Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide, Wellbeing in Later Life

Wellbeing in Later Life uses the latest research from a variety of disciplines to address and correct common myths and misconceptions about aging.

• Covers topics ranging from biological mechanisms that affect aging to lifestyle, attitudes, and social factors
• Examines the challenges of humanity’s increasing life expectancy and includes recommendations for maintaining and enhancing wellbeing in later life
• Makes meaningful connections between research and practice to link aspects of aging which have previously been considered separate
• Part of the six-volume Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide, which brings together leading research from across the social sciences

About the Editors vii

Contributors ix

Full Contents of Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide xi

Introduction to Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide xxv

1 Introduction: Wellbeing in Later Life 1
Cary L. Cooper and Thomas B. L. Kirkwood

Part 1 Longevity and Wellbeing 7

2 The Changing Demographic Context of Aging 9
Roland Rau and James W. Vaupel

3 Biological Determinants and Malleability of Aging 31
Thomas B. L. Kirkwood

4 Wellbeing as Experienced by the Very Old 53
Carol Jagger and Katie Brittain

Part 2 Factors Influencing Wellbeing 67

5 Psychological Wellbeing in Later Life 69
Kate M. Bennett and Laura K. Soulsby

6 Nutrition and Lifelong Wellbeing 91
C. Alexandra Munro and John C. Mathers Copyrighted Material

7 Physical Activity, Exercise, and Aging 105
Grainne S. Gorman, Josh Wood, and Michael I. Trenell

8 Capability and Independency in Later Life 125
John Bond
Contents of this Volume

9 Combating Isolation Through Technology in Older People 145
Peter Gore

10 Wellbeing and Vitality in Later Life: The Role of the Consumer Industry 165
Michael Catt and Frans J. G. van der Ouderaa

11 Education and its Role in Wellbeing 181
Jim Soulsby

Part 3 Wellbeing at the End of Life 197

12 The Threat to Wellbeing from Cognitive Decline 199
Louise Robinson and Lynne Corner

13 When Vitality Meets Longevity: New Strategies for Health in Later Life 219
Rudi G. J. Westendorp, Bert Mulder, A. J. Willem van der Does, and Frans J. G. van der Ouderaa

14 Maintaining Wellbeing Through the End of Life 235
Julian C. Hughes

Part 4 Comparative Perspectives on Wellbeing 253

15 Cultures, Aging, and Wellbeing 255
Ngaire Kerse, Mere Kēpa, Ruth Teh, and Lorna Dyall

16 Wellbeing in the Oldest Old and Centenarians in Japan 275
Yasuyuki Gondo, Yasumichi Arai, and Nobuyoshi Hirose

17 Wellbeing in Later Life in Eighteenth-Century England 287
Helen Yallop

Appendix Foresight Mental Capital and Wellbeing Project: Mental Capital Through Life: Future Challenges 299
Thomas B. L. Kirkwood, John Bond, Carl May, Ian McKeith, and Min-Min Teh

Index 389

"The Guide’s major strengths are its breadth and depth with reviews of the literature, case studies, empirical findings, historical reflections, and future guidance. Scientists working on any subfield can now see how their work informs other fields and ideas for interdisciplinary projects." (PsycCRITIQUES, March 2015)

"I would recommend this book for acquisition. Each volume has its own ISBN and there are volume indexes, rather than a master index, so specialist libraries could purchase individual volumes. The different volumes hang together well however, so I would recommend getting the set if possible. This set has arrived on the crest of a wave of academic and, to a lesser extent, public interest. Academic libraries catering for courses in psychology, health-related subjects, education, social policy or economics will all find useful material here." (Reference Reviews, 2014)

“This series could complement a variety of libraries, such as a home or personal library, office, or academic setting. Wellbeing is a global topic that influences each individual. This series is a valuable resource.” (American Reference Books Annual, 1 June 2014)

Thomas B. L. Kirkwood is Professor of Medicine and Director of the Newcastle Initiative on Changing Age at Newcastle University.

Cary L. Cooper is Distinguished Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University.

Wellbeing: A Complete Reference Guide is the first multi-volume, interdisciplinary exploration of the topic of wellbeing. The notion of wellbeing has grown in importance and prominence across the globe in recent years and this reference work provides an in-depth examination of the characteristics that enable individuals and organizations to thrive and flourish. Under the direction of noted academic Cary Cooper, and edited by a distinguished group of senior scholars from a variety of disciplines, this project looks at wellbeing from multiple perspectives, including children and families; the workplace; the environment; later life; economics; and interventions and public policy. Spanning the social sciences and encompassing the latest research, this is an essential reference for scholars, students, professionals, and policymakers who want to enhance and promote human wellbeing.

Wellbeing in Later Life indentifies opportunities to enhance later life and dispels many widely held misconceptions about aging. Citing the latest research from multiple disciplines, the contributors cover all aspects of aging and wellbeing, from biological mechanisms that affect aging to lifestyle, attitudes, and social factors. They examine the challenges inherent in humanity’s increasing longevity and make recommendations for maintaining and enhancing wellbeing throughout later life. With an emphasis on the malleability of human aging, this volume forges meaningful connections between research and practice about aspects of aging that have long been considered separate but are now seen as inextricably linked.