An Overview of Research on Aging and the Status of Gerontology Today

Gerontology—the study of aging from biological, psychological, and social perspectives—is a new approach to promoting “health and well-being by extending the vigorous and productive years of life.” Its research is both derivative and interdisciplinary as it straddles the area between unexplored healthy aging and uncertain knowledge about pathological aging. A “new” gerontology is beginning to engage scientists and clinicians in moving from descriptive to experimental research. Individual aging is not the only issue; science must help prepare us for population aging.

Author(s): Robert N. Butler

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Volume 61, Issue 3 (pages 351–361)
Published in 1983