Anthropological Perspectives on Aging

An
in-depth and wide-ranging approach to the study of older adults in society





Taking a holistic
approach to the study of aging, this volume uses biological, archaeological,
medical, and cultural perspectives to explore how older adults have functioned
in societies around the globe and throughout human history. As the world’s
population over 65 years of age continues to increase, this wide-ranging
approach fills a growing need for both academics and service professionals in
gerontology, geriatrics, and related fields.

Case
studies from the United States, Tibet, Turkey, China, Nigeria, and Mexico
provide examples of the ways age-related changes are influenced by
environmental, genetic, sociocultural, and political-economic variables. Taken
together, they help explain how the experience of aging varies across time and
space. These contributions from noted anthropological scholars examine
evolutionary and biological understandings of human aging, the roles of elders
in various societies, issues of gender and ageism, and the role of chronic
illness and “successful aging” among older adults.

This
volume highlights how an anthropology of aging can illustrate how older adults
adapt to shifting life circumstances and environments, including changes to the
ways in which individuals and families care for them. The research in Anthropological Perspectives on Aging
can also help researchers, students, and practitioners reach across disciplines
to address age discrimination and help improve health outcomes throughout the
life course.