This book is an invaluable source that provides reference information on the myriad issues related to aging faced by the elderly and their healthcare providers.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the rate of growth of the elderly population-defined as individuals age 65 or greater-increased by a factor of 11 in the past century, from 3 million in 1900 to 33 million in 1994. During the same time period, the total population only tripled. By the year 2030, there will be about 72 million older persons, or roughly 1 in 5 among the American population-more than twice their number in 2000. Clearly, geriatrics is a topic of vital interest and importance to policy makers, medical providers, caregivers, and members of the general population.In this book, lifelong writer Carol Leth Stone presents a forum that allows readers to understand how one "comes to terms" with aging using real-life examples of healthcare problems, economic traps, and emotional difficulties such as grieving or feelings of isolation. Geriatrics is approachable and easy-to-read, but also accurate and authoritative.

Contains a comprehensive glossary to help educate readers on the language of the subject

Series ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgmentsPart I: Overview1 Geriatrics as a Medical Specialty2 Overview of Geriatric Health InformationPart II: Issues and Controversies3 Medical Issues4 Making Informed Medical Decisions5 Social and Psychological Issues6 Legal and Political IssuesPart III: References and ResourcesA Annotated Primary DocumentsB TimelineC Web SitesGlossaryBibliographyIndex