Life beyond 85 years

by Colleen Leahy Johnson

Those 85 years and older - the oldest old - are now the fastest growing age group in the United States. Using their original research, Drs. Johnson and Barer examine how the oldest old adapt to daily challenges and what competencies they need to survive and continue living in the community. The authors address the topics of health and physical status, family and social relationships, and quality of life, as well as the implications that this increase in life expectancy have for families and society. The book features vignettes that illustrate how the oldest old perceive and interpret their world, and thereby convey the aura of their survivorship. This volume is of importance to academics, students, and researchers in social gerontology as well as policy makers.