Older Americans, vital communities : a bold vision for societal aging / W. Andrew Achenbaum.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Achenbaum, W. Andrew.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Older people--United States--Social conditions--21st century.

Older people.

Longevity--Social aspects--United States.

Longevity.

Social change--United States.

Social change.

Social prediction.

Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age.

Longevity--Social aspects.

Social conditions.

United States.

Self-actualization (Psychology) in old age--United States.

Older people--Government policy--United States.

Older people--Government policy.

Social prediction--United States--21st century.

Physical Description:

xx, 202 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Baltimore, Md. : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005.

Summary:

This thought-provoking work grapples with the vast range of issues associated with the aging population and challenges people of all ages to think more boldly and more creatively about the relationship between older Americans and their communities. W. Andrew Achenbaum begins by exploring the demographics of our aging society and its effect on employment and markets, education, health care, religion, and political action. Drawing on history, literature, and philosophy, Achenbaum focuses on the way health care and increases in life expectancy have transformed late life from a phase characterized by illness, frailty, and debility to one of vitality, productivity, and spirituality.

Contents:

Introduction: A new demographic revolution demands novel structural responses

The new faces of individual aging

The new age of production and consumption

(Re)creating networks for lifelong learning and sharing talents

Reforming the U.S. health system to care for an aging population

Renewing religious experiences and spiritual practices for a new age

Extending the civic engagement of senior citizens

Epilogue.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [163]-193) and index.

ISBN:

0801882370

OCLC:

57965775