Encyclopedia of Health and Aging by Kyriakos S. Markides (Editor), Stephanie Studenski, Dan G. Blazer (Editor), Laurence G. Branch (Editor)

Product Details

Synopsis

As an ever increasing percentage of the population of western societies enters "old age," health issues grow in importance in terms of the well-being of this population, economic impact within the health-care system, impacts on families and family relationships, and so many other ways. The Encyclopedia of Health and Aging presents state-of-the-art research and ready-to-use facts on health and aging.

This one-volume resource captures some of the excitement of the research in the field in terms of new findings as well as conceptual developments guiding research, practice, and policy. With more than 200 entries, it covers the biological, psychological, social, and economic aspects of health and aging and impacts within the health-care system. This Encyclopedia also focuses heavily on geriatrics with respect to geriatric syndromes and common diseases of aging.

Key Features

• Addresses a full spectrum of topics, including acute illness, Alzheimer's disease, bereavement, economic dependency, health-care costs, health promotion, hospice care, long-term care, medications, nursing homes, optimal aging, public policy, quality of life, spousal care-giving, widowhood, and much more
• Discusses landmark studies such as (Duke Longitudinal Studies, the Established Populations for the Epidemiological Study of the Elderly, Health and Retirement Study, and the National Long Term Care Survey) as well as important programs (Social Security, Meals on Wheels, and Medicaid/Medicare, etc.)
• Offers cross-disciplinary coverage with contributions from the fields of gerontology, epidemiology, health psychology, biology,sociology, health and medicine, and public policy
• Provides health and aging issues from around the world including Mexico, Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand
• Includes a list of 45 online resources on health and aging

Key Themes:  

• Aging and the Brain
• Diseases and Medical Conditions
• Drug Related Issues
• Function and Syndromes
• Mental Health and Psychology
• Nutritional Issues
• Physical Status
• Prevention and Health Behaviors
• Sociodemographic and Cultural Issues
• Studies of Aging and Systems of Care

The Encyclopedia of Health and Aging is a must-have reference for any academic, as it appeals to a broad audience such as scholars within programs of gerontology and health, graduate students, members of the media, policy makers and health-care advocates, and the general reader.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:David O. Staats, MD (University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)
Description:This multiauthored encyclopedia features over 230 entries on a blend of gerontology and geriatrics.
Purpose:The purpose is to address a full spectrum of topics in geriatrics and gerontology with an emphasis on health. The authors and editors meet these goals in grand style.
Audience:There is a broad audience here: researchers, students, and practitioners in medicine, nursing, public health, epidemiology and health services. The authors and editors of this book are leaders in the field.
Features:In addition to the expected alphabetic listings, the encyclopedia includes a listing of entries by theme: brain, medical conditions, drugs, syndromes, mental health, nutrition, physical status, prevention, cultural issues, aging studies, and systems of care. This book has the best index seen in many a moon and the references are carefully annotated.
Assessment:This is an amazing book and a wonderful contribution to the field. The meticulous editing results in a consistency of style and voice that is rare in a work with so many authors. The clear language is matched by conciseness without superficiality. The references are extremely well chosen. The index and tables of contents make finding specific information a snap. This is an indispensable reference which will find broad application across the many disciplines whose domains include health and aging.

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Biography

Kyriakos S. Markides, Ph.D., is Annie and John Gnitzinger Professor of Aging Studies at the University of Texas Medical Branch.  He is the author or co-author of 210 publications, most of which are in the field of health and aging.  The Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) has recently listed Dr. Markides among the most highly cited scientists in the world.  He has extensive editorial experience including being the founding and current Editor of the Journal of Aging and Health (SAGE).  Dr. Markides has also edited a number of related books, including Minorities, Aging, and Health (SAGE).