Social Gerontology in Canada introduces students to the key topics in social gerontology, a multi-disciplinary field concerned with the study of the social aspects of aging and older adults. This text provides an overview of key theories, policies, and topics, incorporating intersectional and strength-based approaches to aging studies. Strong learning features are included in each chapter, designed to be interactive and student friendly.
The textbook was written in close collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students, who contributed to the writing of the chapters, ensuring that they are accessible and readable. The chapters are concise and written in a conversational tone to appeal to all readers interested in social gerontology. The book is packed with pedagogical tools, and there is a focus on interactive and case-based learning to enhance real-world application and practical knowledge. Within each chapter, an intersectional lens including a strong focus on ethnic and gender diversity of older Canadians is included, and each chapter also features a “gerontology in practice” textbox that explains how the material covered in the chapter can be applied to real life.
Social Gerontology in Canada is intended for sociology, gerontology, aging studies, social work, and health studies programs within universities and colleges in Canada that take a social sciences/sociological approach to aging and gerontology.
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Rethinking Aging
Chapter 2: Sociological Perspectives and Theories on Aging (with Abdul Ahad
and Sky Ounarom)
Chapter 3: Health and Aging Well (with Allan Kopyto, MD)
Chapter 4: Indigenous Older Adults in Canada (with Isabella Coady)
Chapter 5: Immigration and Aging
Chapter 6: Aging and Environments (with Aliza Maqsood)
Chapter 7: Physical and Social Activity in Later Life (with Ailin Jalili and
Niva Nona)
Chapter 8: Work, Retirement, and Play (with Mya Clarke)
Chapter 9: Technology and Older Adults (with Nyle Faran)
Chapter 10: Older Persons and Their Family Roles (with Rahul Desai)
Chapter 11: Supporting Older Persons
Chapter 12: Death and Dying (with Kanika Sarwal)
Chapter 13: Conclusion: Elderhood, Elder Wisdom, and Shifting the Narratives
Around Aging
About the Authors
Dr. Elena Neiterman is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, at the School of Public Health Sciences and the Faculty of Health Teaching Fellow at the University of Waterloo. She received her PhD in Sociology from McMaster University. Elena has over 14 years of teaching experience, during which she has developed and taught courses in aging, social gerontology, and sociological theory. She has published textbooks for undergraduate students on health and health care systems (Pearson) and health promotion (Oxford University Press). Dr. Neiterman is a recipient of the Faculty of Health Teaching Award and the School of Public Health Sciences' Supervision Award.
Dr. Catherine Tong is a Researcher with the Centre for Health Care Research and Innovation at Conestoga College, and a Research Adjunct Assistant Professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo. She works with a range of partners to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults, with a dedicated emphasis on foreign-born older Canadians. She does this primarily by engaging in community-based and patient-oriented research, employing qualitative methodologies. Her areas of research include ethnicity and aging, home and community care, the role of personal support workers across the care continuum, physical and social activity in aging, and multilingual and cross-cultural research design.
