The Aging Mind

The Aging Mind PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309172195
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 285

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Book Description
Possible new breakthroughs in understanding the aging mind that can be used to benefit older people are now emerging from research. This volume identifies the key scientific advances and the opportunities they bring. For example, science has learned that among older adults who do not suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, cognitive decline may depend less on loss of brain cells than on changes in the health of neurons and neural networks. Research on the processes that maintain neural health shows promise of revealing new ways to promote cognitive functioning in older people. Research is also showing how cognitive functioning depends on the conjunction of biology and culture. The ways older people adapt to changes in their nervous systems, and perhaps the changes themselves, are shaped by past life experiences, present living situations, changing motives, cultural expectations, and emerging technology, as well as by their physical health status and sensory-motor capabilities. Improved understanding of how physical and contextual factors interact can help explain why some cognitive functions are impaired in aging while others are spared and why cognitive capability is impaired in some older adults and spared in others. On the basis of these exciting findings, the report makes specific recommends that the U.S. government support three major new initiatives as the next steps for research.

The Aging Mind

The Aging Mind PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309172195
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 285

Get Book Here

Book Description
Possible new breakthroughs in understanding the aging mind that can be used to benefit older people are now emerging from research. This volume identifies the key scientific advances and the opportunities they bring. For example, science has learned that among older adults who do not suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, cognitive decline may depend less on loss of brain cells than on changes in the health of neurons and neural networks. Research on the processes that maintain neural health shows promise of revealing new ways to promote cognitive functioning in older people. Research is also showing how cognitive functioning depends on the conjunction of biology and culture. The ways older people adapt to changes in their nervous systems, and perhaps the changes themselves, are shaped by past life experiences, present living situations, changing motives, cultural expectations, and emerging technology, as well as by their physical health status and sensory-motor capabilities. Improved understanding of how physical and contextual factors interact can help explain why some cognitive functions are impaired in aging while others are spared and why cognitive capability is impaired in some older adults and spared in others. On the basis of these exciting findings, the report makes specific recommends that the U.S. government support three major new initiatives as the next steps for research.

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.

The Biology of Senescence

The Biology of Senescence PDF Author: Alex Comfort
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781456392420
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 274

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Book Description
The Biology of Senescence

Our Future Selves

Our Future Selves PDF Author: National Advisory Council on Aging (U.S.). Panel on Biomedical Research
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Age factors in disease
Languages : en
Pages : 56

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Book Description
The goal of biomedical research on aging is to prolong the useful and active lives of the elderly and to raise the quality of their lives. That can be accomplished if we understand the normal process of aging, the nature of diseases common to the aged, and the sources of and remedies for many of the painful disabilities suffered by the aged. The major systems within the body fail at different rates, depending upon the inherited characteristics and environmental experiences of the individual. One goal of biomedical research is to characterize, for the various organ systems of the body, the progressive loss of functions with age. Biomedical research on aging can be divided into three major areas: basic biological aspects of aging, the interaction of aging and disease, and the interaction of external, or environmental, influences and aging. Important elements in research on aging include: experimental model systems, the study of human populations, studies of alteration of life span, and resources and training needs.

New Directions in the Sociology of Aging

New Directions in the Sociology of Aging PDF Author: Panel on New Directions in Social Demography, Social Epidemiology, and the Sociology of Aging
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 9780309292979
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 301

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Book Description
The aging of the population of the United States is occurring at a time of major economic and social changes. These economic changes include consideration of increases in the age of eligibility for Social Security and Medicare and possible changes in benefit levels. Furthermore, changes in the social context in which older individuals and families function may well affect the nature of key social relationships and institutions that define the environment for older persons. Sociology offers a knowledge base, a number of useful analytic approaches and tools, and unique theoretical perspectives that can facilitate understanding of these demographic, economic, and social changes and, to the extent possible, their causes, consequences and implications. The Future of the Sociology of Aging: An Agenda for Action evaluates the recent contributions of social demography, social epidemiology and sociology to the study of aging and identifies promising new research directions in these sub-fields. Included in this study are nine papers prepared by experts in sociology, demography, social genomics, public health, and other fields, that highlight the broad array of tools and perspectives that can provide the basis for further advancing the understanding of aging processes in ways that can inform policy. This report discusses the role of sociology in what is a wide-ranging and diverse field of study; a proposed three-dimensional conceptual model for studying social processes in aging over the life cycle; a review of existing databases, data needs and opportunities, primarily in the area of measurement of interhousehold and intergenerational transmission of resources, biomarkers and biosocial interactions; and a summary of roadblocks and bridges to transdisciplinary research that will affect the future directions of the field of sociology of aging.

Human Aging

Human Aging PDF Author: Calogero Caruso
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128227370
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 382

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Book Description
Human Aging: From Cellular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies offers an exhaustive picture of all the biological aspects of human aging by describing the key mechanisms associated with human aging and covering events that could disrupt the normal course of aging. Each chapter includes a summary of the salient points covered, along with futures prospects. The book provides readers with the information they need to gain or deepen the skills needed to evaluate the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases and to monitor the effectiveness of therapies aimed at slowing aging. The book encourages PhD and Postdoc students, researchers, health professionals and others interested in the biology of aging to explore the fascinating and challenging questions about why and how we age as well as what can and cannot be done about it. Concentrates on different processes, e.g., oxidative stress, cellular senescence and Inflammaging Offers the ability to access cross-sectional knowledge more easily Written by expert researchers in biogerontology who are actively involved in various fields within aging research

Our Future Selves

Our Future Selves PDF Author: National Institute on Aging
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Age factors in disease
Languages : en
Pages : 72

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Book Description


Understanding Communication and Aging

Understanding Communication and Aging PDF Author: Jake Harwood
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1412926092
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 345

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Book Description
The book examines key topics such as interpersonal and family relationships in old age, media portrayals of aging, cultural variations in intergenerational communication, and health communication in old age.

When I'm 64

When I'm 64 PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309164915
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 280

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Book Description
By 2030 there will be about 70 million people in the United States who are older than 64. Approximately 26 percent of these will be racial and ethnic minorities. Overall, the older population will be more diverse and better educated than their earlier cohorts. The range of late-life outcomes is very dramatic with old age being a significantly different experience for financially secure and well-educated people than for poor and uneducated people. The early mission of behavioral science research focused on identifying problems of older adults, such as isolation, caregiving, and dementia. Today, the field of gerontology is more interdisciplinary. When I'm 64 examines how individual and social behavior play a role in understanding diverse outcomes in old age. It also explores the implications of an aging workforce on the economy. The book recommends that the National Institute on Aging focus its research support in social, personality, and life-span psychology in four areas: motivation and behavioral change; socioemotional influences on decision-making; the influence of social engagement on cognition; and the effects of stereotypes on self and others. When I'm 64 is a useful resource for policymakers, researchers and medical professionals.

Aging and Older Adulthood

Aging and Older Adulthood PDF Author: Joan T. Erber
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119438497
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 548

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Book Description
Reflects the most important theoretical foundations and research directions concerning aging and older adulthood This authoritative volume provides the latest insights into, and theoretical interpretation of, our understanding of the human aging process. Newly updated and revised, this edition of the well-established student textbook offers relatable scenarios that touch upon real-world issues faced by older adults and their families. The book explains how research studies attempt to answer questions of both theoretical and practical importance as they relate to aging and older adulthood, and it explains the hypotheses and findings of the studies in a manner that is comprehensible to readers of all levels of research experience. Aging and Older Adulthood begins by describing the demographic characteristics of the older population, and follows with a chapter on theoretical models that apply to the study of adult development and aging, as well as approaches commonly taken to conduct research and ethical concerns involved in the study of this group. It then offers a series of chapters exploring biological aging, sensation perception and attention, memory, intellectual functioning, cognition and real-world problem-solving, personality and coping, social interaction and social ties, lifestyles and retirement, mental health and psychotherapy, and death and bereavement. The final chapter looks at aging in the future. Each chapter includes fully updated research findings, as well as new and expanded coverage of concepts and ideas in areas such as neuroscience, and diabetes. New edition of a highly respected text exploring our contemporary understanding of a broad range of topics related to older adulthood and the psychology of aging Offers thematic treatment of core issues including health, sensory perception, memory, intellect, social interactions, employment and retirement, and mental health Uses a dual lens of two models – the selective optimization with compensation model and the ecological model – to provide cohesiveness to the presentation of both theoretical and applied material Introduces each chapter with a relevant real-world scenario and refers back to it throughout the chapter Includes pedagogical feature boxes that reflect current understanding of contemporary issues in the field as well as key points and issues for further discussion Aging and Older Adulthood, 4th Edition is an excellent text for upper division undergraduate and graduate courses focusing on the older adulthood and aging, the psychology of aging, gerontological studies, and lifespan development.