Subject Guide for Gerontology
Contents
- Introduction
- Encyclopedias/Dictionaries
- Finding books
- Finding articles
- Data and Statistics
- Other web resources
Introduction
This guide is a collection of standard reference books, article indexes/databases, and web pages relating to gerontology. It is not meant to be exhaustive, but presents a good starting point for research in gerontology.
Encyclopedias and dictionaries often are helpful in providing terminology with related terms as well as definitions and overviews of a particular topic. Textbooks and other books may be useful to look at a summary of the research in a certain area. A search of article indexes/databases will help to identify the latest research in the field. Websites provide useful, important statistics and information on specific programs and agencies relating to the field of gerontology.
Encyclopedias/Dictionaries
The encyclopedia of aging: a comprehensive resource in gerontology and geriatrics;
edited by Richard Schultz; 2 volumes.
HQ1061 .E53 2006 REF
Encyclopedia of Aging; edited by David Ekerdt; 4 volumes.
HQ1061 .E534 2002 REF Also available online via the PAC.
The graying of America: an encyclopedia of aging, health, mind, and behavior;
edited by Donald H. Kausler and Barry C. Kausler.
HQ1064 .U5 K39 2001, 3rd floor books
The encyclopedia of elder care: the comprehensive resource on geriatric and
social care, edited by Mathy D. Mezey and others.
RC954 .E53 2001 REF
Finding books
Look for books in the PAC (SDSU Library online catalog). Try a quick search by LC Subject using terms such as:
- Gerontology
- Geriatrics
- Aged
- Older People
- Elderly
- Long Term Care
- Medicare
Find a relevant title, then scroll down the record to view other LC subject headings that may be useful in refining your search. If you have trouble finding information on a specific topic,
try the "Words" search option. Also, peruse books on a general topic, e.g. mental health,
and look for sections in those books relating to the elderly.
Search the PAC for masters theses by SDSU students using SDSU Thesis Gerontology.
Substitute another department name, e.g. nursing, to view theses by nursing students.
Or, by subject, use SDSU thesis Alzheimers (or any specific topic).
To broaden a search to materials available in other libraries while in the PAC:
Materials in Circuit and/or LINK+ may be requested online and will be delivered to the Circulation Desk at SDSU within a day (Circuit) to 3-4 business days (LINK+).
Finding articles
For articles related to gerontology, researchers use indexes from many fields including sociology, biology, health, psychology, economics, and education. A primary database for gerontology is:
AgeLine -- 1978-present. Produced by AARP, AgeLine abstracts the literature of social gerontology as well as aging-related research from psychology, sociology, social work, economics, public policy, and the health sciences. AgeLine provides summaries of publications including books, journal and magazine articles, research reports, and videos.
Other databases for gerontology.
Data and Statistics
Websites linking to specific statistical reports and research centers follow. There will be overlap between these sites and those listed under "Other Web Resources" below.
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics
This meta-site links to aging-related statistical information found on forum member websites,
including the National Institute on Aging, Administration on Aging, Census Bureau, and more.
Administration on Aging (AoA) Online Statistical Data on the Aging
Includes demographic characteristics as well as health, social, and economic conditions of older persons.
Census Bureau Data About US Older Population
Age data broken down by national, state, and county levels.
US Census Bureau 65+ in the United States
Economic, geographic and social data including longevity and health.
Census 2000 for California: a friendly guide
L960 C45 Gov Pubs/CA; available online via PAC.
Includes the statistics as well as charts and explanatory text.
Center for Demography of Health and Aging (University of Wisconsin at Madison)
A Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Training in Population Aging and Health,
this page aids researchers in aging find cross-sectional studies, time series, contextual data, and other
data relevant to their research. About 55 studies and datasets have been highlighted.
Health and Retirement Study (HRS)(University of Michigan)
Supported by the National Institute on Aging, HRS surveys more than 22,000 Americans over the
age of 50 every two years and looks at physical and mental health, insurance coverage, financial status,
family support systems, labor market status, and retirement planning.
RAND Center for the Study of Aging
The Center's interdisciplinary research staff aims to help improve
public policy through both primary data collection and secondary data analysis. It focuses on the interrelationships among health,
economic status, socioeconomic factors, and public policy.
RAND California
Online source for California and US statistics. View long-term care and OASADI statistics
at this site under Statistics -- Health and Socioeconomic.
Other Web Resources
Administration on Aging (AoA)Federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns. This is a key site for statistics on the aging population.
National Institute on Aging
NIA leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend healthy, active years of life.
National Aging Information and Referral Support Center
Advocates for services and benefits for older persons and caregivers.
NIH Senior Health
Web site for older adults sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and the National
Institutes of Health. This site links to MedlinePlus for health information.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Important source for current information regarding CMS providers and manuals, prescription drug benefits, Medicare
Modernization Act, and more.
Social Security Administration
Latest Social Security news, applying for social security or disability and SSI benefits, and more.
Gerontological Society of America
GSA provides researchers, educators, practitioners, and policy makers with opportunities to understand, advance,
integrate, and use basic and applied research on aging to improve the quality of life as one ages.
National Academy of an Aging society
The policy institute of the Gerontological Society of North America.
American Geriatrics Society
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) is the premier professional organization of health care providers
dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all older adults.
American Society on Aging (ASA)
The ASA goal is to support the commitment and enhance the knowledge and skills of
those who seek to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families.
NIA Demography Centers
Focuses on social and behavioral research on health, retirement, and global aging. Site is maintained by
the University of Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Policy and research for professionals in aging; links to AgeLine research database.
Elder Law and Legal Resources on the Web
Consumer Information About Long Term Care
