“Each chapter reads as a review paper in its own right, contributing to the whole but standing alone too. Handbook is truly accurate—you can dip in and read and re-read as preferred....Whatever your background and work focus, if you're interested in work with older people there is something in here for you.”

—International Psychogeriatrics


“An authoritative reference text examining how biological, psychological, and social factors influence health in later life. Contributors are leading researchers in the fields of health psychology and gerontology. This work has a broad scope, aiming at health professionals who work with older adults and their caregivers. It can also be used as a text for courses on aging and health.”

—American Reference Books Annual


“It is well organized, it flows well, and it forms a cohesive whole. Chapters are well researched....Chapters provide a rich blend of theory and empirical data, presenting well-documented support for a perspective of health, well-being, and aging as multiply determined by the complex interaction of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors, and encouraging the reader to take a life-span perspective on adult development.”

—PsycCRITIQUES


“Highly recommended to professionals who would like to better understand the aging process and to examine issues and barriers to healthier living for older adults.”

—Australasian Journal on Ageing


“Excellent up-to-date information and data. Excellent topics! A wonderful blend of the biological and psychosocial aspects.”

—Grant D. Chikazawa-Nelson, PhD, Assistant Professor, MFT Program, Argosy University


“This is a much-needed, state-of-the-art resource. It is a 'must read' for students and professionals interested in the basics of health psychology and aging. Key theoretical and methodological issues are discussed, along with biological, psychosocial, and clinical issues central to an understanding of aging and health. This book provides a strong foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career in one of the most important and rapidly growing research areas within such diverse disciplines as psychology, sociology, public health, nursing, and medicine.”

—Richard Schulz, PhD, University of Pittsburgh


“This valuable book is the perfect antidote to the biological reductionism that characterizes much of contemporary medical research. It provides a sweeping perspective on the interface of physical and psychosocial risk factors for diseases associated with old age, as well as sources of resiliency and opportunities for prevention and intervention. A distinguished group of authors addresses the most current and exciting ideas about health, behavior, and aging. The chapters are informative, engaging, and highly readable. This book is an essential resource for health researchers and for students from any discipline concerned with aging and health.”

—Steven H. Zarit, PhD, Penn State University


“This book comes just in time, as the first wave of the baby boomer generation is finishing its sixth decade of life. It is an impressive volume that provides a comprehensive overview of critical issues related to aging. It will be a major resource for those who are concerned about the social, psychological, and health issues facing our aging population, including researchers, graduate students, and practitioners. The editors are to be congratulated for their vision and for bringing together such a distinguished and thoughtful group of contributors.”

—Nancy E. Adler, PhD, University of California, San Francisco


“The fields of health psychology and psychology of aging have considerable overlap in content and in the populations studied, yet books that directly address their commonality are rare. This volume is likely to become a landmark in the development of a truly shared theoretical and empirical approach to common questions—a lifespan perspective on the transactional relationships between developmental aging and the chronic illnesses of later life. Covering a broad range of topics, this is one of those rare books that left me thinking, 'I'll want to read many of these chapters again.' This is a valuable reference for psychologists and other health professionals working with older and chronically ill adults. It is a great text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in health psychology, and an important resource for courses in psychology and aging.”

—Bob G. Knight, PhD, University of Southern California