It has been adopted by The Open University as a set book for its course K256 An Ageing Society.
`The book is a triumph of condensation.... a very handy reference for all sorts of concepts and theories' - Peter Townsend
`A comprehensive and accessible book which provides a clear, well structured introduction to the study of ageing' - Journal of Advanced Nursing
`This introduction to social gerontology is lucidly written and presents material in a straightforward jargon-free manner. Facts and ideas are discussed intelligently, appealing to a wide audience. It should prove useful to students and scholars, as well as any and all who desire a broad and balanced treatment of the subject.' - Jaber Gubrium
Reviews of the Second Edition:
`This well-planned text was developed and written by members of the British Society of Gerontology.... Research findings and theoretical aspects are discussed in a comprehensive and critical manner.... The multidisciplinary approach provides different perspectives and alternative interpretations of findings. The continuing development of the field prevents simple answers, but the presented perspectives supplement each other and form a fertile basis for new questions and ideas.... the book gives a balanced and clear account of a complex field.... It is recommended to students and professionals in various disciplines. This British book is obviously of interest to readers from other countries, for we all share an international stock of theories, research and work in applied gerontology.' - Ageing and Society
`The first edition of this book in 1990 was widely commended and it is not surprising that the Open University has asked for it to be extended and updated, with the addition of Sheila Peace in the editorial team, so that it can become a set book for the new course An Ageing Population.... no student of gerontology can really afford to be without this revision.' - Baseline
`The comprehensive nature of the second edition of this book really negates its subtitle as an introduction to social gerontology.... offers a balanced and sensitive look at the subject of human ageing. As a nurse educationist I feel this book will delight scholars in pursuit of concepts and theories relating to older people. Any professional in the business of elderly care will find this book a valuable resource to link theory with practice. The text is supported extensively by references, which are listed at the back. I am particularly impressed by the authors' positivisit approach, especially when addressing issues of community care and intimate relationships in respect of older people. What is very evident is the passionate regard the editors have in relation to the real-life implications of ageing. This compels me to urge all those involved in this field of nursing not to judge this text as just another academic assignment.' - Nursing Times
`It provides an interesting and readable overview of many of the sociological issues related to ageing, which will complement the acontextual stance often taken by clinical psychologists.... The book contains 40 pages of references (comprising around 1000 entries), is a source of valuable and up-to-date data about all aspects of the ageing experience, and is very good value when compared with other books available. Particular assets include the chapter on psychological adjustment in later life (Coleman), dying and bereavement (Sidell), intimate relationships including familial roles (Jerrome), and poverty and inequality in old age (Walker).... a useful reference book for clinical psychologists' - Clinical Psychology Forum