9780813070346

9780813069593

"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"-- Provided by publisher.

"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"-- Provided by publisher.

Introduction / Britteny M. Howell and Ryan P. Harrod

Part I. Evolutionary and Biological Perspectives on Aging

Reproductive and Social Aspects of Aging in Non-Human Primates / Joyce A. Parga

Human Adaptability to Age-Related Biological Changes / Ryan P. Harrod and Alyssa Willett

Biocultural Perspectives on Aging: Importance of the Microbiome / Melissa K. Melby, Ankita Kansal, and Mark Nichter

Aging and Childcare: A Biocultural Approach to Grandmothering in Ukraine / Sofiya Shreyer and Julie Hemment

Menopause: A lifespan perspective with a focus on stress / Peteneinuo Rulu and Lynnette Leidy Sievert

Part II. Medical and Cultural Perspectives on Aging

Age-Related Changes in Human Skin: Impacts on Health and Perceptions of Attractiveness / Heather L. Norton

How Old is Your Patient?: A Medical Anthropological Approach to Age / Suzan Yazici and Nilufer Korkmaz Yaylagul

The Importance of Traditional Foods and Subsistence Activities for Healthy Aging in Alaska Native Communities / Britteny M. Howell, Ruby L. Fried & Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka

Caring for Karma: Death, Rebirth, and the Other "Successful Aging" On the Roof of the World / Jing Wang

The Aging Body in Islam: Exploring the Experiences of Older, Dying Muslims in the United States / Cortney Hughes Rinker

Dementia and the Divided Personhood in China / Yan Zhang

Generativity, Gender, and a 'Good Old Age among Urban Dwelling Older Yoruba People in Southwest Nigeria / Ojo Melvin Agunbiade

Part III. Anthropological Theory and Methods for Researching Aging

Conceptualizing Frailty in the Quick and the Dead / Douglas E. Crews and Kathryn E. Marklein

Methodological Issues in Participatory Research with Older Adults / Jean J. Schensul

Recruiting Participants for Dementia Research Without Saying "Dementia": A Site Study in Central Mexico / Eric E. Griffith

Future Directions for an Anthropology of Aging / Britteny M. Howell and Ryan P. Harrod

Older people > Social conditions.

Gerontology > Research.

Anthropology > Study and teaching.

Aging > Social aspects.

Aging > Research.

Gerontology > Research.

Anthropology > Study and teaching.

Aging > Social aspects.

Older people > Social conditions.

Older people > History.

Aging > Physiology.

Aging > Research.

Project Muse. distributor