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Directions in environmental gerontology: a multidisciplinary field
1University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australia. H.Kendig@fhs.usyd.edu.au
The Gerontologist
|October 23, 2003
Summary
Environmental gerontology, a field focused on aging and environments, has evolved significantly since the 1960s. It now provides essential frameworks for promoting healthy aging and creating age-friendly societies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental gerontology
- Multidisciplinary field integrating psychology, geography, and health sciences.
Background:
- Emerged in the 1960s with Powell Lawton's environmental press paradigm.
- Advanced by theoretical developments in Europe and America, integrating diverse disciplines.
Discussion:
- Emphasizes time dimensions and spatial use for understanding aging individuals and environments.
- Highlights the role of residential environment research in community care and older adult independence.
Key Insights:
- Environmental gerontology offers conceptual and empirical foundations for healthy aging.
- Integrates psychological and geographical concepts to analyze person-environment interactions across micro and macro levels.
Outlook:
- Poised to inform policy and social priorities for creating age-friendly societies.
- Continues to advance understanding of aging populations and their environmental contexts.