This classic text, now in its fifth edition, is distinguished by its emphasis on social context, social processes, and social structures as part of a broader understanding of the sociology of aging and the life course. Presenting an objective view of the realities of aging both positive and negative, the

Praise for the first edition: “This book is exemplary in amassing demographic, policy, and sociopsychological data from around the world... The content of the book is rich with current information seldom accumulated into one sourceI recommend this volume to gerontologists, aging studies undergraduate and graduate students... demographers, and global studies

Newly revised and updated, this classic text examines the impact of social forces on the aging process. It considers aging from personal, family, community, societal, and global perspectives. The sixth edition reflects significant changes in the field of social gerontology. It delves deeply into the life course paradigm to demonstrate

This edition details the impact of societal forces on the aging process. Fully reorganized with the addition of new materials, the book focuses on the diversity of the older population, examining it from macro/micro perspectives to understand aging and the life course as a social phenomenon.--[book cover]

"[This] book’s unfading preoccupation with social context, social processes, and social structures distinguishes itself and greatly contributes to the discourse in gerontology." -The Gerontologist This classic text, now in its fifth edition, is distinguished by its emphasis on social context, social processes, and social structures as part of a broader