REALITIES OF AGING FOR OLDER AMERICANS
American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Why Practitioners Need Information
What is aging America really like? What are Americans' patterns of aging, education, productivity, economic well-being, social circumstances, leisure interests, cognitive abilities, physical well-being, etc.? The answers to the questions below give a broad picture.
Is there a "normal" pattern of aging?
How well educated are older adults?
What is the economic well-being of today's older adults?
What are the social circumstances and social well-being of older people?
What are the social and leisure interests of older adults?
What are common age-associated physical changes?
What are the cognitive changes associated with normal aging?
What about the mental health of older adults?
How is personality affected by age?
How do older adults cope with normal age-associated changes?
MANY OLDER ADULTS PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO YOUNGER FAMILY MEMBERS, INCLUDING GIVING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT, CARING FOR GRANDCHILDREN OR DISABLED CHILDREN, PROVIDING A PLACE TO LIVE, OR MAKING MONETARY GIFTS OR LOANS.