

CHAPTER THREE

Theoretical Perspectives on Aging                                                                      

Theory and Research        37

Disengagement Theory    40

Activity Theory  43

Human Development Theories       45

Continuity Theory             49

Age Stratification Theory 51

Older Americans as a Minority Group          52

Aging as an Exchange      53

The Symbolic Interaction Perspective          55

Labeling Theory 56

Evaluating Theories of Aging         59

Conclusion          60

Key Terms&...

(Pearson)