This book examines the ways religion and spirituality are experienced by aging persons within an aging society. It aims to encompass the wholeness of the elder's life, including spiritual yearnings that are often shaped by religious faith and practice. Eminent contributors from a variety of disciplines explore this new terrain of an emerging interdisciplinary field. The result is a volume that will function as the standard reference work in the area, an important tool for professionals and students in health care, psychology, spiritual ministry, and gerontology.
James W. Ellor is currently Full Professor at National-Louis University. He is also the Director of the Center for Positive Aging at National-Louis University. He is also a licensed Social Work and Licensed professional counselor. Mr. Ellor earned his B.A. from Kent State University. He also received his Ph.D. and D.Min. from Chicago Theological Seminary, M.Div. from McCormick Theological Seminary, MSW from the University of Chicago and a post MSW certificate in Group Psychotherapy from Smith College School of Social Work. Mr. Ellor has written or edited 10 books and over 50 chapters in books or journal articles. Some of his work includes, Ministry with Older Adults in the Church (2000), Tenth Anniversary Issue: Aging and Spirituality (1999), Leading a Congregation in the Aging of Aging: Clergy Training Manual (1994), and Aging, Spirituality and Pastoral Care in the Twenty-First Century: A Multi-National Perspective (2002). A few of his journal articles are, ''The Challenge of Alzheimer's'' The Clergy Journal, ''Facing a Double Stress: Ostomy and Old Age'' E.T.Journal, and ''Meaning in Later Life'' Seasons: The Interfaith Family Journal. He presents 10-15 professional conferences each year and is a member of numerous gerontological, counseling, and social work organizations. In his free time he spends as much time as he can with his wife and two daughters and sometimes finds the time to do a bit of leatherwork. Melvin A. Kimble is Director of the Center for Aging, Religion and Spirituality at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. James J. Seeber is Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Gerontology Program, California Baptist College, Riverside, California. Susan H. McFadden is Professor of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh.
