Gerontology for the Health Care Professional

Gerontology for the Health Care Professional, Second Edition is a comprehensive, practical text covering the evolving field of gerontology, written for health care students and professionals. This text is clinically relevant while implementing theoretical treatment of the subject matter. Written by experts across many health professions, Gerontology for the Health Care Professional, Second Edition presents an up-to-date and realistic view on the aging process. With topics presented in an introductory fashion, this book covers all the important aspects of aging and instills an appreciation for the multidimensional aspects of aging for those who are working with and caring for elderly patients or clients. Each chapter includes objectives, chapter outlines, multiple-choice review questions and learning activities!

Available Instructor Resources Include: PowerPoint Slides, Instructor's Manual and Discussion Questions.

New to the Second Edition:

• Thoroughly updated content
• New information on sleep, aging, and functional performance later in life
• A new chapter on effective communication with older people

Topics Covered Include:

• Demographic Trends of an Aging Society
• Social Aspects of Aging
• The Physiology and Pathology of Aging
• Staying Healthy in Late Life
• Cognition and Aging
• The Psychological Aspects of Aging (including quality of life, personality change, and behavioral change)
• Nutrition Throughout the Lifespan
• Drug Therapy and Polypharmacy in the Elderly
• Sexuality and Aging
• The Continuum of Care (including care giving)
• Financing Health Care for the Elderly
• Health Care Providers Working with the Elderly       
• Future Concerns in an Aging Society

Key Features

• General, realistic overview of the aging process
• Clear and concise chapter objectives
• Engaging learning activities with each chapter
• Review questions following each chapter 
• Practical information about working with the elderly
• Interdisciplinary information 

Table of Contents

Chapter  1  Demographic Trends of an Aging Society
Chapter  2  Social Gerontology
Chapter  3  The Physiology and Pathology of Aging
Chapter  4  The Cognitive and Psychological Changes Associated with Aging
Chapter  5  Functional Performance in Later Life
Chapter  6  Geriatric Pharmacotherapy
Chapter  7  Nutrition and Aging
Chapter  8  Sexuality and Aging
Chapter  9  Living Options and the Continuum of Care
Chapter  10  Legal and Financial Issues Related to Health Care for Older People
Chapter  11  Health Care Providers Working for the Elderly
Chapter  12  Future Concerns for an Aging Society
Chapter  13  The Last Word: Health Literacy and Clear Health Communication: Teaching and Writing so Older Adults Understand

About the Author(s)

Regula H. Robnett, PhD, OTR/L - Director and Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New England

Regi Robnett has 18 years of experience as an occupational therapist and over 25 years of experience working with older people in various capacities. She has worked at the University of New England for 13 years. Regi holds a PhD in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her dissertation explored the cognitive changes related to aging over the course of eight years, and she plans to continue this project focusing on preclinical dementia and the correlates of both high and low cognitive functioning in old age.

Walter C. Chop, MS, RRT - Chair and Professor, Respiratory Therapy Department, Southern Maine Community College

Walter Chop has served as Chair and Professor in the Respiratory Therapy Department, at Southern Maine Community College, for the past 29 years.  During his tenure at the college he has also served as Chair of Allied Health Sciences for 22 years.  He has written numerous articles on both Gerontology and Respiratory Care.  For the past 10 years he has been a member of the American Association for Respiratory Care Gerontology Committee.