New Dynamics in Old Age: Individual, Environmental and Societal Perspectives

Book Details

• Author: Hans-Werner Wahl

• Brand: Routledge

• Edition: Reprint

• Binding: Paperback

• Number of Pages: 400

• Release Date: 24-02-2017

• ISBN: 9780415784627

• Languages: English

• Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches

About The Book

The New Dynamics of Aging by Hans-Werner Wahl provides an insightful examination of the changing landscape of aging in today's and tomorrow’s world. This comprehensive work fills a significant gap in gerontology literature by addressing new dynamics of aging that have yet to be fully explored. The book is driven by key questions such as: What new dynamics of aging need to be considered? What theories and empirical evidence are central to understanding these changes?

Wahl's central hypothesis argues that the best way to observe the evolving nature of old age is through the lens of everyday aging contexts, which have undergone significant changes since the second half of the 20th century. The book explores five critical areas of dynamic change in aging:

1. Social Environment – Focusing on cohort effects in social relationships, family dynamics, and elders as care redelivers.

2. Home Environment – Investigating housing, quality of life, relocation, and urban aging issues.

3. Outdoor Environment – Examining out-of-home activity patterns, car-driving behavior, and leisure activities for older individuals.

4. Technological Environment – Considering the role of the Internet and the potential for technology to enhance aging outcomes.

5. Societal Environment – Addressing global aging trends, the new politics of old age, and older individuals as market consumers.

The primary purpose of this book is to provide the gerontology community with a critical and comprehensive discussion on these emerging trends. The text is highly relevant for scholars across various disciplines, including sociology, psychology, demography, epidemiology, and social policy, as well as for students and professionals in the aging field such as community planners, healthcare providers, policymakers, and those involved with senior citizen organizations.

With its multi-disciplinary approach, The New Dynamics of Aging is a valuable resource for those seeking to better understand the modern challenges and opportunities of aging in society.