Introduction to the Psychology of Ageing for Non-Specialists

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A knowledge of the psychology of ageing is crucial to understanding the implications for us all of living in an ageing society. This book admirably fulfils its aim of providing a lively introduction to the subject. Not only is the author an acknowledged expert on ageing, he also writes in a highly readable and memorable style.

Prof Stuart-Hamilton has expertly crafted this easily accessible introduction to the psychology of ageing. His keen use of everyday terminology blends comprehensible prose with core concepts to open the field to interested novices seeking to expand their understanding or indeed enter into the world of psycho-gerontology. He addresses some of the main issues in the field with an equal and balanced evidence-based approach, no doubt an excellent entry level book for international bookshelves.

Stuart-Hamilton (developmental psychology, Univ. of Glamorgan, Wales) has written an accessible, user-friendly, and exceptionally helpful book. Despite the fact that aging is one of the only truisms in the world, family members are often left to their own devices in terms of understanding the aging of loved ones. A respected authority on the subject, Stuart-Hamilton is an excellent choice for crafting a book that demystifies and simplifies what is known about this topic from the psychological literature. He successfully challenges the layperson perception that aging is about large, systemic, and general declines in cognitive performance--change is broad and encompassing. For example, in discussing reaction time he looks at differences between "simple reaction time" and "choice reaction time," demonstrating that though age-related declines do occur, they are not necessarily as systemic or dramatic as general perceptions suggest. A valuable resource for those who work with family members of aging individuals, or are interested in exploring this subject. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.