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Library Journal
Until the early 20th century, few people made it to age 50; today, the average life expectancy is 77 and will continue to grow as science finds new ways to extend life, writes gerontologist Butler, founder of the National Institute on Aging and author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Why Survive?: Being Old in America(1975). Longevity, however, is of little value in the absence of quality of life, he argues in this densely written series of discussions on the challenges of increasing longevity. Butler predicts more physical and mental illnesses and significant changes in family structure, economics, long-term care, and health care, as well as reviews the evolution of longevity, the politics of aging, and the threats of a longer life span. Despite the attraction of increased longevity, he is not convinced that a long life is always a better one. Charts, graphs, and tables, along with extensive bibliographies and detailed footnotes citing published and unpublished materials, support his points. This remarkable book demonstrates Butler's extensive knowledge of all aspects of aging. Recommended for large academic and aging collections. [See the Q&A with Butler in LJ2/1/08.-Ed.]
—Karen McNally Bensing
Overview
Dr. Robert N. Butler coined the term “ageism” and made “Alzheimer’s” a familiar word. Now he brings his formidable knowledge to a recent and unprecedented achievement: the extension of human life expectancy by thirty years, and the growing number of people over age sixty-five.
Alarmingly, our society has not adapted to this change. In this urgent and ultimately optimistic book, Butler calls for us to reexamine our personal and societal approach to aging right now, so that the ...