Aging and Old Age

by Richard A. Posner

Book Overview

Are the elderly posing a threat to America's political system with their enormous clout? Are they stretching resources to the breaking point with their growing demands for care? Distinguished... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0226675661
• ISBN13: 9780226675664
• Release Date: December 1995
• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Not a particularly frolicsome read for the aged and aging.

Judge Posner is a remarkable man. A noted jurist and a fine writer with a wide range of interests. "Aging and Old Age" covers so much ground that it is difficult to summarize in a short review. Overall, Posner attempts to deterine the nature of the aqing process, the effects of aging on those who become the aged and the impact of a growing cohort of the old on American society. Speaking as an old person, it is a depressing read, because Posner correctly notes that there is a young self and an old self. The former looks forward, while the latter - because there is so little "forward" left - looks back. Posner speaks of the decline of the aging self, though he allows that many of the aged - particularly federal judges likes himself with lifetime tenure - remain productive at what were once considered "bizarrely" advanced ages. Posner discusses "What is aging? And why?" the social history of aging, physical and mental decline associated with aging, age and creative output, the "behavioral correlates of age", euthnasia and geronticide, social security and health, legal issues of aging and age discrimination and mandatory retirement. Quite a broad sweep - and to this old man, a depressing one. In all, a thought provoking work even if depressing (to me). I suspect it found a moderate audience among those who deal with the aqing process and the aged. Jerry

How to understand the socio-economic impact of aging

Broadly researched and well-referenced, this clearly-written book is a realistic take on the coming age wave. It openly challenges both the fear-mongerers and the brave new world types. The ideas are compelling and extremely well-presented. The scope and detail of his reseach is far beyond that of average writers.

Perhaps the best book ever written on the subject

The interdisciplinary breadth and depth of analysis provided by Judge Posner is an extremely rare insight into the evolution of human life and its role in the socioeconomic features of modern socities.This is a great book for anybody- young or old, or in between !

Perhaps the best book ever written on the subject

The interdisciplinary breadth and depth of analysis provided by Judge Posner is an extremely rare insight into the evolution of human life and its role in the socioeconomic features of modern socities.This is a great book for any professional - young or old, or in between !