Description
Book SynopsisWellbeing in Later Life uses the latest research from a variety of disciplines to address and correct common myths and misconceptions about aging.
- Covers topics ranging from biological mechanisms that affect aging to lifestyle, attitudes, and social factors
- Examines the challenges of humanity's increasing life expectancy and includes recommendations for maintaining and enhancing wellbeing in later life
- Makes meaningful connections between research and practice to link aspects of aging which have previously been considered separate
- Part of the six-volume Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide, which brings together leading research from across the social sciences
Trade Review"The Guide’s major strengths are its breadth and depth with reviews of the literature, case studies, empirical findings, historical reflections, and future guidance. Scientists working on any subfield can now see how their work informs other fields and ideas for interdisciplinary projects." (
PsycCRITIQUES, March 2015)
"I would recommend this book for acquisition. Each volume has its own ISBN and there are volume indexes, rather than a master index, so specialist libraries could purchase individual volumes. The different volumes hang together well however, so I would recommend getting the set if possible. This set has arrived on the crest of a wave of academic and, to a lesser extent, public interest. Academic libraries catering for courses in psychology, health-related subjects, education, social policy or economics will all find useful material here." (Reference Reviews, 2014)
“This series could complement a variety of libraries, such as a home or personal library, office, or academic setting. Wellbeing is a global topic that influences each individual. This series is a valuable resource.” (American Reference Books Annual, 1 June 2014)
Table of ContentsAbout the Editors vii
Contributors ix
Full Contents of Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide xi
Introduction to Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide xxv
1 Introduction: Wellbeing in Later Life 1
Cary L. Cooper and Thomas B. L. Kirkwood
Part 1 Longevity and Wellbeing 7
2 The Changing Demographic Context of Aging 9
Roland Rau and James W. Vaupel
3 Biological Determinants and Malleability of Aging 31
Thomas B. L. Kirkwood
4 Wellbeing as Experienced by the Very Old 53
Carol Jagger and Katie Brittain
Part 2 Factors Influencing Wellbeing 67
5 Psychological Wellbeing in Later Life 69
Kate M. Bennett and Laura K. Soulsby
6 Nutrition and Lifelong Wellbeing 91
C. Alexandra Munro and John C. Mathers
7 Physical Activity, Exercise, and Aging 105
Grainne S. Gorman, Josh Wood, and Michael I. Trenell
8 Capability and Independency in Later Life 125
John Bond
9 Combating Isolation Through Technology in Older People 145
Peter Gore
10 Wellbeing and Vitality in Later Life: The Role of the Consumer Industry 165
Michael Catt and Frans J. G. van der Ouderaa
11 Education and its Role in Wellbeing 181
Jim Soulsby
Part 3 Wellbeing at the End of Life 197
12 The Threat to Wellbeing from Cognitive Decline 199
Louise Robinson and Lynne Corner
13 When Vitality Meets Longevity: New Strategies for Health in Later Life 219
Rudi G. J. Westendorp, Bert Mulder, A. J. Willem van der Does, and Frans J. G. van der Ouderaa
14 Maintaining Wellbeing Through the End of Life 235
Julian C. Hughes
Part 4 Comparative Perspectives on Wellbeing 253
15 Cultures, Aging, and Wellbeing 255
Ngaire Kerse, Mere Kepa, Ruth Teh, and Lorna Dyall
16 Wellbeing in the Oldest Old and Centenarians in Japan 275
Yasuyuki Gondo, Yasumichi Arai, and Nobuyoshi Hirose
17 Wellbeing in Later Life in Eighteenth-Century England 287
Helen Yallop
Appendix
Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project: Mental Capital Through Life: Future Challenges 299
Thomas B. L. Kirkwood, John Bond, Carl May, Ian McKeith, and Min-Min Teh
Index 389
