As the baby boom generation ages, the number of older adults continues to increase at a dramatic rate. This trend has created a need for well-educated professionals in the rapidly expanding fields of psychology, social work, health care, education, public administration and policy, and human services. Because of this, the growth of courses in gerontology has created a demand for appropriate textbooks, particularly at the graduate level. Gerontology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective provides a thorough and broad-based survey of the current knowledge base and is the first gerontology text aimed at the graduate level. The authors of each chapter are leading experts in their respective fields. Topics covered include: theory; methodology; physiological processes; health; culture and ethnicity; dying and bereavement; basic cognitive processes; intellectual abilities; personality; assessment; mental health and intervention; caregiving; work, retirement and leisure; competency and nursing homes; and public policy issues. Each chapter reflects current trends and emerging issues, as well as a firm grounding in previous research and theory, and includes review questions and a list of additional references. The interdisciplinary nature of the text clearly reflects the state of the field and emphasizes the need to take a broader view of age-related phenomena. Ideal for master's level students in gerontology, psychology, sociology, nursing, geriatrics, and related disciplines, Gerontology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective can also serve as a core text in appropriate advanced undergraduate courses.