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CHOICE Review

In July 1983 The US Committee on an Aging Society held a symposium to explore aspects of societal health. This first volume of their study consists of the landmark papers presented. The objectives of the volume were the delineation and exploration of patterns of age and disability in older populations with projections made about future patterns; and to point out services that will be required. Implications for resource use in the care of the chronically ill of all ages are discussed. Contributors note, however, that functional decline is not an inevitable concomitant of normal aging, but they emphasize that today many more people are living longer, and the frail elderly group-those 80 and older-is the fastest-growing segment of the older-aged cohort. The findings and expert opinions of an outstanding group of contributors make this book mandatory reading for professional care givers. Prevention and/or postponement of dysfunction are discussed; style of life and style of care are seen as major determinants of health status. Among the specific topics upon which recommendations are based are cardiovascular aging, depressive illnesses, cognition and dementias, informal social support systems, and financing long-term care. Valuable bibliographies on each topic are included. Recommended.-E.J. Oyer, formerly Michigan State University