Aging and Development

Many areas of developmental psychology have witnessed important research in recent years, challenging old assumptions and bringing new findings and perspectives to light. The Texts in Developmental Psychology series has been designed to embrace the emergence of new areas and developments in the field from a global perspective, providing state-of-the-art, higher level introductions to major topic areas. Each volume is written by a specialist who combines empirical data and a synthesis of recent research to deliver cutting-edge science in a format accessible to students and researchers alike. With increasing numbers of the population living into old age, we need a better understanding of the nature and experience of ageing in all its aspects -- social, psychological and biological. Ageing & Development provides a much-needed detailed and comprehensive overview of the theories and research in adult development into old age. The classic early accounts of theorists such as Jung and Erikson are considered, as well as their present day successors. Particular attention is given to theories of adaptations and adjustments to loss and change, which dominate current gerontological research. The book has a separate section devoted to the psychology of advanced old age, to life in states of physical and/or mental frailty, and to the survival of the self in these circumstances. There is a strong emphasis throughout on up-to-date empirical research and illustrative case examples. The reader is constantly encouraged to take a critical perspective, to understand the strengths and limitations of different studies, and to think about the issues raised in terms of their own lives. This text, written for those with no previous background in psychogerontology, is an excellent resource for both students and professionals interested in the developmental aspects of ageing. Book jacket.