Psychology of Aging: A Biopsychosocial Perspective

The only graduate text to encompass the full range of issues regarding the psychology of aging

This is the first graduate-level text that offers a comprehensive, in-depth chronicle of issues surrounding the psychology of aging emphasizing psychology, with a foundation in the biology, and an expansion into the sociological aspects of aging. The text is divided into three sections: biological underpinnings of aging, psychological components of aging, and social aspects of aging. Among the multitude of topics addressed are biological theories of aging, neuroimaging methods in aging research, neuroplasticity, cognitive reserve and cognitive interventions, a detailed overview of neurocognitive disorders in aging such as Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body disease, relationships in aging, work vs. retirement, cultural issues in aging, and aging and the legal system, to name just a few critical topics.

With an emphasis on promoting critical thinking, the text is enriched with discussion questions in each chapter along with suggestions for more in-depth readings. In addition it includes chapter PowerPoints and an Instructor's Manual with sample syllabi for a 10-week course and a 15-week course. Written for graduate students in multiple gerontology-related disciplines, the text is also of value to individuals studying nursing, medicine, social work, biology, and occupational, physical, and speech therapies.

Key Features:

• Addresses the biological underpinnings of aging, psychological components, and social aspects
• Written by a variety of experts on each area
• Emphasizes critical thinking throughout the text
• Presents discussion questions in each chapter
• Includes PowerPoints and an Instructor's Manual with sample syllabi
• Tailored to graduate students from multiple disciplines embarking on clinical or research careers involving older adults.

Brian Yochim, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical neuropsychologist at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System, where he works primarily with older adults in a neuropsychology clinic and a Community Living Center (CLC). He completed a PhD from Wayne State University, an internship in clinical geropsychology at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, and a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at VA Northern California Health Care System. He has worked as an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, where he helped to develop a PhD training program in clinical psychology with an emphasis on aging, and at VA Palo Alto Health Care System where he performed research and clinical work with older Veterans. He is a past president of the Society of Clinical Geropsychology (Division 12, Section 2 of the American Psychological Association [APA]) and has served in various roles for the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (Division 40 of the APA). Since 2006 he has taught graduate courses in the psychology of aging and clinical neuropsychology. He enjoys integrating his clinical experience with his teaching and research.

Erin Woodhead, PhD, is Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, San José State University, where she teaches classes in the areas of lifespan development, psychology of aging, addictions, ethical and legal issues for mental health professionals, and clinical psychology. Dr. Woodhead completed her Master's and Doctoral degrees at West Virginia University in Clinical Psychology, and completed postdoctoral fellowships in Geropsychology at Rush University Medical Center and at the Geriatric, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC) at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Dr. Woodhead's research is in the areas of age-related differences in mental health services use and age-related differences in the symptoms and outcomes of mental health and substance use disorders.