Population aging is a growing challenge worldwide. As such, new models of provision, organization, and allocation of resources, particularly in healthcare, are needed. As the self-care and long-term care needs of this age group become more prevalent, the importance of improved health services and effective health management strategies are apparent. The Handbook of Research on Health Systems and Organizations for an Aging Society provides emerging research exploring the challenges and opportunities for the development and management of health systems and organizations in relation to people aged 65 and over. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as emotional wellness, long-term care, and professional caregiving, this book is ideally designed for health technicians, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, hospital administrators, clinical directors, laboratory technicians, medical professionals, researchers, and students.

Sixteen chapters by scholars of social work relate the well-being of older adults to social work practice and the current model of service delivery. Chapters concentrate on issues affecting the health of older adults (depression, dementia, abuse), services to specific populations (African American women, grandparents raising grandchildren, the developmentally disabled), and professional issues (home care, case management, standardized assessment). The implications for training, research, and policy are highlighted. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

The United Nations World Assembly on Aging has made advancing health and well-being into old age a worldwide call for action. And this text at hand shows us what researchers worldwide are doing to answer that call. Here, three of America's most esteemed experts on aging lead a global team of contributors - each an expert in his or her country - to show us what the top challenges of each nation are, and what top research is being done there to meet those. While we cannot predict with absolute certainty all of the issues that will arise over the next 20 years, we can anticipate some and we must start now to prepare for these challenges, an expert from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warned at a recent UN World Assembly on Aging. Needed response to the global population shift is not just the responsibility of governments, but will be a product of wise, long-term decisions made by individuals and societies, she explained. In most nations globally, populations are graying and the number of people aged 65 and older is vastly increasing, creating a larger segment of senior citizens than the world has ever before seen. Across human history, the elderly accounted for no more than 3 percent of the world population. By the year 2030, the elderly are expected to make up about 25 percent of the world population. And while longevity is of course seen as a great success, longer lifespan for such masses also creates dilemmas. For example, the incidence of dementia has already increased significantly with an 11-fold increase in people aged 65 and older in the US since the turn of the century, and a similar increase in aged people in Scotland has researchers there scrambling to find treatments for what they expect will be a 75 percent increase in dementia over the next 25 years. Chronic diseases that come with aging are already taxing health care systems in the US and around the world to Japan, with most experts aware their current health systems would be overrun and lack enough staff and facilities to handle the needs of an elderly population multiplying largely in the coming two decades. Increases in psychological issues such as dealing with the depression often striking aged people are impending, too, as are social issues such as how families, and public policies, will deal with the changing shape of the family.

In today’s rapidly evolving society, there has been an increase in technologies and systems available to support the elderly throughout various aspects of life. We have come a long way in the quality of life we can offer our aging populations in recent years due to these technological innovations, medical advancements, and research initiatives. However, further study of these developments is crucial to ensure they are utilized to their utmost potential in securing a healthier elderly population. The Research Anthology on Supporting Healthy Aging in a Digital Society discusses the current challenges of aging in the modern world as well as recent developments in medicine and technology that can be used to improve the quality of life of elderly citizens. Covering a wide range of topics such as smart homes, remote healthcare, and aging in place, this reference work is ideal for healthcare professionals, gerontologists, therapists, government officials, policymakers, researchers, academicians, practitioners, scholars, instructors, and students.

Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, Ninth Edition, provides a comprehensive synthesis of the latest research findings in the science of aging. The complexities of population dynamics, cohort succession and policy changes modify the world and its inhabitants in ways that must be vigilantly monitored. Completely revised, this edition not only includes the foundational, classic themes of aging research, but also a rich array of emerging topics and perspectives that advance the field in exciting ways. New topics include families, immigration, social factors and cognition, caregiving, neighborhoods and built environments, natural disasters, religion and health, and sexual behavior, among others. This book will serve as a useful resource and an inspiration to those searching for ways to contribute to the aging enterprise. Includes aging topics at both the micro- and macro-level Addresses the intersection of individual and aggregate factors Covers a spectrum of disciplines, including demography, economics, epidemiology, gerontology, political science, psychology, social work, sociology and statistics Brings together the work of almost fifty leading scholars to provide a deeper understanding of aging

The world is in the midst of a mental health crisis. This combined with the complexities of health insurance regulations is putting our most vulnerable populations at risk. Further, mental health stigma influences people’s perceptions and makes it more difficult for vulnerable populations to get the help that they need. It is essential that there are sufficient resources in navigating complex mental healthcare systems. Perspectives and Considerations on Navigating the Mental Healthcare System provides recommendations about seeking mental healthcare in a complex system. It also raises awareness that many of those suffering need to overcome obstacles in seeking treatment. Covering topics such as mental health stigma, self-advocacy, and library support, this premier reference source is an excellent resource for caregivers, counselors, psychologists, therapists, community leaders, librarians, students and faculty of higher education, researchers, and academicians.