Psychology of Aging: A Concise Exploration introduces students to the study of adulthood and aging, offering a holistic examination of its impact on our bodies, minds, relationships, and social roles. Through an innovative myth vs. fact approach, the text dispels common misconceptions using humor, compassion, and robust research.

Unit 1. Myth: Older adults lose physical capabilities, become unable to see and hear, and become a burden on their family and friends. Chapter 1. Physical Aging Chapter 2. Sensation and Perception Unit 2. Myth: Older adults lose their memory and intelligence, and they become unable to remember to do basic daily tasks. Chapter 3. Attention and Mental Processing Chapter 4. Memory Chapter 5. Intelligence and Wisdom Unit 3. Myth: Older adults are pushed out of social relationships and work, and ultimately become isolated from the world around them. Chapter 6. Social Roles and Retirement Chapter 7. Social Cognition Unit 4. Myth: Mental illness and dementia run rampant in older populations, everyone will develop this in some way, and there is no recovering or treatment once this happens this late in life. Chapter 8. Mental Health and Dementia Chapter 9. Personality Chapter 10. Stress Unit 5. Myth: Older adults fear death and cannot cope with loss. Chapter 11. Death and Dying Glossary Index