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Social Adaptation in Older Adults

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Psychological Treatment of Older Adults

Part of the book series: The Springer Series in Adult Development and Aging ((SSAD))

Abstract

The phenomenon of aging has long been of interest to observers of human behavior. The systematic and empirical study of the process and behavioral effects of aging, however, has burgeoned dramatically over the past quarter of a century. A primary reason for such increased interest in our older population is that substantially more people are living longer. Indeed, in the early 1900s, the average male life-span was 45 years; today, it exceeds 72 years. Further, persons 65 years and older comprise almost 13% of the population; based on current population trends and continuing medical advances, the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (1976) predicts that 50% of the population could be middle aged or older by the year 2100 (see also U.S. Bureau of Census, 1993). Also, by the year 2010, the number of Americans over age 85 is projected to double (White House Domestic Policy Council, 1993). Aside from increased longevity, today’s older adults are healthier, wealthier, better educated, and more politically active than at any previous point in history (Neugarten, 1974).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA

    William Harry Pettibon, Vincent B. Van Hasselt & Michel Hersen

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  1. William Harry Pettibon
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  2. Vincent B. Van Hasselt
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  3. Michel Hersen
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  1. Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA

    Michel Hersen  & Vincent B. Van Hasselt  & 

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Pettibon, W.H., Van Hasselt, V.B., Hersen, M. (1996). Social Adaptation in Older Adults. In: Hersen, M., Van Hasselt, V.B. (eds) Psychological Treatment of Older Adults. The Springer Series in Adult Development and Aging. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0295-5_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0295-5_2

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