The Aging Networks, 8th Edition: A Guide to Programs and Services

The eighth edition of Aging Networks is particularly well-suited for use in the classroom, and can be used or adapted for a wide variety of disciplines including gerontology, social work, public health, public administration, nursing and other health professions... This small volume is not only an excellent learning tool, but also a "must-have" handbook for aging professionals in many fields.

--Noreen A. Shugrue
Research Associate, University of Connecticut Center on Aging
Farmington, CT
Educational Gerontology

As our population ages, the need for comprehensive, up-to-date knowledge about aging services in the United States becomes more and more crucial. This highly accessible and concise text about such resources provides students and practitioners of gerontologyóalong with all professionals whose work concerns the well-being of older adultsówith a current, detailed description and analysis of federal, state, local, and global programs and services for older people with or without cognitive, physical, and social needs. Thoroughly updated to encompass the new information available concerning later life, it reflects critical changes to legislation, health care, and current trends, and focuses on the strengths of older adults, their diversity, and the role our multilayered aging network plays in advocacy, community independence, and engagement. Commentary and critical thinking challenges from policymakers, program directors, and educators facilitate high-level thinking and independent analysis of the aging networks, past, present, and future.

The eighth edition underscores recent policy changes and how these changes will impact the lives of older adults. "Perspectives" boxes throughout the text highlight complex themes addressed by experts, and "Critical Thinking" topics and questions encourage reflection and discussion. The new edition also describes initiatives that highlight best-practice approaches and model projects designed to facilitate positive change. Along with a vast amount of new and revised information reinforced with a variety of perspectives in historical and current contexts, the book features an international perspective highlighting the collaborative efforts driving many aspects of aging network programming. Additionally, the book focuses on the unique issues of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population along with programs designed to address them.

NEW TO THE EIGHTH EDITION:

• Expert analyses and insights into complex themes
• Reflects reorganization of the aging network under the Administration for Community Living, and policy changes affecting practice
• International perspectives such as the World Health Organization's Age-Friendly Cities Project
• Innovative and model projects and programs
• Expanded focus on issues unique to the LGBT population
• The influence of social determinants on older adults and the aging networks
• Caregiving issues
• Disaster and emergency preparedness
• Effects of economic downturn on the aging population
• Elder mistreatment
• Changes in employment and retirement patterns
• Supporting "aging in place"
• New and expanded Instructor Manual and PowerPoint Slides

Kelly Niles-Yokum, MPA, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology at York College of Pennsylvania, USA where she teaches courses in gerontology and sociology. Dr. Niles-Yokum serves as Managing Editor for Gerontology and Geriatrics Education, the official journal of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Prior to becoming a faculty member at York College she served as the Director for the Gerontology Program at the Colleges of Worcester Consortium in Worcester, MA. She holds a doctorate in gerontology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, USA and received a master's degree in public administration with a specialty in aging policy from Portland State University, USA. Dr. Niles-Yokum's research interests include rural aging, domestic social policy and aging, end-of-life issues and, empowerment in later life.

Donna L. Wagner PhD,is the founding director of the Center for Productive Aging and the academic gerontology programs at Towson University, USA. Prior to joining Towson, she was the Vice President for Research and Development at the National Council on the Aging. Dr. Wagner's research has focused on the intersection of family and work, community elders, the aging work force and rural elders. Her research and publications in the area of family caregiving and employment began in the mid 1980's and includes a history of workplace eldercare programs, two national studies on long-distance caregiving, an examination of gender in the workplace as it relates to family caregiving, out of pocket spending of family caregivers domestically and within the EU, policy analysis and policy briefs on the topic of employed caregivers and programs that support them. Dr. Wagner is a Fellow of both the Gerontological Society of America and the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education. She is the President of the national board of the Older Womens League (OWL) and the Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the National Alliance for Caregiving.