Presents an introduction to the study of ageing. This book reflects trends in gerontology, incorporating developments in theory and research as well as international and interdisciplinary perspectives. It also examines cognitive ageing, social protection, retirement, health and illness, and cultural images of old age. List of boxes vii List of figures viii List of tables x List of contributors xi Acknowledgements xiv The ageing world 1(14) Sheila Peace Freya Dittmann-Kohli Gerben J. Westerhof John Bond The biology of ageing 15(23) Rudi G. J. Westendorp Thomas B. L. Kirkwood Psychological ageing 38(30) Alfons Marcoen Peter G. Coleman Ann O'Hanlon Social theory and social ageing 68(17) Chris Phillipson Jan Baars Researching ageing 85(28) Christina Victor Gerben J. Westerhof John Bond Health and dependency in later life 113(29) John Bond Gregorio Rodriguez Cabrero Social protection: incomes, poverty and the reform of pension systems 142(25) Gerhard Naegele Alan Walker Work and retirement 167(19) Harald Kunemund Franz Kolland Personal relationships in later life 186(23) Janet Askham Dieter Ferring Giovanni Lamura Environment and ageing 209(26) Sheila Peace Hans-Werner Wahl Heidrun Mollenkopf Frank Oswald Meanings of ageing and old age: discursive contexts, social attitudes and personal identities 235(20) Gerben J. Westerhof Emmanuelle Tulle Competence and cognition 255(13) Ralf Th. Krampe Lynn McInnes Self and life management: wholesome knowledge for the third age 268(28) Freya Dittmann-Kohli Daniela Jopp Ageing into the future 296(13) John Bond Freya Dittmann-Kohli Gerben J. Westerhof Sheila Peace References 309(45) Index 354