This book helps in ...building a bridge between the networks...The topics of aging and disabilities are multifaceted and therefore may be approached in many ways. The editors have chosen to focus on four systems and areas of common ground (aging, developmental disabilities, independent living movement, and rehabilitation), to investigate the emerging "intersection" of the two fields.

"Aging in place" is among the newer terms to be included along with "senior citizen," "golden agers," and others in the lexicon of gerontology. Since aging is a lifelong process and each of us occupies three-dimensional space, we are, of course, always aging in place, but two factors have caused aging in place to emerge as a salient concern for gerontological policy makers. The first is the explosive growth of homeownership after World War II, the other is the perception that thousands of older people have been flowing into nursing homes unnecessarily when they can and should remain in their own home or apartment.

"Aging in place" is among the newer terms to be included along with "senior citizen," "golden agers," and others in the lexicon of gerontology. Since aging is a lifelong process and each of us occupies three-dimensional space, we are, of course, always aging in place, but two factors have caused aging in place to emerge as a salient concern for gerontological policy makers. The first is the explosive growth of homeownership after World War II, the other is the perception that thousands of older people have been flowing into nursing homes unnecessarily when they can and should remain in their own home or apartment.

This book helps in ...building a bridge between the networks...The topics of aging and disabilities are multifaceted and therefore may be approached in many ways. The editors have chosen to focus on four systems and areas of common ground (aging, developmental disabilities, independent living movement, and rehabilitation), to investigate the emerging "intersection" of the two fields.