The research literature on aging continues to expand rapidly, reflecting both the rising interest of the scientific community and also the needs of a growing older population. In the year 1900, persons over 65 years of age were the smallest portion of developed societies. Today they are emerging as the largest. With that shift in the greying of the population come changes in behavior, physiology, social infrastructure, etc. The articles in the Encyclopedia touch upon the many and varied aspects of research in gerontology, from the genetics and biology of aging, to issues of daily life: the workplace, family life, retirement, health care, social security and pensions. Aging is a complex process of change involving influences of a biological, behavioral, social, and environmental nature, all of which are explored in the context of this encyclopedia. Readers will find all new articles and wholly new coverage of topics that have seen research advances. Very few articles are unchanged from the First Edition. The rise in aging related research has increased the amount and diversity of research material available, making the need for integration of information important. The Encyclopedia provides a single entry point for a wealth of information, consolidating and summarizing pertinent findings while providing information for additional readings. Organized alphabetically by article title, the Encyclopedia also provides a comprehensive subject index for better reader access to topics that may go by several different naming conventions. Articles are additionally cross-referenced to each other as relevant to better guide readers to additional related information.
The research literature on aging continues to expand rapidly, reflecting both the rising interest of the scientific community and also the needs of a growing older population. In the year 1900, persons over 65 years of age were the smallest portion of developed societies. Today they are emerging as the largest. With that shift in the greying of the population come changes in behavior, physiology, social infrastructure, etc. The articles in the Encyclopedia touch upon the many and varied aspects of research in gerontology, from the genetics and biology of aging, to issues of daily life: the workplace, family life, retirement, health care, social security and pensions. Aging is a complex process of change involving influences of a biological, behavioral, social, and environmental nature, all of which are explored in the context of this encyclopedia. Readers will find all new articles and wholly new coverage of topics that have seen research advances. Very few articles are unchanged from the First Edition. The rise in aging related research has increased the amount and diversity of research material available, making the need for integration of information important. The Encyclopedia provides a single entry point for a wealth of information, consolidating and summarizing pertinent findings while providing information for additional readings. Organized alphabetically by article title, the Encyclopedia also provides a comprehensive subject index for better reader access to topics that may go by several different naming conventions. Articles are additionally cross-referenced to each other as relevant to better guide readers to additional related information.