Sociological, Psychological and Physiological Aspects of Aging

This book systematically investigates successful aging, defined as the ability to actively participate in societal activity. Proceeding from historical insights and a wide frame of reference, it explores the development of contemporary conceptions of aging; the sociological, psychological, and physiological process of aging; age-related discrimination; financial aspects of aging; the apparent contradiction that there are both affluence and increasing poverty in the aging population; inappropriate sexual expression in the aged; the notion of the Third Age; and the quest to extend human lifespan. A thorough literature review, the author's personal experience as an older person and as a medical doctor spanning five decades, and the author's knowledge of ethics have contributed to this informative text aimed at a wide audience: healthcare professionals, caregivers, therapists, ethicists, and every person attending to older persons, professionally and privately.