加齢は一生を通じた生物学的・心理学的・社会学的な機能の変化を意味します。しかし成人期後期の発達については、これまであまり熱心な研究が行なわれてきませんでした。超高齢化社会を迎える日本では、目をそらすことのできないこの一冊。生物学・医学・老年学・心理学・社会政策・社会福祉・社会学・看護など、あらゆる角度から加齢について考察します。
   

• Explores the biological, psychological, and social changes humans undergo as they age, and discusses contemporary scientific research into these changes
• Considers sensitive questions about how best to care for the oldest parts of our society, and looks forward to recent innovations in the care profession for the elderly
• Discusses the key to positive and succesful ageing and the importance of the continuing participation of older adults in the social, economic, cultural, spiritual, and civic affairs of their communities

 
Ageing is an activity we are familiar with from an early age. In our younger years upcoming birthdays are anticipated with an excitement that somewhat diminishes as the years progress. As we grow older we are bombarded with advice on ways to overcome, thwart, resist, and, on the rare occasion, embrace, one's ageing. Have all human beings from the various historical epochs and cultures viewed aging with this same ambivalence? 

In this Very Short Introduction Nancy A. Pachana discusses the lifelong dynamic changes in biological, psychological, and social functioning involved in ageing. Increased lifespans in the developed and the developing world have created an urgent need to find ways to enhance our functioning and well-being in the later decades of life, and this need is reflected in policies and action plans addressing our ageing populations from the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Looking to the future, Pachana considers advancements in the provision for our ageing populations, including revolutionary models of nursing home care such as Green House nursing homes in the USA and Small Group Living homes in the Netherlands. She shows that understanding the process of ageing is not only important for individuals, but also for societies and nations, if the full potential of those entering later life is to be realised.