Relates to the Real World – With updated references throughout, the 8th edition reflects the changes in the world around us and how they affect adult development. Topics include new information on how adults of all ages are becoming active users of social media, a look at the recent increase of single-person households, and how Facebook friends fit into one’s social convoy. Explores Diversity – Multidisciplinary research, such as nursing and public health, has been integrated. Coverage on research being done by the international community, including contributions from Swedish, Japanese, Israeli, and Egyptian scientists. Integrates Theory  - Rather than a separate chapter, theories material is interwoven into the chapters dealing with the topics of those theories.