Physical Change and Aging, Sixth Edition: A Guide for the Helping Professions

by Sue V. Saxon, Mary Jean Etten, Elizabeth A. Perkins

"[This book] has been honed into an elegant compendium. This outstanding work should be widely read -- it is perhaps the best example of an integrative approach to gerontology." Score: 94, 4 stars --Doody's

This sixth edition of a classic multidisciplinary text for students of gerontology continues to offer practical, reader-friendly information about the physical changes and common pathologies associated with the aging process. It places special emphasis on the psychological and social implications of these changes in the lives of older adults. The book is distinguished by its thorough focus on anatomy and physiology and common health problems pertaining to each body system.

This latest edition has been thoroughly updated to present new research findings that differentiate "normal" aging from actual pathology. It provides new data and guidelines on risk factors, nutrition, preventive measures, interventions, and commonly prescribed medications, and includes expanded treatment of complementary and alternative therapies. The book emphasizes the positive aspects of aging and demonstrates how the elderly population can gain greater personal control, through lifestyle changes and preventative health strategies, toward the goal of optimal aging. The book also includes an updated discussion of grief, ethical issues, and funeral options. Written for students of gerontology, social work, human services, nursing. occupational and physical therapy, counseling, and elder law, it presents information that is clearly understandable for those without an extensive background in biology or medicine. The book reinforces information with practical applications of aging data. An eBook format for "Physical Change and Aging" is also available. This sixth edition includes new information on:

Genetic/DNA theories Dementia and Parkinson's Disease Immunotherapy Lifelong health disparities Pet-assisted therapy Prayer and meditation Pharmacogenetics Gerogogy (self-directed learning) health as public health issue Natural funerals (biodegradable caskets, burial urns, dying at home)

Genres: School, Nonfiction, Health

520 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1987

Reviews

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

People need an owner's manual for the body, and the aging body presents specific challenges. Even young people should read this book in order to adopt habits that can prevent or at least postpone some age-related problems. Almost every chapter motivates me to eat healthier, exercise more and better manage my stress. I don't smoke or drink, which will help me avoid some of the problems described.

Others are just a consequence of aging that cannot be entirely prevented. We all have a slowing of the cognitive system. We lose muscle mass. Most people have problems with vision and hearing (men lose hearing at an earlier age, but women catch up by their 80s). Arthritis, diabetes, diverticulitis, heart disease, high cholesterol are prevalent, but some lifestyle choices can ward them off.

If you or anyone you know has an aging body, pick up this book and gain some insight into the changes they (and you) will experience.

The contents are as follows:

Ch. 1 "Perspectives on Aging"
Ch. 2 "Theories of Aging"
Ch. 3 "The Skin, Hair, and Nails"
Ch. 4 "The Musculoskeletal System"
Ch. 5 "The Nervous System"
Ch. 6 "Dementia and Delirium"
Ch. 7 "The Sensory Systems"
Ch. 8 "The Cardiovascular System"
Ch. 9 "The Respiratory System"
Ch. 10 "The Gastrointenstinal System"
Ch. 11 "The Urinary System"
Ch. 12 "The Reproductive System"
Ch. 13 "The Endocrine System"
Ch. 14 "The Immune System"
Ch. 15 "Aging with Lifelong Disabilities"
Ch. 16 "Special Topics:: Alcoholism, Falls, Foot Care Pain"
Ch. 17 "Health Promotion and Exercise"
Ch. 18 "Complementary and Alternative Therapies"
Ch. 19 "Nutrition"
Ch. 20 "Medications and the Elderly"
Ch. 21 "Teaching Older Adults"
Ch. 22 "Caregiving"
Ch. 23 "Death and Grief in the Later Years"
Appendix A "Practical Hints for the Safety of Older Adults"
Appendix B "Resources"

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I assigned this textbook for an undergraduate gerontology class "The Biology of Aging." I studied the 5th addition as a graduate student and found it readable for students studying the social sciences. Consequently, I selected this as the main textbook.

The book has 23 chapters. Most are organized according to a system (such as the urinary system). These chapters start with an overview of the anatomy with an explanation of how things work normally. Then the chapter discusses specific age-related challenges. Frequently, there are sections about diseases that are common among older adults. There are also discussions of prevention and treatments.

Some chapters focus on multisystem issues such as falls, dementia, nutrition, and medications.

As you can imagine, it's hard to write a book like this without having a lot of overlap, so some issues are spread across multiple chapters. Nevertheless, there's a strong table of contents, good headings, and a detailed index.

My students found the book accessible. Their majors included community health, health administration, physical therapy, and sociology (with the intent of going to grad school in psychology).

If I teach this class again in a couple of years, I'll most likely use this textbook again.

[Julia Wood]

WT 104 S273p 2015

[Aja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walks through all of the body systems and discusses the impact that aging has on each. Good discussions on safety and theories of aging. Great to use for prep, but not necessarily good for the semester class of health aspects of aging - little too much physical health.