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More than 2.3 million Americans are now age 85 and older, and the population total in this age group is steadily expanding. This book brings together leading researchers to review current knowledge about the demography, health, epidemiology and social status of the oldest old. From discussions of the impact of Alzheimer's disease to an examination of changing social and medical policies, this book provides much needed information about this often neglected but growing group.The special problems attendant to information gathering among the oldest old, such as interviews and research, are also addressed. Special intercultural perspectives inform chapters on "The Black Oldest Old," and "Institutional Long-term Care from an International Perspective." This is essential reading for gerontologists, public health professionals, epidemiologists, and policy makers. The book's broad scope enlarges our understanding of the current needs of the oldest old, and indicates areas of public concern.
List of contents
INTRODUCTION: R.M. Suzman, K.G. Manton, and D.P. Willis: Introducing the oldest old; C.M. Taeuber and I. Rosenwaike: A demographic portrait; S.H. Preston: Cohort succession; G.C. Myers, B.B. Torrey, and K. Kinsella: An international comparison; PART II: PROBLEMS IN STUDYING THE OLDEST OLD: K.G. Manton and R.M. Suzman: Conceptual issues in the design and analysis of national longitudinal surveys; W.L. Rodgers and A.R. Herzog: Collecting data: problems and procedures; R.B. Wallace, F.J. Kohout, and P.L. Coulsher: Interview surveys; K.G. Manton: Mortality and life expectancy changes; E.C. Hadley: Causes of death among the oldest old; PART III: THE DYNAMICS OF BECOMING THE OLDEST OLD: K.G. Manton and B.J. Soldo: Disability and mortality: implications for current and future health and long term service needs; P. Doty: Institutional long-term care from an international perspective; J.C. Cornoni-Huntley et al: Epidemiology of physical and cogitive disability; D.A. Evans et al: The impact of Alzheimer's disease in the United States population; PART IV: A SOCIAL PORTRAIT OF THE OLDEST OLD: M.G. Kovar and R.S. Stone: Living arrangements; R.C. Gibson and J.S. Jackson: The black oldest old: health, functioning and informal support; R.M. Suzman et al: The robust oldest old: optimistic perspectives for increasing healthy life expectancy; G.L. Atkins: Making it last: Economic resources; PART V: SOCIAL AND MEDICAL POLICY TOWARD THE OLDEST OLD: B.B. Torrey: Sharing increasing costs on declining income: the visible dilemma of the invisible aged; R.H. Binstock: Intergenerational equity.
Summary
Not only are the old living longer, but they are also growing older in markedly different ways from their predecessors. This study examines the qualitative and quantitative changes in our ageing society. It analyzes current knowledge and presents a guide to the assessment of future findings.
Additional text
The book comprises 144 pages of facts and figures on the oldest old, covering almost every aspect of the subject. All you ever wanted to know about the oldest old, but were afraid to ask ... impressive discussions of largely national survey data ... its scope is impressive, it has undoubted expertise, and is likely to be required reding for anyone interested in this vital topic.
