A Life Course Perspective on Health Trajectories and Transitions

Abstract

The present volume contributes to life course research with a specific emphasis on health trajectories as they unfold along individual lives in specific socio-historical contexts. It brings together a range of contributions from different disciplines to shed light on the complex social and biological processes which influence people’s health. The Introduction addresses the goals of life course epidemiology and the contribution which insights from the life course perspective can bring to the study of health. Theoretical, methodological and policy considerations associated with life course epidemiology are presented to discuss the current state of the field and expected developments to come. The Introduction finally presents the different contributions of this volume.