Nations around the world are experiencing a spectacular increase in longevity. Society as a whole is being challenged by issues arising from this revolution in longevity. Although the specter of the loneliness and existential suffering of older citizens is such that some people under the age of 65 find it difficult to conceive of a long-term future, persons over 85 have proven that aging does not necessarily preclude a healthy and productive life. Extraordinary progress in both curative and preventive medicine justifies optimism about the quality of life and state of well-being that can be enjoyed even in great old age. We should look to professionals in diverse fields to develop creative solutions to the inevitable issues that will arise with aging. Governments must prepare for the future health of their citizens by making long-term investments to educate all sectors of society in the value of good nutrition, exercise, and lifestyles that enhance well-being throughout life. Also, governments should realize that the main cause of health care expenditure is serious illness which occurs in persons of all ages, and not predominantly in older people. Early detection can help save lives, as well. Health and longevity of life will ultimately end as a political issue. What is needed is long-term government investments necessary for a viable health policy. The question arises: will world leaders be able to commit to such a policy? Two major socioeconomic phenomena may have a regulating effect on this issue. The first is the emergence of pressure groups that have come into being in response to a particular health issue, such as AIDS. The second is the emergence of ethics committees in developed nations that deal solely with health issues.

"Butler questions the value of long life for its own sake; modern medicine, he says, has ironically created 'a huge group of people for whom survival is possible but satisfaction in living elusive.' He proposes sweeping policy reforms to redefine and restructure the institutions responsible for what he calls 'the tragedy of old age in America.'" -New York Times Book Review "Crammed with facts that explode old myths." -Boston Globe "Heavily documented, highly readable . . . jammed with recommendations for constructive change in every area." -Science "I commend it for clarity and lucidity, unpretentiousness and comprehensiveness . . . I think it is a classic." -Karl Menninger M.D.

More than four million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's, and as many as twenty million have close relatives or friends with the disease. Revolutionizing the way we perceive and live with Alzheimer's, Joanne Koenig Coste offers a practical approach to the emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers that emphasizes relating to patients in their own reality. Her accessible and comprehensive method, which she calls habilitation, works to enhance communication between carepartners and patients and has proven successful with thousands of people living with dementia. Learning to Speak Alzheimer's also offers hundreds of practical tips, including how to - cope with the diagnosis and adjust to the disease's progression - help the patient talk about the illness - face the issue of driving - make meals and bath times as pleasant as possible - adjust room design for the patient's comfort - deal with wandering, paranoia, and aggression

It is increasingly important for physicians who treat older persons, and for researchers on aging, to understand how molecular biology informs clinical expressions of aging and age-related conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, osteoarthritis, frailty, cancer, and dementia. Dr. David Hamerman translates basic scientific concepts into precepts of clinical practice and sheds light on the links among biology, natural aging, longevity, and disease.

Exploring the connections between disease and the science behind it, Geriatric Bioscience addresses how mechanisms of inflammation, cytokine expression, and stress responses influence disease and how preventive gerontology in the practice of medicine could compress morbidity. Hamerman also discusses cutting-edge therapies such as cyclo-oxygenases, bisphosphonates, statins, cytokine inhibitors, and hormone therapies.

Examining the science of geriatrics and converting its concepts into clinical applications, this groundbreaking work provides clinicians and researchers with a solid foundation for a greater understanding of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of age-related diseases as well as recommendations for promoting healthy aging.

Nations around the world are experiencing a spectacular increase in longevity. Society as a whole is being challenged by issues arising from this revolution in longevity. Although the specter of the loneliness and existential suffering of older citizens is such that some people under the age of 65 find it difficult to conceive of a long-term future, persons over 85 have proven that aging does not necessarily preclude a healthy and productive life. Extraordinary progress in both curative and preventive medicine justifies optimism about the quality of life and state of well-being that can be enjoyed even in great old age. We should look to professionals in diverse fields to develop creative solutions to the inevitable issues that will arise with aging. Governments must prepare for the future health of their citizens by making long-term investments to educate all sectors of society in the value of good nutrition, exercise, and lifestyles that enhance well-being throughout life. Also, governments should realize that the main cause of health care expenditure is serious illness which occurs in persons of all ages, and not predominantly in older people. Early detection can help save lives, as well. Health and longevity of life will ultimately end as a political issue. What is needed is long-term government investments necessary for a viable health policy. The question arises: will world leaders be able to commit to such a policy? Two major socioeconomic phenomena may have a regulating effect on this issue. The first is the emergence of pressure groups that have come into being in response to a particular health issue, such as AIDS. The second is the emergence of ethics committees in developed nations that deal solely with health issues.

Conveys valuable scientific information on how Alzheimer's and other dementias affect the brain and how art and creative therapies are often able to bypass the limitations imposed by those changes and reach areas of emotion, creativity, and expression. In this story about the remarkable transformation undergone by Hilgos, a woman with Alzheimer's, her family, friends, caregivers, and doctors reflect on the role of art in helping her regain her self-esteem and connect once again with those she loves. Includes chapters written by Robert Butler, MD, founder of the National Institute on Aging, Gene Cohen, PhD, founder of the Center on Aging, Health and Humanities at George Washington University, and the individual art students who worked with Hilgos. Filled with practical information and resources for people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Illustrated with the delightful paintings and sculptures that Hilgos created before and after developing Alzheimer's.