Aging in Contemporary Canada

This text is intended for undergraduate level courses in the social sciences, particularly sociology, as well as in schools of social work, nursing, and family studies. This book covers the broad spectrum of aging and is a readable introduction for undergraduate students. The text is divided into five parts, beginning with an introduction to gerontology covering demography, theory and social research methods involving the elderly. The second part of the text focuses on commonalties and diversity among the elderly. This section includes chapters dealing with the issues of gender and ethnicity throughout the life course. The third part deals with health and mental well-being, and features material on the physical and cognitive aspects of aging. The fourth part covers social institutions with chapters on families, work and retirement, and caregiving. The fifth and final part looks at Canadian social policy and includes chapters on pensions, the Canadian health care system and end of life issues.