Anthropological Perspectives on Aging

Anin-depth and wide-ranging approach to the study of older adults in society

Taking a holisticapproach to the study of aging, this volume uses biological, archaeological,medical, and cultural perspectives to explore how older adults have functionedin societies around the globe and throughout human history. As the world’spopulation over 65 years of age continues to increase, this wide-rangingapproach fills a growing need for both academics and service professionals ingerontology, geriatrics, and related fields.

Casestudies from the United States, Tibet, Turkey, China, Nigeria, and Mexicoprovide examples of the ways age-related changes are influenced byenvironmental, genetic, sociocultural, and political-economic variables. Takentogether, they help explain how the experience of aging varies across time andspace. These contributions from noted anthropological scholars examineevolutionary and biological understandings of human aging, the roles of eldersin various societies, issues of gender and ageism, and the role of chronicillness and “successful aging” among older adults.

Thisvolume highlights how an anthropology of aging can illustrate how older adultsadapt to shifting life circumstances and environments, including changes to theways in which individuals and families care for them. The research in Anthropological Perspectives on Agingcan also help researchers, students, and practitioners reach across disciplinesto address age discrimination and help improve health outcomes throughout thelife course.