The Encyclopedia of Senior Health and Well-Being

"The number of senior citizens in the United States is growing steadily and is expected to double from the current 35 million to 70 million by 2030. Life expectancy has increased at a startling rate. In 1900 the average life expectancy for an American born that year was 49 years. By 2000 the average American born in that year could expect to live to the age of 77. While increased longevity gives individuals the chance to interact with loved ones and gain from years of accumulated experience, the older population also faces a wide range of social, medical, ethical, and legal issues that exclusively affect their quality of life. The Encyclopedia of Senior Health and Well-Being offers comprehensive coverage of the health issues, diseases, global and ethnic factors concerning aging, common illnesses, and social issues that affect the daily lives of mature adults." Tables of current health and population statistics illustrate health care and lifestyle trends among mature adults from a variety of ethnic groups. All entries are thoroughly cross-referenced and indexed. With appendixes and additional resources, including lists of important organizations and agencies on aging, this encyclopedia is an invaluable reference for aging adults and their families and caregivers.