Introduction to Adulthood and Aging.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Khan, Maham, editor.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Social sciences--Textbooks.

Social sciences.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Human Development and Family Science, Virginia Tech Libraries 2026.

Language Note:

In English.

Summary:

Introduction to Adulthood and Aging (2026) is a research-based, 358-page Open Educational Resource (OER) adapted with original material added for use in Virginia Tech's Human Development course, HD 2004: Adulthood and Aging. This text aims to spark reader ideas to address the significant global challenges and opportunities related to aging worldwide, exploring development, loss, resilience, and change and challenging common assumptions about aging. More than just a textbook, this resource is intended to spark reflection, empathy, and connection. The text is a foundation of knowledge and compassion that can be applied in both academic and personal settings, assisting readers to engage with the topic in practical and meaningful ways. Developed in response to the increasing cost of textbooks, with the goal of reducing the financial burden on students and families, Introduction to Adulthood and Aging adapts and expands the openly-licensed works of other authors. It was adapted with original content added from existing openly-licensed texts, developed as a course reader in Canvas, and has been converted into MSWord and PDF. It is shared broadly in an effort to increase access to the content. While it is freely available under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike (CC BY NC-SA) 4.0 license, the value of the content remains high, grounded in research, empathy, and a commitment to accessible education. Instructors reviewing or adopting this book for a course, please help us understand your use by filling out this form: https://bit.ly/interest_introductiontoadulthoodandaging

Contents:

Letter to Students

For Instructors

Acknowledgements and Attributions

About the Editor

Unit 1: Introductions to Lifespan Development, Gerontology Theories, and Research Methods

1: Introduction to Lifespan Development and Adulthood

2: Lifespan Development Theories

3: Research in Lifespan Development

Unit 2: Early Adulthood

4: Emerging Adulthood and Early Adulthood

5: Cognitive Development in Early Adulthood

6: Psychosocial Development in Emerging and Early Adulthood

7: Relationships and Intimacy in Early Adulthood

Unit 3: Middle Adulthood

8: Middle Adulthood

9: Cognition, Social & Emotional Development Among Middle Adulthood

10: Relationships in Middle Adulthood

Unit 4: Older Adulthood

11: Older Adulthood

12: Physical and Sensory Changes in Older Adulthood

13: Brain Functioning and Sleep in Older Adulthood

14: End-of-Life Decision Making and Care

15: Death, Mourning, and Bereavement

Notes:

Description based on print resource