Challenges and Opportunities of Aging Populations Around the World

Abstract

The demographic imperative and the high prevalence of mental disorders in older adults make the focus of this volume, one of the great public health challenges of the coming generation. Brain disorders associated with psychosocial contributing factors and sequelae make the elderly, and in particular the very old, a most vulnerable population who are growing at the fastest rate. This has the potential for an overwhelming impact on health and social services worldwide. However, this impact may be mitigated by the wide-ranging research, education, and innovative services described in this volume by our internationally representative group of authors, who stand at the vanguard of their respective disciplines. This volume addresses issues of health, illness, and prevention. Indeed, one of the very unique perspectives in this volume is Chapter 2, "Successful Aging," which focuses in a refreshingly counterintuitive way on the positive aspects of aging. Moreover, we also have epidemiological, psychological, and sociological contributions that place the older adult in a more holistic context. This interesting perspective on aging is complementary to the overwhelming yet understandable preoccupation with the disorders of later life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)