[This book] addresses issues on both sides of the Atlantic; examines the theoretical underpinnings of environmental gerontology...; and provides useful practical applications and guiding principles....Recommended.--Choice: Current Reviews for Academic LibrariesThe environments in which people live out their later lives have a strong impact on their identity and provide opportunities for nourishing social interactions. This volume translates the insights derived from contemporary research on residential environments and public spaces that enhance well-being into practical recommendations for the design of such beneficial community environments.The text is grounded in the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of current research on place attachment; environmental meaning; and community living in later life. Emphasis is placed on how to design residential spaces that facilitate the development of a sense of place or home; and investigation is made into the kinds of lifestyles such spaces foster and support. A major theme pervading the text is the juxtaposition of private and public space. The book also addresses such themes as the transformation of spaces into places of personal identification and attachment; the need for shared intergenerational spaces; and consideration of diverse populations when designing public spaces. The book also considers how emerging public policy agendas affect the development and management of environments for the elderly. Environmental Gerontology includes the contributions of scholars in anthropology; architecture; economics; education; geography; gerontology; planning; psychology; sociology; and numerous health sciences; who hail from North America; Europe; and Asia. With its strong interdisciplinary focus; this text offers innovative and judicious recommendations for the creation of community environments that are truly beneficial for older adults. Key Features:Provides an up-to-date synthesis of the latest research on the meaning of place to older people and its relationship to well-beingOffers fresh insight and critical perspectives on community planning and environmental design Considers private residences; retirement communities; long-term care facilities; and public and private community spacesIncludes guiding principles for environmental design and practice relevant to the documented needs of older peopleSynthesizes contributions from international scholars in many disciplines
#3814787 in eBooks 2013-01-30 2013-01-30File Name: B00B8EHI84
Review
71 of 78 people found the following review helpful. Not bad; but blandBy Margarethe BraceyI read many great reviews of this book and having read hundreds of self-help and inspirational books as well as a number on mastery; innovation and creativity; I was expecting something really good. I was disapointed. She tells some good stories but tends to ramble on and not stay on point. The literary style of her writing might work well in a novel but I found it distracting in this type of book where one generally wants to get to the point and move on to the next in a more or less robust manner. I found mysel reading and re-reading long tangled sentences that didnt seem to quite nail down what she wanted to say but danced around it. Literary and artistic -- yes. Direct and succinct -- no. Nothing in the content is new or original; nor does she bring any of her own experience into the book which might have saved it from the blandness -- maybe because she doesnt have any. Shes gone to school a lot is the only thing I can tell from her biography. She clearly did a lot of research and all that data might have overwhelmed the clear line of thought one has to hold to write a really good book; as well as the heart required to connect with the reader. She writes like a very bright school girl and not like someone who has had any real experience with the subject she chose. Not bad; but a book on overcoming failure; gaining mastery; and living a truly creative life needs an author who has lived it; at least to some extent; and not just gathered pretty stories to thread together.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Exceptional adventure into redefining creativityBy Bernard . PuckerA very thought provoking series of essays causing us to rethink our understanding of and appreciation for failure and the potential to learn and grow anew after failures. Certainly "true grit" serves us well as we renew and revive our pursuits; professions and passions. All can create new opportunities for our world.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good to be happy while workingBy Jack DecoteauVery enjoyable; much the way I work; with a happy thought and looking for fun and good things to happen while I work; always looking for the odd juxtaposition and something that makes me laugh or at least smile. Excellent reading. Thanks for asking