. Handbook of Theories of Aging. , Springer Publishing Company, LLC, 2016.

What is theory, and why are theories important in research on aging? What are the most prominent theories in contemporary gerontology? How can we nurture the development of theories to better meet the needs of the field in the decade ahead? These are some of the questions that have propelled this third edition of the Handbook of Theories of Aging. The need for theory-based knowledge to address problems of aging has never been greater. Yet, the ready availability of Big Data has proliferated primarily descriptive and nontheoretical research reports. Explanations of aging processes and outcomes-in other words, theories-have often taken a back seat to the generation of factual information. With 35 chapters by some of the most highly respected researchers in gerontology today, this edition of this handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview so that researchers and practitioners can stay abreast of the latest developments. It addresses theories and concepts built on cumulative knowledge in four disciplinary areas biology, psychology, social sciences, and policy and practice as well as landmark advances in transdisciplinary science. Because of their explicit focus on theory, the editions of this handbook are a resource for knowledge about primary explanations of aging, whether at the level of cells or societies. In this edition, we asked authors to place a strong emphasis on the future of theory development, assessing the current state of theories and providing a road map for how theory can shape research and how research can shape theory, in years to come. We are especially excited about a new section, "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants," which contains personal essays by four of the most senior gerontologists in our field, who share their perspectives on the history of ideas in their fields, as well as their experiences with the process and prospects of developing useful theory.