Annual Editions: Aging 02/03

by Cox, Harold

• ISBN13: 9780072476712
• ISBN10: 0072476710
• Edition: 14th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-08-09
• Publisher: McGraw Hill College Div

Table of Contents

To the Reader	iv
Topic Guide	2	(2)
Selected World Wide Web Sites	4	(2)
UNIT 1 The Phenomenon of Aging
Overview	6	(2)
Older Americans Living Longer	8	(1)
Paul Recer
The author describes the increasing longevity and life expectancy of the American population
The challenge is to keep Americans living longer and to spread the economic benefits of life in the United States more equally among all races and ethinic groups
A Study for the Ages	9	(6)
Nancy Shute
The Baltimore Longitudianl Study of Aging has followed over 2,000 volunteers between the ages of 20 to 90 in an attempt to delineate how healthy people grow older
The BLSA found that function losses that were once thought to be age-related, such as decreased mobility or memory lapses, can be slowed or stopped
Furthermore, many supposed indignities of aging turn out to be purely misconceptions
The Centenarians Are Coming!!	15	(7)
Cynthia G. Wagner
Cynthia Wagner examines the lives of people who live to 100 and beyond in an attempt to find the critical factors that allow them to outlive so many of their cohorts
The Methuselah Factor	22	(5)
Fred Warshofsky
Fred Warshofsky explains the ever-increasing number of people living to 100 years of age and beyond by the Methuselah Factor
The Methuselah Factor is a combination of genetics, moderation, exercise, and a positive attitude, all boosted by the blunt realities of natural selection
Will You Live to Be 100?	27	(2)
Thomas Perls
Margery Hutter Silver
After completing a study of 150 centenarians, Harvard Medical School researchers Thomas Perls and Margaret Hutter Silver developed a quiz to help you calculate your estimated life expectancy
The Centenarian Boom: Providing for Retirement in a Long-Lived America	29	(5)
Henry J. Aaron
Some economists look at the ever-increasing numbers of people living to 65 and beyond as a major financial crisis for nations as they attempt to keep government pension programs running
Henry Aaron, on the other hand, believes that governments with sound fiscal policies will balance their own budgets so that voluntary savings and pension savings in the private and public sector will be available for investment and growth at home and abroad
The returns on these investments would more than offset any increases in cost faced by nations with ever-increasing older populations
UNIT 2 The Quality of Later Life
Overview	32	(2)
The Johns Hopkins Prescription for Longevity	34	(3)
Extensive research shows that, with few exceptions, genes account for only about one-third of the problems associated with aging
Lifestyle factors have been found to have a greater impact on health during the middle and later years
This article indicates what measures are most likely to increase longevity and to delay the onset of disabling illnesses that are considered the major problems of aging
Fourteen Forecasts for an Aging Society	37	(5)
Sam L. Ervin
Sam Ervin looks at what an ever-growing number of people aged 65 and older will mean to the American way of life in the next 50 years
From senior-friendly cars to a greater need for elder care services, the author perceives a number of dramatic changes that will result from the demands of an aging population
Ageing Well	42	(2)
Sally Greengross
Ageing Well Europe is an innovative program in many European countries that seeks to prolong active, independent lifestyles by advocating healthy life practices and by reducing illness and disability for people 50 years of age and older
Senior health mentors work directly with older persons, counseling them to change ingrained attitudes and values in order to maintain a more positive outlook toward aging
The Age Boom	44	(4)
Jack Rosenthal
``Increased longevity is one of the striking developments of the century; it has grown more in the last 100 years than in the previous 5,000, since the Bronze Age,'' according to Jack Rosenthal
Generally speaking, Rosenthal belives that older people are living in reasonably good health and with enough money to escape the anxiety and poverty long associated with aging
This essay examines the realities confronted in the final stage of life
Men and Women Aging Differently	48	(5)
Barbara M. Barer
Gender differences in health, socioeconomic status, and social resources during later life are examined by Barbara Barer
Case studies illustrate how the timing of life-course events is different in men and women and results in differences in the problems they face in later life
Life at Age 100 Is Surprisingly Healthy: Study Challenges Conventional Wisdom About the Very Old	53	(3)
Philip J. Hilts
Philip Hilts points out that people living to very old ages are not necessarily frail, weak, and in need of constant care
Those living to very old age have been stronger and healthier than many of their peers throughout their life
Many of the very old are found to be in better health than the experts had previously imagined
Want a Longer Life? Connect	56	(1)
Tedd Mitchell
Tedd Mitchell observes the negative effect that social isolation has on a person's health and longevity
Having close and trusted friends, being a member of a family, and being connected to warm and friendly social groups all have a positive influence on one's health
For Good Health, It Helps to Be Rich and Important	57	(6)
Erica Goode
Erica Goode explains that scientists have known for some time that poverty translates into higher rates of illness and mortality
Current research, however, indicates that social class, as measured by income, education, and social status, is a powerful predictor of good health
UNIT 3 Societal Attitudes Toward Old Age
Overview	60	(3)
Images of Aging in America	63	(3)
Kathy Speas
Beth Obenshain
This AARP report summarizes America's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes about aging and the elderly
The questions considered include: What do Americans know about aging and the elderly? What are the prevalent images of aging? What are Americans' perceptions of the aging process? and, What is the nature and extent of intergenerational conflict?
Children's Views on Aging: Their Attitudes and Values	66	(6)
Sally Newman
Robert Faux
Barbara Larimer
The findings of this study indicate that children are positively affected by their interactions with older adults and have a realistic perception of the aging process
Intergenerational interaction was found to further enhance children's positive perceptions of aging
Summits Ignore Older People	72	(3)
During the 1990s the United Nations held numerous conferences and summits to address world problems
A review of these meetings reveals a widespread neglect of older people's problems and issues---and this neglect is expected to continue
Ageing in American Comic Strips: 1972-1992	75	(5)
Heather Hanlon
Judy Farnsworth
Judy Murray
American artists portraying older adults in comic strips present stereotypical representations of this age group
Men are more frequently presented than women
Negative images of both men and women are more than double any positive images presented
Successful Aging: The Second 50	80	(6)
Joe Volz
Psychologists' research is changing attitudes about what it takes to live the good---and longer---life
Research on aging is now shifting from what is required medically to prolong life to ensuring that a longer life is worth living
Psychological research is making significant inroads in the areas of memory and cognition
The research indicates that cognitive capacity more than physical disability is the critical factor in determining whether people can remain active while arriving at extreme old age
UNIT 4 Problems and Potentials of Aging
Overview	84	(2)
Painting the Fence Green	86	(3)
Bill Shaw
``Painting the Fence Green'' is the autobiography of a 101-year-old woman who lives alone on her farm near Washington, Indiana
She lives independently without the assistance of anyone
She sleeps with a gun beside her bed and aggressively defends her life and land
Her life portrays successful aging in a manner to which most people would aspire
Unlocking the Heart's Secrets	89	(6)
Susan Brink
For the post 50 years, researchers in Framingham, Massachusetts, have studies a large group of volunteers to determine what factors contribute to heart disease
Medical doctors and the public now know a great deal more about how genetic factors, diet, and lifestyle contribute to heart disease
As a result of this study, doctors are much more capable of treating heart disease and the public is much better informed about lifestyle choices that will reduce their risk of heart disease
Understanding Elder Abuse and Neglect	95	(5)
Rosalie S. Wolf
The four basic kinds of elder abuse---physical, psychological, and financial abuse, and neglect---are examined by Rosalie Wolf
The factors that contribute to each of them are examined
Alzheimer's: Unlocking the Mystery	100	(4)
Geoffrey Cowley
This article examines in detail the factors that scientists now believe cause the human brain to malfunction, resulting in the emergence of Alzheimer's disease
Scietists Piecing Alzheimer's Puzzle	104	(4)
Peggy Eastman
The article reviews the current research that is taking place on possible cures for Alzheimer's disease
The treatments being examined could, if proven effective, possibly prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease in the near future
UNIT 5 Retirement: American Dream or Dilemma?
Overview	106	(2)
Worry in Pre- and Post-Retirement Persons	108	(7)
Marianne Skarborn
Richard Nicki
The researchers examined whether pre- or post-retirement persons worried more about financial, personal, family, and world problems
Waiting Longer for Social Security	115	(2)
Alice Ann Love
In 1983 President Ronald Reagan and the U.S. Congress passed legislation increasing the age at which one qualifies for full retirement benefits from 65 to 67
This increase in the qualifying age began gradually after the year 2000
No people near the retirement age were immediately affected and most voters were not even aware of the change
New Focus on Older Workers	117	(1)
Christopher Conte
Christopher Conte observes that as the large cohort of older workers approaches retirement age, there are considerably fewer younger workers available to replace them
Businessess are advised that it will be in their best interest to keep older workers employed beyond retirement age
`You'll See More People Working': Hastert Pleased With Demise of the Earnings Limit	118	(2)
Elliot Carlson
Trish Nicholson
The Social Security regulations were changed by Congress in March 2000
Older workers who work after the age of 65 will receive no reduction in their Social Security checks
Prior to this change, people aged 65 through 69 lost $1.00 in Social Security benefits for each $3.00 they earned above the annual limit of $17,000
Retired? Fine. Now Get Back to Work	120	(4)
Pamela Sherrid
As fewer jobs require demanding physical labor and more jobs involve knowledge and skill, workers over the age of 65 could be very productive and useful members of the labor force
Aging baby boomers are finding a gradually more accommodating workplace
Retirement Patterns and Employee Benefits: Do Benefits Matter?	124	(15)
Paul Fronstin
The study explores the relationship between the provision of pension plans and retiree health insurance programs on early retirement decisions
The results indicate that postretirement pension benefits and the availability of retiree health benefits have a significant influence on the workers' planned age of retirement
UNIT 6 The Experience of Dying
Overview	136	(3)
Euthanasia's Home: What the Dutch Experience Can Teach Americans About Assisted Suicide	139	(3)
In the Netherlands physician-assisted sucide (euthanasia) is widely practiced, although illegal
Since the 1970s there has been an informal understanding between physicians and the government that if doctors follow specified guidelines they will not be prosecuted
As a result, the incidence of physician-assisted suicide has grown dramatically
The article examines the positive and negative aspects for a nation in which euthanasia is widely practiced
Euthanasia and Religion	142	(4)
Courtney S. Campbell
The author observes that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam basically address ethical issues concerning the end of life from a common value perspective
Death With Dignity: Choices and Challenges	146	(4)
Faye Girsh
Faye Girsh discusses the critical choices that the dying person or his or her loved ones will be forced to make during the final days of that person's life
Hospice Care: Making an Informed Choice	150	(2)
Richard Burnham
The ever-increasing numbers of people living to very old age has resulted in the emergence of hospice care
Hospice care is for people who are dying and who are aware of their condition
The hospice program provides treatment for the physical and emotional pain of the terminally ill patient
The author points out its many advantages for both patients and their families
Start the Conversation	152	(10)
This article observes what is happening physically and emotionally to a dying person
It also investigates the critical decisions that must be made by the person or his or her caregivers
UNIT 7 Living Environments in Later Life
Overview	160	(2)
Comfort and Friends Found in Old-Folk Homes	162	(2)
Hu Qihua
As China industrializes, the traditional family values of its primarily rural culture are changing
Many older residents of China are now moving to old folks homes rather than moving in with their children
The lifestyles and comfort of the older Chinese people who choose to live their later years in an old folks home is the subject of this article
Life Review: Preventing Despair in Newly Relocated Nursing Home Residents Short- and Long-Term Effects	164	(12)
Barbara K. Haight
Yvonne Michel
Shirley Hendrix
Relocation to a nursing home often results in depression, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide for the frail elderly resident
A research design was developed to study this group
Two experimental groups received the intervention of life review; two control groups received a friendly visit
Residents receiving the life review intervention showed significant decreases in depression and hopelessness and increases in psychological well-being and life satisfaction both in the short and long term
`Aging in Place': Baby Boom Generation Expected to Change Life in America	176	(2)
Christopher Thorne
The baby boom generation, most of whom live in the suburbs, are now approaching retirement age
Christopher Thorne observes how the needs of the suburban communities will change as a majority of the residents retire
An Aging America Faces the Assisted Living Alternative	178	(3)
Keren Brown Wilson
Traditionally, older persons have resisted the move to a nursing home
Now assisted living arrangements are being offered as an alternative to nursing homes
The advantage of assisted living arrangements for older persons are discussed in this article
Elder Care: Making the Right Choice	181	(3)
John Greenwald
The author compares the advantages and disadvantages of home care, congregate housing, and assisted living as choices that are available to older persons
Caring for Aging Loved Ones	184	(6)
Jackie Fitzpatrick
Jackie Fitzpatrick examines an array of living environments in which the frail elderly may be cared for
Among the living conditions described are nursing homes, assisted living communities, home care, and adult care centers
UNIT 8 Social Policies, Programs, and Services for Older Americans
Overview	188	(2)
Long-Term Care: The New Risks of Old Age	190	(5)
Robert Hudson
The ever-increasing numbers of people living to age 65 or older means that a larger number of people will spend part of their later years in a nursing home
Social policy experts believe that we are not addressing the new risks of chronic illness and disability that plague older populations
Robert Hudson argues that there is a pressing need for public long-term care insurance and that if any programs are to be privatized, they should be in the income-support arena rather than in health care
The Eden Alternative: An Evolving Paradigm for Long Term Care	195	(3)
Gail Deaton
Christopher J. Johnson
Roxanna H. Johnson
Peter Winn
This article examines a new paradigm of a more psychosocial model of care through the use of companionship
In addition, the authors address the loneliness, helplessness, and boredom that burdens many residents in more traditional long-term care settings
``Should a Portion of Social Security Funds Be Invested in the Stock Market?''	198	(2)
Henry J. Aaron
Robert J. Myers
As Congress and the nation worry about the financial solvency of the Social Security program once the baby boomers begin to retire, a number of changes have been proposed
One proposal is to invest a portion of the Social Security funds in the stock market rather than in government treasury notes
The pros and cons of this plan are presented in this article
What's the Best Way to Reform Social Security?	200	(3)
Henry J. Aaron
Olivia S. Mitchell
Henry Aaron argues that Congress has several choices available on how to make the Social Security fund economically solvent for the indefinite future
He sees no major problems for ensuring the financial solvency of the program
Olivia Mitchell offers a much more negative view of the financial stability of the Social Security program
The only choices we have to save the program, she believes, are to raise taxes or cut benefits
He Says `No' to Privatization: `Mr. Social Security' Sees a Better Way	203	(2)
Joe Volz
Robert Ball, who is now retired, was the Social Security commissioner under Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon
He developed the Social Security disability insurance program and oversaw the enrollment of millions of Americans into Medicare
Ball argues that would-be reformers wanting to privatize a portion of the investment would wreck the largest and most successful social-insurance system in the world
Helping One Another Across the Generations	205	(4)
Linda Sellars
Phi Delta Kappan
The advantages for both schoolchildren and older people in being brought together on a regular basis is the subject of this article
Regular interaction between these two age groups creates a bond that the author believes benefits both
Linda Sellars outlines the necessary steps for starting an intergenerational program, including useful resources and activities that have worked in the past
Index	209	(3)
Test Your Knowledge Form	212	(1)
Article Rating Form	213