Social Forces and Aging

by Robert C. Atchley, Amanda S. Barusch

Atchley and Barusch's interdisciplinary approach has produced a text that provides the concepts, information, insight, and examples students need to achieve a basic understanding of aging as a social process. Covering the physical problems, inner experiences, and instrumental needs of the aging, the text examines aging on both an individual and societal level. It covers major areas of theory, research, social policy, and practice in a clear and organized manner to make social gerontology accessible to students from all backgrounds. This text is the classic book for the course that continually keeps pace with the dramatic changes in the field, including new theories, research, programs, and issues. Atchley and Barusch first examine individual aging-and adaptation to aging in everyday life, then move on to explore the needs and demands that aging, as a phenomenon, presents to society, while also delving into society's response to aging.

Genres: Nonfiction, Aging

624 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Wren]

Sociology provides such a wide lens on human behavior that this textbook serves as a good introduction to many issues and dimensions of the aging process.

Here is the abbreviated table of contents:

Setting the Stage
1. The Scope of Social Gerontology
2. The Demography of Aging
3. The History of Aging in America

Basic Aspects of Individual Aging
4. Physical aging and Health
5. Psychological Aspects of Aging
6. Social Aspects of Individual Aging
7. Adaptation to Aging

Aging in Domains of Everyday Life
8. Family, Friends, and Social Support
9. Employment and Retirement
10. Activities and Lifestyles
11. Religion and Spirituality
12. Dying, Death, Bereavement and Widowhood

Aging Affects Needs and Resources
13. Income and Housing
14. Health Care and Long-Term Care
15. Community Social Services

Aging and Society
16. Aging in Contemporary American Society and Culture
17. The Economy
18. Social Inequality
19. Politics and Government
20. Epilogue: Aging and the Future

[Sara]

Excellent overview, but in dire need of an update.

[Mckinley]

I read a version with data from the mid 1980s. A quick look up online brings data up to date.