Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 38, 2018

Book excerpt: Through the autobiographical perspectives of 16 preeminent researchers and scholars of Environmental Gerontology, this state-of-the-art Annual Review critically examines the broad range of topics that comprise this interdisciplinary field. The writings of these individuals, who have contributed to and shaped the growth of the field over the past three-plus decades, trace the growth and evolution of Environmental Gerontology and provide understanding of, and insights on, the role of environments for older adults and an aging society at multiple levels. The book examines the origins and growth of Environmental Gerontology, how the personal influences and professional choices of each author is linked to its development, the contextual factors influencing its biographical-intellectual evolution, and its potential implications for an aging society. The Review encompasses research and scholarship in diverse scales/contexts of the physical/built environment; diversity of disciplinary backgrounds represented by related social sciences, health sciences, and environmental design; basic/theoretical and applied/policy-oriented research; and more. Key Features: Promotes a critical understanding of the state of science and art in Environmental Gerontology Examines the origin, evolution, development, and future perspective of the field through the unique autobiographical lens of its worldwide pioneers Represents theoretical/substantive/applied perspectives through the reflections of preeminent scholars Focuses on intellectual development of pioneers in the field