Book excerpt: A must-have professional reference for researchers and educators in psychology, sociology, anthropology, public health, genetics, medicine, and the biological sciences, this issue of the Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics discusses how complex biological, behavioral, and social systems interact to create and impact health. This knowledge is essential to maintaining positive health outcomes over the life span and across a variety of populations and settings. With contributions by leading world scientists, this trusted annual volume reviews the current literature and presents examples of how biological factors underlie behavioral factors to impact health in later life. It also offers methods for examining these complex systems of biology and behavior, and explores how social scientists use this information in their research. Key Topics: Genetic and environmental contributions to Alzheimer's disease and age-associated memory changes Vascular depression, including cardiovascular implications for mental health The impact of spirituality on health Family comorbidity and the family context as a source of health Stress and coping Exercise and oxidative damage