Physical Environments and Aging

Physical Environments and Aging PDF Author: Rick J. Scheidt
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 9780789020079
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
Physical Environments and Aging is a tribute to the significant and varied contributions made by Dr. M. Powell Lawton during his long and distinguished career in gerontology. This book charts the influence of Lawton's work on current thinking, research, and intervention at both macro- and micro-environmental levels. More than just an homage, this is also a practical guide to the field, offering you tractable theory, useful methods and measures, and functional research overviews in the realms of everyday experience of older adults.

Physical Environments and Aging

Physical Environments and Aging PDF Author: Rick J. Scheidt
Publisher: Psychology Press
ISBN: 9780789020079
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
Physical Environments and Aging is a tribute to the significant and varied contributions made by Dr. M. Powell Lawton during his long and distinguished career in gerontology. This book charts the influence of Lawton's work on current thinking, research, and intervention at both macro- and micro-environmental levels. More than just an homage, this is also a practical guide to the field, offering you tractable theory, useful methods and measures, and functional research overviews in the realms of everyday experience of older adults.

Physical Environments and Aging

Physical Environments and Aging PDF Author: Paul Windley
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1135423857
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
A tribute and guide to M. Powell Lawton's groundbreaking work! Dr. M. Powell Lawton, who died in January 2001, was arguably the most significant thinker, researcher, and practitioner in environment-behavior studies within the field of gerontology. The authors of Physical Environments and Aging represent three generations of internationally recognized researchers whose lives and work were greatly influenced by both Lawton the professional and Lawton the man. This book presents their assessment of his contributions to environmental theory, purpose-built housing, community study, long-term care settings, and other related topics. Many of the contributors also share personal anecdotes that illustrate how Lawton's professional visions were shaped by his remarkable intellect and personality. Physical Environments and Aging examines many aspects of environmental gerontology, including: housing policy reform and home modification place therapy philosophic foundations of environment-aging studies the future of theory, practice, and policy in the field the role of neighborhoods More than just an homage, Physical Environments and Aging is also a practical guide to the field, offering you tractable theory, useful methods and measures, and functional research overviews in the realms of everyday experience of older adults.

Environment and Aging

Environment and Aging PDF Author: Mortimer Powell Lawton
Publisher: Study of Aging
ISBN:
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description


U.S. Health in International Perspective

U.S. Health in International Perspective PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309264146
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 421

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Book Description
The United States is among the wealthiest nations in the world, but it is far from the healthiest. Although life expectancy and survival rates in the United States have improved dramatically over the past century, Americans live shorter lives and experience more injuries and illnesses than people in other high-income countries. The U.S. health disadvantage cannot be attributed solely to the adverse health status of racial or ethnic minorities or poor people: even highly advantaged Americans are in worse health than their counterparts in other, "peer" countries. In light of the new and growing evidence about the U.S. health disadvantage, the National Institutes of Health asked the National Research Council (NRC) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to convene a panel of experts to study the issue. The Panel on Understanding Cross-National Health Differences Among High-Income Countries examined whether the U.S. health disadvantage exists across the life span, considered potential explanations, and assessed the larger implications of the findings. U.S. Health in International Perspective presents detailed evidence on the issue, explores the possible explanations for the shorter and less healthy lives of Americans than those of people in comparable countries, and recommends actions by both government and nongovernment agencies and organizations to address the U.S. health disadvantage.

Physical Activity and the Aging Brain

Physical Activity and the Aging Brain PDF Author: Ronald Ross Watson
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128052627
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 240

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Book Description
Physical Activity and the Aging Brain: Effects of Exercise on Neurological Function is a complete guide to the manifold effects of exercise and physical activity on the aging brain. Cognitive decline and motor impairment, onset of diseases and disorders, and even changes in family structure and social settings that occur as we age can all impact activity levels, yet continued physical activity is crucial for successful neurological functioning. This book examines the role that exercise and physical activity play in halting or modulating the deleterious effects of these numerous aging concerns by first examining the current state of research into how exercise manifests physical changes in the brain. It then discuss how physical activity combines with other lifestyle factors to benefit the aging brain, including nutrition, computerized brain training, and social engagement. Most significantly, it also covers how physical activity can serve as therapy to help alleviate the symptoms of various neurological diseases impacting aging populations, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline. The book provides broad coverage of the effects of exercise and physical activity on the aging brain, its therapeutic effects, and the many factors that influence the aging process. - Presents research scientists with a complete understanding of the role of exercise in healthy brain aging - Considers the roles of nutrition, the mind-body connection, and other lifestyle factors - Presents a major resource for exercise and physical activity in the neurological health of older adults - Provides a synopsis of key ideas associated with the many aspects of physical activity, along with lifestyle factors that can modify neurological diseases and age-related neurological decline

Cognitive Aging

Cognitive Aging PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309368650
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 300

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Book Description
For most Americans, staying "mentally sharp" as they age is a very high priority. Declines in memory and decision-making abilities may trigger fears of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive aging is a natural process that can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive function in older adults - effects that vary widely among individuals. At this point in time, when the older population is rapidly growing in the United States and across the globe, it is important to examine what is known about cognitive aging and to identify and promote actions that individuals, organizations, communities, and society can take to help older adults maintain and improve their cognitive health. Cognitive Aging assesses the public health dimensions of cognitive aging with an emphasis on definitions and terminology, epidemiology and surveillance, prevention and intervention, education of health professionals, and public awareness and education. This report makes specific recommendations for individuals to reduce the risks of cognitive decline with aging. Aging is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken by individuals, families, communities, and society that may help to prevent or ameliorate the impact of aging on the brain, understand more about its impact, and help older adults live more fully and independent lives. Cognitive aging is not just an individual or a family or a health care system challenge. It is an issue that affects the fabric of society and requires actions by many and varied stakeholders. Cognitive Aging offers clear steps that individuals, families, communities, health care providers and systems, financial organizations, community groups, public health agencies, and others can take to promote cognitive health and to help older adults live fuller and more independent lives. Ultimately, this report calls for a societal commitment to cognitive aging as a public health issue that requires prompt action across many sectors.

Aging, Technology and Health

Aging, Technology and Health PDF Author: Richard Pak
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128112735
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 318

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Book Description
Aging, Health and Technology takes a problem-centered approach to examine how older adults use technology for health. It examines the many ways in which technology is being used by older adults, focusing on challenges, solutions and perspectives of the older user. Using aging-health technology as a lens, the book examines issues of technology adoption, basic human factors, cognitive aging, mental health, aging and usability, privacy, trust and automation. Each chapter takes a case study approach to summarize lessons learned from unique examples that can be applied to similar projects, while also providing general information about older adults and technology. - Discusses human factors design challenges specific to older adults - Covers the wide range of health-related uses for technology—from fitness to leading a more engaged life - Utilizes a case study approach for practical application - Envisions what the future will hold for technology and older adults - Employs a roster of interdisciplinary contributors

Health and Safety Needs of Older Workers

Health and Safety Needs of Older Workers PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030909111X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 319

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Book Description
Mirroring a worldwide phenomenon in industrialized nations, the U.S. is experiencing a change in its demographic structure known as population aging. Concern about the aging population tends to focus on the adequacy of Medicare and Social Security, retirement of older Americans, and the need to identify policies, programs, and strategies that address the health and safety needs of older workers. Older workers differ from their younger counterparts in a variety of physical, psychological, and social factors. Evaluating the extent, causes, and effects of these factors and improving the research and data systems necessary to address the health and safety needs of older workers may significantly impact both their ability to remain in the workforce and their well being in retirement. Health and Safety Needs of Older Workers provides an image of what is currently known about the health and safety needs of older workers and the research needed to encourage social polices that guarantee older workers a meaningful share of the nation's work opportunities.

The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging

The Cambridge Handbook of Successful Aging PDF Author: Rocío Fernández-Ballesteros
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108641431
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 969

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Book Description
Recent studies show that more people than ever before are reaching old age in better health and enjoying that health for a longer time. This Handbook outlines the latest discoveries in the study of aging from bio-medicine, psychology, and socio-demography. It treats the study of aging as a multidisciplinary scientific subject, since it requires the interplay of broad disciplines, while offering high motivation, positive attitudes, and behaviors for aging well, and lifestyle changes that will help people to stay healthier across life span and in old age. Written by leading scholars from various academic disciplines, the chapters delve into the most topical aspects of aging today - including biological mechanisms of aging, aging with health, active and productive aging, aging with satisfaction, aging with respect, and aging with dignity. Aimed at health professionals as well as general readers, this Cambridge Handbook offers a new, positive approach to later life.

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults PDF Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309671035
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 317

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Book Description
Social isolation and loneliness are serious yet underappreciated public health risks that affect a significant portion of the older adult population. Approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely. People who are 50 years of age or older are more likely to experience many of the risk factors that can cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness, such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Over a life course, social isolation and loneliness may be episodic or chronic, depending upon an individual's circumstances and perceptions. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. As older adults are particularly high-volume and high-frequency users of the health care system, there is an opportunity for health care professionals to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults considers clinical tools and methodologies, better education and training for the health care workforce, and dissemination and implementation that will be important for translating research into practice, especially as the evidence base for effective interventions continues to flourish.