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CHOICE Review

A collection of 20 papers by fellows of the Institute for Advanced Study in Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Southern California. The editors are distinguished researchers and writers in the area of aging. Joining other well-known handbooks of aging--e.g., Handbook of the Psychology of Aging, ed. by J.E. Birren and K.W. Schaie (2nd ed., 1985); Handbook of the Biology of Aging, ed. by C.E. Finch and E.L. Schneider (2nd ed., 1985); and Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, ed. by R. Binstock and E. Shanas (2nd ed., 1985)--this new work supplements them by exploring the possibility of developing a multidisciplinary theory of aging. The book is organized into four units: theory building in aging, biological theories of aging and their implications for the behavioral and social sciences, psychological concepts of aging, and social science concepts of aging. Some of the articles summarize current theories of aging; others present challenging new ways of thinking about relating theories of aging; and one argues against the desirability of a multidisciplinary theory. The articles are uneven in style, but all have clear subdivisions and most include summaries. Only occasionally are efforts made to connect materials from the several sections. The lists of references are remarkably useful. The best attempt so far to construct a framework upon which to build an integrated theory of aging, the volume will be of interest to graduate and senior undergraduate students. -M. Kayhart, Cedar Crest College