Routledge Psychology of Aging (The International Library of Psychology)

The psychology of aging is an exciting and rapidly-developing field. This volume provides a collection of classic, original and often widely-cited papers, including some older papers which may be hard to find through conventional searches. Taken together, they help to address some key questions: what are the cognitive changes related to aging? Is mental exercise useful? To what extent might intelligence, education or stimulating mental activities delay or even reduce cognitive symptoms of dementia? However, the book goes well beyond cognition and addresses social and emotional changes in aging, as well as looking at how lifestyle factors may be influential in psychological functioning. The section on the psychology of dementia covers the evolving psychological models, plus innovative types of psychological interventions. As more people live to an age where they are dependent on others, the book also considers the stresses on carers and how carers can be supported. Lastly, other aspects of mental health problems in old-age are addressed, including depression, PTSD and personality disorder. This collection of intriguing and inspiring papers will liven up the shelves of students, researchers and academics in the field as well as being a very useful resource for research, teaching and study. Review '...this book is a collection of key papers and ... I will certainly use this book both in my teaching and in my own research when dealing with unfamiliar areas. I will be recommending this book for the library.' Age and Ageing '...a bold attempt to identify...the most significant contributions to an important field...' Ageing and Society 'I would highly recommend this book to anybody who works with or is interested in older people...' /ournal of Community Nursing About the Author Martin Orrell is a Professor in the Department of Mental Health Sciences at University College London, UK and Dr Aimee Spector is from the Department of Mental Healh Sciences at University College London, UK