1st Edition

Physical Environments and Aging Critical Contributions of M. Powell Lawton to Theory and Practice

By Paul Windley, Rick Scheidt Copyright 2003
    164 Pages
    by Routledge

    164 Pages
    by Routledge

    A tribute and guide to M. Powell Lawton's groundbreaking work!

    Dr. M. Powell Lawton, who died in January 2001, was arguably the most significant thinker, researcher, and practitioner in environment-behavior studies within the field of gerontology. The authors of Physical Environments and Aging represent three generations of internationally recognized researchers whose lives and work were greatly influenced by both Lawton the professional and Lawton the man. This book presents their assessment of his contributions to environmental theory, purpose-built housing, community study, long-term care settings, and other related topics. Many of the contributors also share personal anecdotes that illustrate how Lawton's professional visions were shaped by his remarkable intellect and personality.

    Physical Environments and Aging examines many aspects of environmental gerontology, including:

    • housing policy reform and home modification
    • place therapy
    • philosophic foundations of environment-aging studies
    • the future of theory, practice, and policy in the field
    • the role of neighborhoods
    More than just an homage, Physical Environments and Aging is also a practical guide to the field, offering you tractable theory, useful methods and measures, and functional research overviews in the realms of everyday experience of older adults.

    • Introduction
    • M. Powell Lawton’s Three Dilemmas in the Field of Environment and Aging
    • Vision and Values: M. Powell Lawton and the Philosophical Foundations of Environment-Aging Studies
    • Powell Lawton’s Contributions to Purpose-Built Housing Design for the Elderly
    • Many Meanings of Community: Contributions of M. Powell Lawton
    • Powell Lawton’s Contributions to Long-Term Care Settings
    • Quality of Life and Place-Therapy
    • Advancements in the Home Modification Field: A Tribute to M. Powell Lawton
    • The Human Factors of Aging and the Micro-Environment: Personal Surroundings, Technology and Product Development
    • Toward Measuring Proactivity in Person-Environment Transactions in Late Adulthood: The Housing-Related Control Beliefs Questionnaire
    • Index
    • Reference Notes Included

    Biography

    Rick J. Scheidt, Paul G. Windley