Healthy Aging Sourcebook

Basic Consumer Health Information about Maintaining Health through the Aging Process, Including Advice on Nutrition, Exercise, and Sleep, Help in Making Decisions about Midlife Issues and Retirement, and Guidance Concerning Practical and Informed Choices in Health Consumerism

Along with Data Concerning the Theories of Aging, Different Experiences in Aging by Minority Groups, and Facts about Aging Now and Aging in the Future; and Featuring a Glossary, a Guide to Consumer Help, Additional Suggested Reading, and Practical Resource Directory

Because of improvements in medical care and better sanitation, the average life span and life expectancy in the United States grew dramatically during the 20th century from 47 years in 1900 to 79 years in 1996. With the American population expected to continue aging in the 21st century, there will be an even larger group of elderly people, many of whom will be living active and healthy lives.

Healthy Aging Sourcebook provides information to help the elderly, soon-to-be elderly, and others understand the aging process and the choices that must be made and pursued to maintain health. These choices include eating habits, exercise practices, sleeping patterns, living situations, and the ability to discern legitimate medical procedures from fraudulent ones. Additional topics covered in the book include theories of aging, the different aging experiences of diverse minority groups, safety concerns, and end-of-life decisions.

The book's 53 chapters are arranged in seven parts:

• The Aging Process - provides basic information about aging, including different aging theories and statistics
• Midlife Issues and the Retirement Years - covers choices and concerns that may arise as one gets older, including retirement living, moving, and self-esteem
• Caring for the Aging Body - describes how dietary changes, proper sleep, exercise, and other health-related changes can improve quality of life in older Americans
• Being a Prudent Medical Customer - provides information on understanding preventive medical needs, health fraud, choosing medical treatment, and the proper use of medication
• Safety Concerns - describes the need for preventive safety measures, with a home safety checklist
• Preparing for Final Decisions - addresses concerns such as housing options, living wills, and death
• Additional Help and Information - provides a glossary, a reading list, references for senior consumers, and resources for further information. All contact data in the "Additional Help and Information" section has been fully verified and includes web site and e-mail addresses as available.
• Completing the Sourcebook is a comprehensive index.

Material in this book has been collected from a wide range of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and periodicals.

What reviewers are saying . . .

"Recommended reference source." - Booklist, American Library Association, February 2000