You may remember Debra Whitelaw's name from her work last year as a RAIN intern or from her article in our Feb.!Mar. 1980 issue, entitled "Elderly & Energy." Debra is presently lending her talents to the New York Statewide Senior Action Council and to Alternate Currents magazine (see access this issue). - JF AGING by Debra Whitelaw The number of elderly people in our midst is accelerating rapidly. There are now approximately 25 million senior citizens in the United States, accounting for 11 % of the population. It might be redundant for some to be reminded of the pathetic treatment our senior citizens have received in this youthoriented culture. In every possible aspect (housing, employment, recreation, medical treatment, etc.) aging persons have been pushed aside and forgotten because of their closeness to the greatest question people have ever feared and faced: the end of existence. Instead of offering the elderly greater comfort, security and warmth as the cycle draws toward its close, we do the opposite. We alienate and make the final stage of life for our elderly a frightening, disgraceful and ugly experience. Thankfully, interests in gerontological studies are on the rise-schools are offering courses and degrees, books are being written and read, but most importantly the seniors of our country are speaking out and working for a more dignified lifestyle. We can hope that with an increased awareness of gerontology the fears attached to aging will be diminished. The study of aging is a study for all, for if there is one condition all living things share, it is aging. Unloving Care: The Nursing Home Tragedy, by Bruce C. Vladeck, 1980, 266 pp., $13.95 from: Basic Books, Inc. 10 East 53rd St. New York, NY10022 This moving and highly informative book realistically examines the $12 billion private nursing home industry, which provides housing for more than one and a quarter million Americans. Public policy is the main culprit and contributor to the failures of many nursing homes according to the author. He believes the "real issue is not how poor government performance is, but why it is as poor as it is, where it may be better than it looks, how it might be improved, and whether or not there is any alternative." Among the alternatives discussed are congregate living (i.e. group homes), day care centers, and home health and help services. Unloving Care presents constructive criticism and viable options for the future care of our senior citizens. Aging: Its History and Literature, by Joseph T. Freeman, 1979, 161 pp., $13.95 from: Human Sciences Press 72 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10011 Gerontology is certainly an area that has been overlooked in the chronicles of many a historian. This book allows the reader to catch up on all that has been ignored over the years. Aging: Its History and Literature traces the study of aging from ancient times to the modern era. Distinguished works and institutions offering gerontological studies are also listed, as are noted journals on aging. A handy book on many aspects of the study of aging. Geriatric Psychotherapy, by T.L. Brink, 1979, 304 pp., $9.95 from: Human Science Press 72 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10011 Aging and grace do not necessarily go hand in hand. This book addresses the many elderly who have approached their later years without the peace of mind that, hopefully, a long, fruitful life can bring. Geriatric Psychotherapy is a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders in elderly persons. Various theories are illustrated, including Freud's attempt to show that senility was due to a sexual disturbance (not too surprising for a Freudian theory!) As psychiatric analysis, encounter sessions and group therapies gain increased usage, the particular concerns of seniors should be given careful consideration. The Rights of 01.der Persons, by Robert N. Brown, 1979, 433 pp., $2.50 from: Avon Books The Hearst Corporation 959 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10019 This handbook, one of a series put out by the American Civil Liberties Union, is a straightforward account of legal issues and rights of concern to the elderly. Everything from Social Security benefits to Medicaid/ Medicare eligibility, from private pensions to age discrimination in employment, is covered. The Rights of Older Persons is objectively written and presented in a clear, question/answer format. An excellent source to acquaint you with programs, bureaucracy and benefits involving the senior citizen. Handbook ofHuman Services for Older Persons, by Douglas and Monica Holmes, 1979, 288 pp., $16.95 from: Human Science Press 72 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10011 This handbook is filled with resources (i.e., contact people, agencies, attached bibliographies) relating to the eight services for the elderly which it covers: information and referral; multipurpose senior centers; homemaker and home health; legal; residential repair and renovation; employment; day care; and nursing home advocacy. Handbook is a very helpful publication for those who wish to be helpful to others.
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