This book discusses clinical and research psychology, gerontology, and developmental psychology. It is suitable for researchers and clinical psychologists as well as sociologists working in the field of gerontology. In this outstanding book, leading experts from throughout Europe provide a fascinating overview of the most important psychological research into aging, with special emphasis on training and professional issues as well as science. In terms of its population, Europe is the oldest continent in the world, thus placing European research into the effects and implications of an aging population in a unique position. As this book shows, the aging of the population should be considered a positive phenomenon that reflects sociopolitical, educational, biomedical, and psychological development. The real threat for our population is not aging but disability, and the challenge for the 21st century is to reduce dependency and disability and thus improve well-being and quality of life, rather than increasing life expectancy.
The recent United Nations' 2nd International Plan of Action on Aging and its Research Agenda on Aging for the 21st Century, as well as policies of the European Federation of Psychologists Associations, tell us that psychology and psychologists will play an essential part in meeting this challenge. This book shows how. Psychologists will have to play a leading role in dealing with the societal and personal implications of an aging population. This outstanding volume by leading experts shows how, by means of a comprehensive overview of the latest research into aging, its effects, and its implications for science, training, and profession.