From the Publisher:

     Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition, is a landmark textbook and reference that has been completely updated and revised.  It integrates research findings on physical aging from more than 100 different journals in various fields.  The interdisciplinary coverage in Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition, brings professionals up to date on the outcomes of the latest research and their implications for the elderly in the real world.  The book discusses how people age physically and how this aging affects other dimensions of life.

     This second edition is organized into five parts.  Part I provides an introduction to aging, to the field of gerontology, and to the research process for studying individual differences.  Part II describes the physical changes in structure, capacity, and endurance.  Part III overviews the factors related to motor coordination, motor control, and skill learning for older adults.  Part IV addresses physical-psychosocial relationships, including health, exercise, and cognitive function as well as health-related expectations of quality of life for older adults.  Part V highlights physical performance and achievement especially to showcase the results from consistent efforts and hard work of physically elite older adults as inspiration for others.

     Reader-friendly features have been added to each chapter in the second edition:

• Chapter objectives

• Key terms

• Sidebars highlighting research

• Review questions

• Suggested readings

     At a time when many people are telling older adults what they can't do, professionals should be telling them what they can do.  Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition, will equip professionals to do so.

Table of Contents:

PART I.  An Introduction to Aging

Chapter 1.     Quantity and Quality of Life

Chapter 2.     Individual Differences

PART II.  Physical Changes in Structure, Capacity, and Endurance

Chapter 3.     Physical Development and Decline

Chapter 4.     Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Function

Chapter 5.     Muscular Strength and Power

PART III.  Motor Coordination, Motor Control, and Skill

Chapter 6.     Balance, Posture, and Locomotion

Chapter 7.     Behavioral Speed

Chapter 8.     Motor Coordination and Control

Part IV.  Physical-Psychosocial Relationships

Chapter 9.     Health, Exercise, and Cognitive Function

Chapter 10.   Health-Related Quality of Life

PART V.  Physical Performance and Achievement

Chapter 11.   Physical Function of Older Adults

Chapter 12.   Physically Elite Older Adults

Glossary

References

Index

About the Authors